2019 GMC Terrain Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 53about this part
- Share
- 28%of 187 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 14,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 53 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2019 GMC Terrain, 28% of the 187 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2019 Gmc terrian with 2500 miles. I was driving it and the car flashed low fuel, check transmission and check engine warning and shut down while I was as a highway speed. I was fortunately ok, however it stranded me at a spot with merging traffic, no shoulder and no power to get the vehicle out of there. The vehicle was able to start up shortly, then I had to deal with getting going again in this precarious spot.”
NHTSA complaint #11202890, filed 2019-04, 2,500 miles“When I shift it from reverse to drive on a very slight incline, the engine will rev and not accelerate after I initially start moving forward. It actually almost comes to a stop before finally accelerating. It has now started doing it while driving and stalled in the highway on 2/13. I carried it last year for the same issue, but they told me they couldn't duplicate it. Today, they told me the same thing. They can't explain why it stalled in the middle of the road. Even though the check engine light came on and on-star told me to carry it to a dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11396389, filed 2021-02, 27,000 miles“On or about may 22nd, I leased a new Gmc Terrain from lambert Gmc in cuyahoga falls, ohio. On july 2 with less than 1900 miles on the vehicle, the transmission gave out enacting full emergency braking system in the middle of a 4 lane road creating a dangerous situation. The vehicle would not drive or engage in any gear. Vehicle was towed to ron marhofer in north canton ohio. Finally after a week delay on 7/8 I received a call that the value case was damaged from manufacturing. As of this complaint, no resolve to the repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #11240528, filed 2019-07, 1,900 miles“The vehicle was purchased on june 22, 2019, with 19 miles on the odometer and had 1102 miles on it when the incident occurred. On 19 july, 2019 my wife and I were driving on interstate 95 near the rocky mount exit when I pulled into the passing lane to go around slower traffic (approximately 70 MPH). Upon pressing the accelerator the engine RPM increased, but the vehicle's speed did not. Almost immediately the vehicle experienced a violent surge (to the extent that I thought I had been rear-ended) and the vehicle accelerated. …”
NHTSA complaint #11234113, filed 2019-07, 1,102 miles“Just over 5200 miles started experiencing transmission slippage when stopping or starting. Around 5500 miles started hearing loud clicking roaring sound. Was returning home from vacation on a saturday afternoon and knew all service areas of all GM dealerships would be closed but headed to a nearby chevrolet dealership in bossier city, la to leave car to be looked at on monday. Never made it. Car stalled and would not go into any gear. Had it towed to dealership. I left car and returned home to mckinney tx. …”
NHTSA complaint #11222812, filed 2019-06, 5,565 milesRelated recalls
- 20V668000Oct 29, 2020General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain…Covers: GMC Terrain 2018–2020, Chevrolet Equinox 2018–2020, Traverse 2018–2020 +9 more
Related service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011904Nov 18, 2024This service bulletin provides 9th gear operation information to respond to customers that may comment on transmission shift operation.
- 11011225Oct 29, 2024This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 15% |
| 2025 | 4 | 31% |
| 2024 | 23 | 43% |
| 2023 | 8 | 20% |
| 2022 | 8 | 13% |
| 2021 | 8 | 22% |
| 2020 | 28 | 14% |
| 2019 | 53 | 28% |
| 2018 | 42 | 19% |
| 2017 | 24 | 18% |
| 2016 | 11 | 7% |
| 2015 | 21 | 7% |
| 2014 | 33 | 11% |
| 2013 | 44 | 12% |
| 2012 | 37 | 10% |
| 2011 | 76 | 20% |
| 2010 | 51 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2019 GMC Terrain
72 complaintsEngine
70 complaintsElectrical system
39 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2019 GMC Terrain
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology