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 ↗2019 GMC Terrain powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 GMC Terrain have filed 49 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 11,000 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
49
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Terrain | 21 |
| 2016 Terrain | 10 |
| 2017 Terrain | 23 |
| 2018 Terrain | 39 |
| 2019 Terrain (this page) | 49 |
| 2020 Terrain | 23 |
| 2021 Terrain | 7 |
| 2022 Terrain | 8 |
| 2023 Terrain | 4 |
What stands out
Owners have filed 49 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.
Among the 17 model years of GMC Terrain in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
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 service bulletin provides 9th gear operation information to respond to customers that may comment on transmission shift operation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 GMC Terrain powertrain is unreliable across multiple systems. Transmissions fail to shift into gear from Park or unexpectedly drop into Neutral at highway speeds—sometimes within 2,000 miles—causing loss of power and potential brake failure. Dealerships struggle to duplicate these faults and often cannot identify the root cause. When repairs proceed, valve bodies, transmission control modules, and engine harnesses get replaced, with parts frequently on national back order.
Vacuum pump failures are the most dangerous recurring complaint. The shaft-driven pump fails with zero warning, typically at 35,000–70,000 miles, turning brakes rock-hard or non-functional and shutting down the engine mid-drive. Metal debris from the failed pump damages the exhaust camshaft and valve train, sometimes requiring full engine replacement ($8,500 used or rebuild). Some owners report three failures on the same vehicle. GM has recalled this pump design on other makes but not the Terrain.
Engine power loss, transmission slipping between gears, brake assist failures, and communication wire faults create additional hazards. Many complaints surface early (under 10,000 miles) but dealerships tell owners the issue is "known" or cannot be replicated, delaying fixes. Owners outside warranty face repair bills of $3,000–$8,500; those under warranty report denial of coverage on vacuum pump failures after the first replacement.
Same GMC Terrain powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission inability to shift / shift into neutral unexpectedly
Vehicle unable to shift out of Park or into gear from Park; transmission shifts into Neutral while driving at highway speeds, causing loss of motive power and potential loss of braking assist. Service Transmission, Transmission Unable to Shift, and related warning lights illuminate. Some instances involve valve body damage, communication wire faults in engine harness, or solenoid issues.
When: Varies; some reported as early as 1,900 miles; others between 10,000 and 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not shift into gear from Park; Vehicle shifts unexpectedly into Neutral while driving; Service Transmission warning light illuminates; Transmission Unable to Shift message displays; Loss of motive power at highway speeds; Vehicle stalls after shifting into Neutral; Jerking or surging upon shifting; Message 'shift to park' displays unexpectedly
Codes mentioned: P0875 (Transmission control solenoid), P187E (transmission sensor/shift interlock), Service Transmission codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have replaced valve bodies, transmission control modules, engine harnesses (OP 4069760), BCM and EBCM assemblies. Some owners report being unable to duplicate the issue at dealership. Cost ranges reported by owners as unavailable parts or dealer warranty coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Bulletin 19-NA-181 referenced for chaffed wires near ECM; GM DMA pre-approval for repairs granted on some cases; 100% coverage per DMA on some communication-wire related failures; some cases covered under warranty, others not
Transmission slipping between gears
Transmission slips or hesitates when shifting, particularly between 5th and 6th gears or between 2nd and 3rd gears. RPM rises to 4,000+ during the slip event. Vehicle feels like it is in Neutral for seconds before engaging the next gear. Occurs intermittently and may be difficult for dealerships to duplicate.
When: Reported between 5,200 miles and 60,000 miles; some after cold start; others during various driving conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips or hesitates between gears (commonly 5-6, 2-3); RPM spikes to 4,000+ RPM during slip; Vehicle feels like neutral for seconds; Feels like being hit from behind when slip occurs; Grinding noise heard; Intermittent occurrence, hard to duplicate; Occurs on internal roads and highways
Codes mentioned: TCC slip diagnostic codes
Repairs/costs cited: Some dealerships have reprogrammed transmission control module; others have ordered replacement parts (pistons, valve body components). One owner reported planetary gear failure and parts replacement. Transmission fluid may not require change until 45k miles per maintenance schedule.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some cases noted as 'known by manufacturer'; Transmission Control Module reprogramming performed; parts replaced under warranty on some vehicles
Engine vacuum pump failure with camshaft damage
Vacuum pump fails prematurely, resulting in hard braking or complete brake loss, sudden engine shutdown, and potential debris in engine causing catastrophic damage to exhaust camshaft and valve train. Failure occurs without warning. Some vehicles experience multiple vacuum pump failures. Vacuum pump design uses shaft-driven mechanism; GM discontinued this design on 2023+ models.
