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 ↗2017 GMC Terrain powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 GMC Terrain have filed 23 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain 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 →
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Terrain | 42 |
| 2014 Terrain | 33 |
| 2015 Terrain | 21 |
| 2016 Terrain | 10 |
| 2017 Terrain (this page) | 23 |
| 2018 Terrain | 39 |
| 2019 Terrain | 49 |
| 2020 Terrain | 23 |
| 2021 Terrain | 7 |
When does it fail?
Of the 23 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 GMC Terrain, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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.
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
The 2.4L Ecotec engine in this 2017 GMC Terrain is failing prematurely due to excessive oil consumption and internal wear, with timing chain failure and complete loss of motive power occurring between 80,000 and 125,000 miles—well beyond the warranty period. Owners report their vehicle seized without warning while driving, forcing towing and engine replacement at costs ranging from $8,000 to $10,000.
A second critical failure pattern involves the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system freezing in cold weather, creating backpressure that blows out the rear main seal. The engine loses all oil without warning and shuts down while on the highway. Owners cite an existing recall (SB 14882) for earlier Terrain models with the identical 2.4L Ecotec engine, but GM has refused to cover 2017 models despite the same defect.
Transmission failures appear early—around 60,000 miles—with shuddering, jerking, delayed shifts, and loss of torque during acceleration. Owners report needing replacement or rebuild at $3,500–$4,500, sometimes receiving multiple replacement transmissions under warranty that fail to correct the underlying problem.
Additional defects include ignition switches that won't turn off (with keys stuck in the ignition), shifter controls that come loose from their mounts, sudden loss of power on highways, and throttle sensor failures that limit the vehicle to 5 mph. None of these failures generate warning lights until it's too late.
Same GMC Terrain powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Oil Consumption and Timing Chain Failure
2.4L Ecotec engines experiencing premature internal wear, oil starvation, and timing chain failure due to excessive oil consumption. Multiple owners report the engine fails catastrophically with no warning, often around 80,000–125,000 miles. Owners report the shop confirmed oil starvation as the cause of internal damage and chain failure.
When: 80,000–125,000 miles; beyond warranty period
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke from engine; Loss of motive power; Low oil levels between service intervals; Engine does not start or run; Complete engine failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; one owner cited repair estimates of $8,000–$10,000. Licensed repair shops confirmed diagnosis in writing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class-action lawsuits, settlements, and jury verdicts exist for 2.4L Ecotec engines in Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain; manufacturer has not provided warranty coverage or voluntary repairs for 2017 model year engines with the same defect.
PCV System Freeze and Rear Main Seal Failure
PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve clogs or freezes in cold weather, causing excessive crankcase pressure that ruptures the rear main seal. Results in complete oil loss and engine shutdown while driving, often on highway. Multiple owners report this as a known, documented issue with earlier Terrain recalls (SB 14882) but 2017 models reportedly excluded from coverage despite having the same 2.4L Ecotec engine.
When: Cold weather operation; 78,000–80,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced engine power warning; Low oil pressure alert; Oil loss without warning; Engine shuts off while driving; White smoke
Codes mentioned: P0520 (presumed; low oil pressure alert mentioned)
Repairs/costs cited: Repair estimates $8,000–$10,000 for rear main seal replacement and possible engine damage. One owner mentioned a frozen PCV system diagnosis confirmed by mechanic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SB 14882 exists for earlier Terrain model years with the same issue; GM denied coverage for 2017 model year despite identical 2.4L Ecotec engine and same failure mode.
Transmission Shudder, Loss of Power, and Delayed Shifting
Transmission shudders or jerks at all speeds, particularly at low speeds (20–30 mph) and during acceleration. Vehicle experiences sudden loss of torque, delayed or hard shifts, and jerking sensation. Multiple owners report needing transmission rebuild or replacement at 60,000–79,000 miles, well before expected service life.
When: 60,000–79,000 miles; some issues present from purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering or jerking while driving; Loss of power or torque during acceleration; Delayed or hard shift between gears; Flashing D/drive light; Inability to accelerate; vehicle slows or stops; Grinding noise
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission rebuild or replacement quoted at $3,500–$4,500. One owner had four transmissions replaced under warranty but issues persisted after multiple repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership diagnostics often inconclusive (no warning lights, no fault codes detected); some repairs covered under warranty but replacement transmissions did not resolve underlying issues.
