The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was oil leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the PCV valve was frozen and caused oil to leak from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the…
2014 GMC Terrain engine problems
moderate 93 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
93
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 93 engine complaints filed for the 2014 GMC Terrain, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 31% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 8 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 93 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Do not buy a 2014 GMC Terrain with a 2.4L engine unless you accept the risk of catastrophic engine failure without warning between 45,000–150,000 miles. Owners report excessive oil burning/leaking, sudden stalls, and timing chain or seal failures—often with little or no dashboard warning—resulting in repair bills exceeding $5,000.
The 2014 GMC Terrain 2.4L engine exhibits a cluster of interconnected failures. Most commonly, owners describe rapid oil consumption—1 quart per week to several quarts per 1,000 miles—yet the dashboard provides no reliable warning until the engine is already damaged. Owners routinely add oil multiple times between scheduled changes and report the oil gauge reading normal or only partially depleted moments before catastrophic failure.
Timing chains fracture or jump around 68,000–147,000 miles, often preceded by rattling noise and then sudden stall. Rear main seals blow, sometimes in cold weather below 10°F, pouring oil across the undercarriage and creating a fire hazard. A PCV valve design issue in cold conditions allows crankcase pressure to blow the rear main seal.
Stalls occur mid-highway with no prior check engine light, forcing owners to coast to the shoulder. When mechanics examine these vehicles, they find zero or near-zero oil, metal shavings in remaining oil, broken piston rings, and fractured bearings—damage that could have been prevented by a working low-oil alarm.
Owners on the 2010–2013 model recall list went uncompensated; 2014 owners are told their VINs fall outside coverage, even though the parts and failures are identical. Repair costs consistently run $5,000–$10,000 for engine replacement, often on vehicles still under loan.
Same GMC Terrain engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Oil Consumption
Owners report the engine burns or leaks oil rapidly, requiring oil top-ups between scheduled oil changes. Consumption rates cited range from 1 quart per week to 3-4 quarts per 1,000 miles. No reliable low-oil warning system alerts drivers before damage occurs.
When: Starting around 50,000 miles in some cases; accelerates by 90,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil dipstick reads empty or low despite recent oil change; Engine sounds like diesel when cold-starting; Vehicle hesitates or jerks during acceleration; Check engine light illuminated; Need to add oil every 500 miles to 3-4 weeks
Codes mentioned: P0300 (random misfire), Camshaft sensor codes, Crankshaft sensor codes, Throttle position sensor codes
Repairs/costs cited: PCV valve replacement attempted but often does not resolve the issue. Some owners cite piston ring failure, rear main seal failure, or timing chain damage as root causes. Engine replacement quoted at $5,000–$7,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class action lawsuit settled for 2010–2013 model years but not extended to 2014 (e.g., complaint #4, #6, #17, #35). TSB 14882 and TSB 19-NA-021 exist but coverage varies by VIN.
Timing Chain Failure
Timing chain breaks, jumps, or fractures, causing catastrophic engine damage. Often triggered or accelerated by low oil from excessive consumption.
When: 68,500–147,000 miles; often without prior warning
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling or clattering from engine; Engine stalls during driving; Loss of power or reduced power mode; Vehicle will not restart; Metal debris in oil
Codes mentioned: Timing chain malfunction codes, Intake camshaft position codes
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required. Owners report $5,000–$10,000+ repair costs. Some cite metal shavings in oil as evidence of chain degradation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for 2014 model year. GM has refused assistance on out-of-warranty vehicles.
Rear Main Seal Failure
Rear main oil seal blows or leaks, allowing oil to pour from the engine. Often occurs in cold weather or when PCV valve fails. Creates fire hazard due to oil on exhaust.
When: 79,000–109,000 miles; cold-weather failures reported around 10°F
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pooling under vehicle or covering undercarriage; White or blue smoke from underside while driving; Burning smell; Low oil pressure warning light; Vehicle stalls shortly after seal failure begins
Codes mentioned: Low oil pressure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Rear main seal replacement typically $2,500–$3,500. Some owners report the problem recurs after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 19-NA-021 covers the failure, but VIN eligibility criteria exclude many 2014 vehicles. Extended warranty often expired by time of failure; GM offered $100 credit in one case (complaint #24).
