2021 GMC Terrain Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 28%of 36 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine of the 2021 GMC Terrain, 28% of the 36 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have had my check engine light come on for P0299. I've lost power while on the road. Had my turbo replaced and now the same issue is starting again. I'm afraid of my car stalling out again with my child in the car. This is a definite safety issue especially since this is happening again months after getting the new turbo put in.”
NHTSA complaint #11767928, filed 2026-09“Vehicle went into reduce engine power mode and check engine light came on. Vehicle has just over 60,000 miles. Code is telling me I need a new turbo and being quoted $1,500-$3,000. I have read so many people having the same issue with needing a new turbo just after 60,000 miles”
NHTSA complaint #11724745, filed 2026-03“Vehicle Information:Year/Make/Model: 2021 GMC TerrainEngine Type: 1.5L Turbocharged EngineCurrent Mileage: 155,000 miles [1]Description of Safety Defect:I am writing to report a severe, sudden engine and turbocharger failure on my 2021 GMC Terrain that presents an extreme, life-threatening safety hazard. While operating the vehicle in active traffic, the engine began flashing a severe dashboard warning reading Stop Now Danger (accompanied by low oil pressure alerts) before suffering an immediate, catastrophic loss of all motive power. …”
NHTSA complaint #11763647, filed 2026-09“I purchased the car August 2024, I have had it for 4 months and while driving down the road a large fuel tank pops up stating low fuel and the car comes to an abrupt stop.The 3x the gas tank was never low. Parking brake comes on and car doesn't not move. All lights on dash come one. It has done it 4 times and thankful each time I was in a 30 mph zone. If I was going 55 I am sure the result would have been bad. The car last did it on December 29, 2024 and has been in the dealership for 3 weeks now and they cannot fix it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11635970, filed 2025-01“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission erroneously shifted to the neutral, causing the vehicle to decelerate. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. During the failure, the message Power Reduced was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 36,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11656552, filed 2025-04, 36,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
- 11019503Apr 18, 2025This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California…
- 11019378Apr 12, 2025This service bulletin provides a procedure to replace the FPDCM if found to cause customers concerns of Crank No Start, Stalling, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated…
- 11017263Mar 25, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013269Jan 16, 2025This informational bulletin provides a guide on how to diagnose and test for vibrations utilizing the PicoScope.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 2 | 15% |
| 2024 | 11 | 21% |
| 2023 | 15 | 37% |
| 2022 | 10 | 17% |
| 2021 | 10 | 28% |
| 2020 | 58 | 29% |
| 2019 | 70 | 37% |
| 2018 | 55 | 24% |
| 2017 | 79 | 59% |
| 2016 | 46 | 30% |
| 2015 | 81 | 27% |
| 2014 | 123 | 41% |
| 2013 | 198 | 54% |
| 2012 | 169 | 46% |
| 2011 | 178 | 46% |
| 2010 | 107 | 37% |
Other parts of the 2021 GMC Terrain
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsForward collision avoidance
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsLane departure
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 GMC Terrain
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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