Ignition Switch and Shifter Control Defects
Ignition switch fails to turn off and key cannot be removed from the ignition. Separately, shift control (selector) is faulty, causing loose transmission and improper vehicle operation. One incident resulted in vehicle rolling backward while owner inspected rear, creating injury risk.
When: 41,000 miles; two years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Ignition switch will not turn off; Key cannot be removed from ignition; Vehicle rolls backward when parked; Transmission mounting loose; transfer case loose and moving; Vehicle does not drive correctly
Repairs/costs cited: Shift control replacement required; dealership charged $60 diagnostic fee for tightening bolts (error on dealership's part). One owner reported the issue was not found on first dealership visit despite obvious problem detected by independent shop.
Sudden Loss of Power and Engine Stalling
Vehicle experiences abrupt loss of engine power while driving at highway speeds (30–70 mph) with no warning lights or fault codes. Engine shuts off completely, forcing owner to coast to safety or be towed. No warning signs precede the failure.
When: 40,000–80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise from under car (one owner); Vehicle slows and will not accelerate; Engine shuts off while driving; Vehicle surges and jerks before stalling; No warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: One transmission failure diagnosed; others required towing and dealer inspection without stated resolution.
Reduced Power Mode and StabiliTrak Malfunction
Check engine light and 'Reduced Engine Power' message appear along with 'Service StabiliTrak' warning while driving at highway speed. Vehicle jerks suddenly and acceleration becomes very slow, forcing driver to pull off road. Owners report this is a known issue with GMC models dating back to at least 2011 but has not been recalled.
When: Highway driving; reported as recurring issue across model years
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Reduced engine power message; Service StabiliTrak message; Sudden jerking and slow acceleration; Loss of vehicle control risk
Codes mentioned: Check engine (code not specified)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite reports of the issue spanning at least 2011–2017 model years.
Throttle Position Sensor Failure
Throttle position system fails suddenly, causing vehicle to shake violently and unable to exceed 5 mph. Owner reports this is a known recurring issue across 2010–2017 GMC Terrain models reported online.
When: 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden shaking; Severe speed limitation (unable to exceed 5 mph); Vehicle unable to accelerate normally
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed white smoke coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired.…
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated after stopping and shifting into park(P), the ignition switch could not be turned off and the key could not be removed from the ignition switch. While the contact was inspecting the rear of the vehicle, the vehicle started to roll backwards, almost injuring the contact. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the…
I have to replace my rear drive shaft.
At around 20 miles per hour, while accelerating, all torque is lost and the vehicle engine revs high. It takes a few seconds, then the transmission finally shifts into the next gear. This causes a big jolt. It is dangerous, all power is lost, then suddenly too much power is applied. This has happened since I purchased the vehicle. I have taken it to the dealership. They won't do anything about…
My vehicle only has 78,000 miles on it and the timing chain needs to be replaced?! This is no longer under warranty because it’s been over 5 years but this should last a life time. Now I have a car that doesn’t start or run that I have to make payments on and no one wants to do the work on my car! I looked online and a bunch of people are having the same issue with the same exact car at similar…
I had my 2017 GMC terrain denali for two years and have already experienced two serious issues. Issue #1-I noticed a burning smell, grinding noise, and hesitation when driving. I brought it to the dealership where I bought it and was told that there was a factory defect which caused something inside my transfer to bore a hole through it. Dealer could not get the part for 2 weeks. It was covered…
Engine shut off while doing 70 mph on interstate. There was no warning signs or nothing.
We have had 4 transmissions since we bought the vehicle. It slows down to almost a stop after it hits 30 mph and makes weird noises all throughout the vehicle. The back right tire sticks to the pavement and jerks when i start to drive. The key ignition has been fixed several times and still sometimes won't turn with the key or come out. Yes Warranty told the repaid service company to fix…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 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 2017 GMC Terrain?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 23 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?
Based on the 23 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 56,116 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2017/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.