When: Reported at 35,000 miles (first failure), 45,000-70,000 miles for subsequent failures; as early as under 80,000 miles total
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine shutdown while driving; Hard braking or complete brake failure; No warning lights prior to failure; Engine stalls; requires towing; Reduced Engine Power warning light may illuminate; Check Engine light illuminates after failure; Loud clunk from engine bay; Multiple vacuum pump failures on same vehicle
Codes mentioned: P050F (Vacuum pump related)
Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum pump replacement $1,500–$4,000+ depending on additional damage. Camshaft and related components must be replaced. Debris ingestion risk requires potential engine replacement ($8,500 used engine) or full engine rebuild. Multiple failures on same vehicle indicate systemic design issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: First failure often covered under warranty; subsequent failures and related engine damage frequently denied or not covered by extended warranty. GM has issued TSBs/bulletins for this issue (PIP5598A) and applied recall to other makes (Equinox, others) but not to 2019 Terrain despite identical pump design. Owners report GM offers only small discounts on new vehicles, not recalls or reimbursement.
Reduced engine power / throttle body issues
Engine loses power while driving, vehicle surges or hesitates, and Reduced Engine Power warning illuminates. Check Engine light comes on. Issues traced to loose or incorrectly installed air intake ducts, worn throttle body edges, or weak spring retaining clamps.
When: Various mileages; some reported early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced Engine Power warning light illuminates; Check Engine light on; Vehicle surges up and down at idle; Engine power loss while driving; Vehicle hesitates during acceleration; Stalling in park or while driving
Codes mentioned: P0101 (Mass Air Flow)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships replaced throttle body (OP 4021510, 0.8 hours base + 1.0 diagnostic) or secured/replaced air intake ducts and spring retaining clamps. Low-cost repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Parts covered under warranty; N/C to customer per DMA approval
Communication wire/harness issues causing multiple electrical faults
Intermittent loss of communication between engine control modules and other vehicle systems caused by chaffed, loose, or broken wires in main engine harness. Results in multiple warning lights and limp-mode conditions. Difficult to diagnose; issue reproduces inconsistently.
When: Reported at various mileages; one case at 45,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service Transmission light on; Check Engine light on; StabiliTrak light on; All Wheel Drive message on; Traction light on; Gas light on; Locks flickering; PRNDL lights not illuminating; Vehicle will not shift out of 1st gear; Vehicle goes into Neutral or Park unexpectedly; Multiple dashboard lights and messages simultaneously
Codes mentioned: Communication fault codes (OSYN9761769)
Repairs/costs cited: Complete main engine harness replacement (OP 4069760, 8.3 hours ST time) required after extensive diagnostics. BCM and EBCM assemblies also replaced on some vehicles. High labor cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Bulletin 19-NA-181 issued; GM provided DMA pre-approval for 100% coverage on harness and module replacement; tech support through TAC case system (multiple TAC cases referenced)
Brake failure related to vacuum pump or low battery
Complete or sudden loss of braking power while driving. Linked to vacuum pump failure in several cases; also potentially linked to low battery voltage. Brakes become hard or completely unresponsive. Catastrophic safety issue with high risk of collision.
When: Reported at various mileages; vacuum pump-related failures at 45k–70k miles; low battery related around 90k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes become hard or unresponsive; Complete brake failure; Brake assist warning or service message; Vehicle stalls simultaneously with brake failure; Low battery warning (in some cases); No warning prior to failure
Codes mentioned: Low battery codes (GMAC onboard diagnostics), P050F (vacuum pump), Service Brake Assist code
Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum pump replacement typically $1,500–$4,000+; related engine damage adds $3,000–$8,500. Low battery cases require only electrical diagnosis and ECM reprogramming ($200 diagnostic fee reported).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vacuum pump first failures covered under warranty; subsequent failures denied. Low battery cases diagnosed by dealership; GM issued PIP5598A diagnostic tip. No recall despite multiple complaints of brake failure.
Engine stall / loss of power while driving
Engine suddenly shuts down or loses power while driving, with no prior warning lights. Vehicle becomes immobile in traffic or on highways. Causes vary: vacuum pump failure, electrical faults, transmission control issues, or undetermined.
