This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 GMC Terrain powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 GMC Terrain have filed 33 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 81,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Terrain | 46 |
| 2011 Terrain | 69 |
| 2012 Terrain | 36 |
| 2013 Terrain | 42 |
| 2014 Terrain (this page) | 33 |
| 2015 Terrain | 21 |
| 2016 Terrain | 10 |
| 2017 Terrain | 23 |
| 2018 Terrain | 39 |
When does it fail?
Of the 33 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 GMC Terrain, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Owners have filed 33 powertrain 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.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This 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, 6T35, 6T40, 6T45, and 6T50 Transmissions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2014 GMC Terrains describe a cascade of powertrain failures centered on engine stalling, oil consumption, and timing chain wear. Stalling incidents strike without warning—at traffic lights, highway speeds, intersection crossings, and parking lot exits—making the vehicle unsafe to operate. Engine shuts down completely, forcing restarts and exposing drivers to oncoming traffic. Some owners report multiple stalls within minutes of starting; others experience single catastrophic failures on the highway.
Excessive oil consumption is the common denominator. Owners report burning a quart every 2,500 miles or worse—up to 3 quarts per 1,000 miles—with no external leaks. Dealers acknowledge the low oil problem but offer no resolution. This oil loss accelerates timing chain stretch. Owners discover stretched or failed timing chains at 40k, 75k, 81k, 87k, and 97k miles; some have replaced the same chain twice. Replacement costs run $1,715 to $4,500 as part of broader engine repairs. Dealers report extended parts delays; one owner waited 40+ days for repair authorization.
Beyond stalling and timing chains, owners cite transmission failure (gears grinding internally at 83k miles), transfer case failure (gears worn loose at 81k miles), and premature serpentine belt failure. One Maryland mechanic reports replacing 125 power belts on 2014 Terrains in three years. Cold-start noise, rough idle, and violent low-speed transmission shifts are persistent complaints. No recalls have been issued for the 2014 model year, leaving owners with repairs firmly outside warranty.
Same GMC Terrain powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Stalling / Loss of Power
Engine shuts down without warning while driving or accelerating, often accompanied by 'reduced engine power' dashboard message and check engine light. Incidents occur at various speeds including highway (75+ mph), intersection crossings, and stop-and-go situations. Some owners report multiple stalls within short periods after initial start; others experience single critical incidents.
When: Reported from ~50k to 105k miles. Some owners note issue begins after first start in cold; others describe random failures throughout drive.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine completely shuts off while driving; Reduced engine power warning light; Check engine light illuminated (sometimes); Vehicle difficult or impossible to restart immediately; Loss of power while accelerating or on highway
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed timing chain failure, intake camshaft position timing issues, and sensor failures. Engine rebuild quoted at $4,500 at 88k miles. One owner reported timing chain and pressure gas pump replacement after highway failure. Another reported stretched timing chain requiring replacement with sensors and actuators for $1,715 at 75k miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated familiar with issue and required engine rebuild. No recalls issued for 2014 model year (recalls mentioned only go through 2013). Owner noted radio date resets to October 13, 2013, suggesting issue persists in models excluded from lawsuit.
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine burns abnormally high amounts of oil requiring frequent top-ups between service intervals. Excessive consumption occurs with no visible external leaks. Linked by dealers to timing chain wear and low oil pressure conditions, which exacerbates stalling and rough running.
When: Reported from early ownership (~2,700 miles into service) through 139k+ miles. Most acute reports between 50k-105k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops rapidly (1 quart per 2,500 miles or worse); No visible external oil leaks; Blue smoke or burning smell from engine (implied); Engine running rough when oil low; Check engine light triggered by low oil state
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report needing oil changes every 2,500 miles or less. One owner noted consuming up to 3 quarts in under 1,000 miles. Dealers cite low oil as cause of timing chain stretch and damage. No specific repair cost cited, but linked to timing chain replacement ($1,715 noted in one case).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership states oil consumption is within acceptable limits. No recall or service bulletin mentioned by owners. One owner reported 40+ day wait for repair decision after oil consumption testing.
Timing Chain Failure / Stretch
Timing chain stretches or fails, often discovered after excessive oil consumption has allowed chain wear. Ticking noise audible before failure. Chain may require replacement multiple times during vehicle life. Failure directly causes stalling, reduced power, and rough idle.
When: First replacement noted at 40k miles in one case; stretch diagnosed at 75k, 81k, 87k, and 97k miles in different reports. Some owners report multiple replacements.
