GMC Terrain made its debut in 2010 and has been a strong player ever since. The vehicle is stylishly designed, features advanced technologies, and offers a versatile driving experience. There are, however, some models that are more popular than others.
It is true that some years provide reliable and satisfying service, while others are plagued with troubles that can be expensive to repair and cause frustration for owners. Understand which years are more susceptible to problems if you are considering a GMC Terrain.
Avoiding GMC Terrain years
A GMC Terrain model year may be more prone to problems than others when you are shopping for one. Find out which years are problematic so you don’t have to spend too much time and money on them. Depending on reviews from experts and owner reports, the following model years have been deemed to be risky.
| Model Year | Key Issues |
| 2010-2015 | Engine damage, transmission failures, excessive oil consumption |
| 2018 | Transmission hiccups, infotainment glitches, electrical malfunctions |
| 2019 | Recalls of engines, transmission issues, and concerns about airbag deployment |
| 2020 | Engine performance issues and onboard electronics issues |
2010–2015
First-generation GMC Terrain models, particularly those built between 2010 and 2015, are notorious for their reliability. The piston rings in these engines are frequently designed improperly, resulting in excessive oil consumption. When oil consumption was not addressed promptly by owners, engine damage often occurred.
A common problem during these years was transmission trouble. A lot of people reported transmission problems, like hard shifting and delayed gear engagement. Buyers looking for reliability often stayed away from these models because of these issues.
2018
A new design and updated technology marked the beginning of the second generation of GMC Terrains. There were a few things wrong with this model year. Electrical problems, like infotainment glitches and problems with backup cameras, were the most common complaints. There were also complaints about jerky gear shifts and hesitations when increasing speed from some owners.
In spite of the fact that newer models tend to show improvements, the 2018 GMC Terrain reminds us that even a redesigned car isn’t guaranteed to be reliable. It’s a good year to be cautious for buyers this year.
Some GMC Terrain models have common issues
A number of challenges have been encountered by the GMC Terrain over the years. The ownership of certain models may be stressful and expensive due to recurring problems. In order to make an informed Terrain purchase decision, you have to understand these things.
Overconsumption of oil
Overconsumption of oil is a common complaint from GMC Terrain owners. In models manufactured between 2010 and 2015, this issue is particularly prevalent. Oil remains in the engine for several weeks between scheduled changes, according to owners.
In this case, oil is burning off more rapidly than necessary because of faulty piston rings. It’s not uncommon for excessive oil consumption to damage engines, resulting in expensive repairs.
Transmission Failures
The transmission of certain GMC Terrain models is also an area of concern. There have been complaints about delayed shifting, rough gear changes, and even complete transmission failures.
Usually early models suffer from these problems, which can be expensive to fix. Older Terrains have a higher risk of transmission failure because of the inconvenience and safety risks.
Failures of electrical systems
The GMC Terrain model line has also been plagued with electrical issues in recent years, particularly models released after 2018. A number of electronic components, such as infotainment systems and backup cameras, have been reported to have problems.
In addition to being inconvenient, these malfunctions can negatively affect the overall driving experience.
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Conclusion
When you select the right model year, you can reap the benefits of purchasing a GMC Terrain. There are pitfalls associated with certain years of the SUV, even though they offer versatility, comfort, and style. There is a history of oil consumption issues and transmission failures on early models from 2010 – 2015. These issues can lead to expensive repairs. Electrical malfunctions and transmission concerns have also plagued the 2018 model, so it is another model to approach cautiously.