When: Various mileages; some under 2,500 miles; others at 17,000–90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down without warning; Loss of motive power while driving; Vehicle stalls in traffic or on highway; Check Engine light may illuminate after stall; Low fuel warning may display; Multiple warning lights activate simultaneously
Codes mentioned: P050F, P0101, and others depending on cause
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs depend on underlying cause (vacuum pump, harness, transmission, etc.); costs range from $200 diagnostics to $8,500+ for engine replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Varies by cause; vacuum pump cases often denied after warranty; communication wire cases covered under DMA approval
Transmission valve body / solenoid failure
Internal transmission component failure (valve body, solenoid, accumulator) results in transmission not shifting, leaking fluid, or unable to hold pressure. Damage may be manufacturing defect or contamination-related.
When: Reported as early as 10,000 miles; up to 180,000+ miles; some detected during routine service
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission unable to shift; Service Transmission warning light; Transmission fluid leaks; Vehicle will not engage any gear; Crack found in transmission housing
Codes mentioned: Transmission-specific diagnostic codes
Repairs/costs cited: Valve body replacement or full transmission replacement required. One owner reported transmission replacement authorized; another reported parts on national back order (multi-week delay). Costs $2,000–$8,000+ depending on whether full transmission replacement or valve body repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some cases covered under warranty; manufacturer has authorized transmission replacement on some complaints; parts availability issues reported
Software/ECM anomaly causing brake system risk
Engine control module software anomaly detected via check engine light code P050F or other ECM-related faults. Owners report learning that anomaly could have disabled braking system while driving. Reprogramming or software update resolves issue.
When: One case reported at 2,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illuminates; No apparent drivability issues initially; Software anomaly detected via OBD-II scan
Codes mentioned: P050F
Repairs/costs cited: ECM reprogramming fee $200; low-cost repair but critical safety risk during delay
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership performs reprogramming; owner notes other vehicles have safety recalls for similar issues but 2019 Terrain not included
Timing chain / engine internal timing failure
Engine timing becomes out of sync; owner reported timing chain issue after vehicle began jerking and losing power. Newly purchased vehicle.
When: Approximately 2,000 miles or shortly after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks while driving over 50 mph; Vehicle shuts off with loss of power message; Battery low codes appear (misleading)
Codes mentioned: Battery-related codes (misleading)
Repairs/costs cited: Certified mechanic diagnosed timing chain out of sync; specific repair cost not stated
Oil system failure / clogged passages
Oil system malfunction where oil becomes clogged or flows in wrong direction through reservoir. Occurs at high mileage (100k+). Related to turbocharged engine design. Culminates in engine failure.
When: Reported at 100,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil clogged in system; Oil flowing backward into wrong reservoirs; Engine rattling noises; Engine shuts down; Service Transmission light on; Service ECS light on; Extremely low battery voltage message
Codes mentioned: Service transmission, ECS (unknown code)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports dealership service advisor stated vehicles come in at 150k miles for complete engine rebuilds; complete engine rebuild or replacement required
Transmission won't hold park / shift interlock failure
Vehicle unable to remain in Park or unable to shift out of Park. Shift interlock solenoid or transmission control fault. Vehicle stays in Neutral or won't engage Park.
When: One case at 22,000 miles; another at 91,669 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle won't shift into Park; Vehicle won't stay in Park; Vehicle remains in Neutral; P187E transmission code; Continuous beeping from vehicle; Vehicle will not start
Codes mentioned: P187E (transmission sensor/shift interlock)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnostics indicated solenoid valve body faulty; specific repair not completed in complaint
Synthesized from 49 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
jerking at times while driving.
I received a "service brake assist" message which came on then off. Took the car to a local mechanic who looked it over and said to see dealer as they saw nothing obvious. internet search revealed that many people with terrain said this warning came on when battery was low. Made a service appt for NJ dealer for 12/6/21. on 12/3/21, began a 1200 mile drive from Florida to NJ, after 2 hours, check…
I bought this Terrain brand new from Betten Baker Chevrolet in Muskegon Mi in 2019 with 500 miles. That same year we had transmission Slippage causing it to slip out of gear then slam back into gear while driving. I took it to the dealer to have it looked at. They did nothing and informed me it was known by the manufacturer that this was an issue. I then had to bring it back for electrical issues…
My 2019 GMC Terrain has 21K miles and noticed a oil or transmission leak this morning. I see recalls for other vehicles but none for mine. Linking from a bolt just as the other recall is for.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2019 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 2019 GMC Terrain?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 49 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 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 5,565 and 38,700 miles, with the median around 11,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,565; a quarter make it past 38,700. 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/2019/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.