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking or rattling noise from engine; Rough idle; Stalling on acceleration or at stops; Reduced engine power; Check engine light with timing-related codes
Codes mentioned: Timing chain related (specific codes not cited by owners)
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain replacement costs cited: $1,715 (75k miles, with sensors/actuators); implied $4,500+ as part of full engine rebuild (88k miles). One owner replaced timing chain at 40k miles, then needed replacement again by 87k miles. Parts reported on back-order in one 2023 case due to manufacturer strike.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged timing chain issue and performed replacement. One dealership noted 40+ day delay in parts availability. No recall issued; owners asked why similar complaints have not triggered recall.
Rough Idle and Cold Start Noise
Engine idles roughly, tremors at traffic lights and stops, and runs loud with obvious mechanical noise when first starting from cold. Owners must keep foot on accelerator to prevent stall. Noise persists even after repairs, suggesting underlying design or manufacturing defect.
When: From early ownership through high mileage (50k+). One owner reports noise persisting after engine rebuild at 88k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud, rough engine noise on cold start; Engine tremor or shaking at idle; Engine sounds labored when accelerating from stop; Rough running that improves after engine is warm
Repairs/costs cited: Sensor replacement attempted in one case without success. Engine rebuild performed in another; noise issue remained afterward.
Transmission Failure / Violent Shifting
Transmission experiences catastrophic internal failure (blown gears, no fluid retention), jerky shifts at low speeds (16–20 mph), and hesitation during acceleration. One owner reported transmission failure with popping noise preceding jerking hesitation. Another described violent low-speed shifts in both cold and warm conditions.
When: Catastrophic transmission failure reported at 83k miles. Violent shifting noted from early ownership and persisting through vehicle life.
Symptoms owners cite: Popping or grinding noise from transmission; Jerking or violent shifting at low speeds (16–20 mph); Hesitation upon accelerator depression; Transmission slipping; Vehicle hesitation and jerking motion
Repairs/costs cited: New transmission required at 83k miles; dealer quoted estimate but delayed parts availability. One owner noted violent shifting present throughout ownership with no repair attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offered financial assistance for transmission failure in one case; service director later offered no assistance and could not estimate parts availability timeframe.
Transfer Case Failure
Transfer case gears wear and 'walk around' internally due to loss of fluid or wear. Loud grinding noise and burning smell precede failure. Owner caught failure before lockup; repair needed.
When: Reported at 81k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Catching or grinding noise that sounds like wire in tire; Loud grinding noise increasing in severity; Burning smell from vehicle; Loss of transfer case fluid
Repairs/costs cited: New transfer case required; estimated cost ~$2,500. Occurred just after extended warranty expiration.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response reported. Owner noted this appears a common problem requiring GM attention.
Unintended Acceleration / Speed Control Anomaly
Vehicle continues accelerating or maintains high speed after driver releases accelerator pedal and brakes have no immediate effect. One owner reported vehicle accelerating to passing speed (80 mph) and continuing despite brake application; second tap of accelerator disengaged speed. Dealer could not replicate issue.
When: Reported in October 2015 at highway speeds; no mileage provided.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle continues accelerating after foot off gas; Speed increases despite brake tap; Brake appears ineffective initially; Speed disengages after second accelerator tap
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer ran diagnostics and could not detect problem. No repair performed. Dealer opinion: drivetrain-related but unable to duplicate.
Power Belt Failure (Serpentine Belt)
Power belts fail prematurely despite low mileage. One mechanic shop in Cecil County, MD reports replacing over 125 power belts on 2014 GMC Terrain AWD (V6) models within three years, indicating pattern failure.
When: Reported at <70k miles in one case; pattern observed across many vehicles in single geographic region within three-year period.
Symptoms owners cite: Belt noise or squealing; Belt failure without obvious cause; Noise as though something wrong with belt
Repairs/costs cited: Belt replacement performed; no cost cited. One mechanic observed 125+ replacements in one Maryland shop for same model.
PCV Valve / Oil Pressure Failure
PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve fails, causing sudden loss of oil pressure and engine shutdown while driving with no warning. Engine loses all oil rapidly.
When: Reported at unspecified mileage; occurred while driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure warning light; Engine shuts off suddenly; Loss of all engine oil; No warning before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic diagnosed PCV valve issue. No repair cost provided.
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The drive shaft is all rusted. I told the dealer about it and they say that it is made out of steel and not to worry. I am still scared of driving it. *tr
Vehicle violently shifts in low speed gear shifting out of first and second gears. This occurs in both warm and cold temperatures. Always when shifting at lower speeds under 20 MPH. This has been a repeated issue with the vehicle.
We bought our terrain brand new in 2014, I have replaced the linkage once about 2 months ago and now the wipers do not work again. Our transmission is going and we just got out of 5 year warranty. So disappointed and frustrated with this vehicle
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2014 GMC Terrain?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 33 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 49,000 and 97,000 miles, with the median around 81,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 49,000; a quarter make it past 97,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.