PCV Valve Failure (Cold Weather)
Positive crankcase ventilation valve freezes or fails in cold conditions, causing excessive crankcase pressure that blows the rear main seal and allows oil to enter cylinders.
When: At temperatures below 10°F; affects vehicles in 79,000–107,000 mile range
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving or idling; Loud clattering noise from engine; Low power message on dash; Multiple warning lights illuminate; Oil leaks from rear main seal
Repairs/costs cited: PCV valve replacement $800–$3,000 depending on whether rear main seal also damaged. Often does not permanently resolve oil consumption.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 14882 issued for 2010–2013 models, but many owners report 2014 vehicles exhibit identical failures with no recall extension. Estimated 2014 coverage gap cited in multiple complaints.
Sudden Engine Stall Without Warning
Engine shuts off abruptly during highway driving or city streets with no prior warning lights. Root cause often low oil from excessive consumption or timing chain failure.
When: Various mileages; 45,000–150,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power; No check engine light before stall; Engine will not restart or restarts after brief wait; Possible stuttering or hesitation before stall; Air conditioning shuts off instantly
Codes mentioned: Timing chain codes (if timing chain jumped), Low oil pressure codes (after restart)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement if timing chain fractured; oil top-up and diagnosis if oil-related. Repair cost $5,000–$10,000+ if engine replacement needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer warning or recall issued. Owners report stalls with no prior indicator—creating hazard on interstate at highway speed.
Piston Ring Failure
Piston rings wear, fail, or break, allowing oil to bypass into the combustion chamber and also fail to seal compression. Causes rapid oil consumption and engine damage.
When: 45,000–130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil consumption (3–4 quarts per 1,000 miles); Engine runs rough or misfires; Blue smoke from exhaust; Check engine light for misfire codes
Codes mentioned: P0300 (random misfire), P0301–P0308 (cylinder-specific misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Requires engine rebuild or replacement. Costs $5,000–$7,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or factory repair program identified in narratives.
Rod Bearing Failure
Rod bearing fractures or seizes, puncturing the cylinder and destroying the engine. Occurs during acceleration or under load.
When: 150,000 miles (one case reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud banging sound from engine at high RPM; Smoke from front of vehicle; Check engine and check oil lights illuminate; Loss of motive power; Rattle or knock from engine
Codes mentioned: Low oil pressure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; typically $5,000+.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; owner had to pay full replacement cost.
Catalytic Converter Failure
Catalytic converter clogs or fails prematurely, likely due to oil deposits from the engine burning oil. Failure recurs even after replacement.
When: 140,000–160,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Vehicle hesitation during acceleration; Reduced power
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement. Owner reported failure recurred, indicating the underlying oil consumption was not addressed.
Cabin Carbon Monoxide Leak
Carbon monoxide seeps into the vehicle cabin, possibly from exhaust manifold cracks or damaged exhaust system seals caused by oil leaks from rear main seal or PCV failure.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Carbon monoxide odor and accumulation in cabin; Worsening over months; Migraines triggered in driver with TBI/PTSD; Requires driving with windows open
Repairs/costs cited: Underlying issue likely exhaust or oil seal failure; not separately repaired in narrative.
Synthesized from 93 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
For the past two months there has been a steady increase in carbon monoxide leak in the cabin of my vehicle. Initially I thought it was something that will go away but for some months now the leak has been growing. I have to drive with my windows down just to be able to breathe in my vehicle. This vehicle have not had an accident or damage. I have kept a clean maintenance record of this vehicle.…
I have a 2014 GMC terrain with 102000 approximately. I received notice that I needed to change my oil. I went about 50 miles and started making a bubbly sound. When I went to get my oil changed, the mechanic said it was so long they couldn't get some on the dip stick. I left the mechanic with 100% of oil and just drove to san antonio and it is down to 98 %. I have a 2008 Chevy trailblazer and…
My engine Burns a very large amount of oil rapidly. I have to replace oil in the engine at least twice a week. I went to the Automotive Service Center and they indicated that my timing chain need to be readjusted and that the engine itself between the year of 2010 and 2017 on gmc terrains have major problems/ defects in with the engine. I was driving on the highway and the car slowed down…
Had engine trouble with your 2014 GMC Terrain?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2014 GMC Terrain?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 93 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 57 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 71,000 and 109,000 miles, with the median around 95,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 71,000; a quarter make it past 109,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/GMC/Terrain.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.