2017 GMC TERRAIN — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
4/5
Safety Rating
176
Owner Complaints
1
Recall
18
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2017 GMC TERRAIN
The 2017 GMC TERRAIN has received a total of 176 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There has been 1 recall campaign affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. 18 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (75 complaints), Power Train (23 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (20 complaints).
Recalls for the 2017 GMC TERRAIN
NHTSA has recorded 1 recall for the 2017 GMC TERRAIN, potentially affecting up to 740,581 vehicles.
Recall 22V137000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
| 740,581 vehicles affected
Defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2017 GMC TERRAIN
176 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2017 GMC TERRAIN. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 75 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 20 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 11 | 9 | 1 | 6 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitywiper | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bagssensoroccupant Classificationdriver | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bagssensoroccupant Classificationfront Passenger | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systemignition | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubricationsealsgaskets | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
I had a message flash that said the power to the engine was reduce. Next message said check stabilink ( or something similar).. it said drive with caution. I live 2 mins from my job I drove home and pulled in the driveway I then felt the car act like it wanted to shake. This was on 2-10-26 I contacted onstar asked them to run a diagnostic. The codes that came back P0016 p0089 p228D are very well known codes with many people with the same vehicle/engine that have had to replace the engine. The engines have known issues had I known that maybe I could have replaced a part or two or three or four to have a stable vehicle now my vehicle is currently at GMC DEALER since Tuesday morning actually had it towed there monday night. I called Wednesday evening they still wasn't sure the "issue". Thursday I wait until about 1pm spoke with John he said well we are pretty sure you need a new engine the mechanic is checking a few more things the car has no pressure. About a hr later I get a email and a call saying the timing chain skipped and something about the pistons and the valves and I need a new engine . John called me and said well.Ill tell you what we will offer you a brand new Engine for the same price as a rebuild plus you get 3yrs 300 thousand warranty for 10,944. Give or take a few dollars. We'll first I paid like 15,500 for the car that I just litetally paid off like Jan 12026. I really feel like had GMC Made buyers aware that the vehicle has defective parts/engines buyers could replace parts or GMC should be held accountable. I started googling the engine and found out that there is a class action lawsuit and a recall on " certain" 2017 terrains depending on the vin. Same issues my car is having but its saying my car has no recall.
I had a message flash that said the power to the engine was reduce. Next message said check stabilink ( or something similar).. it said drive with caution. I live 2 mins from my job I drove home and pulled in the driveway I then felt the car act like it wanted to shake. This was on 2-10-26 I contacted onstar asked them to run a diagnostic. The codes that came back P0016 p0089 p228D are very well known codes with many people with the same vehicle/engine that have had to replace the engine. The engines have known issues had I known that maybe I could have replaced a part or two or three or four to have a stable vehicle now my vehicle is currently at GMC DEALER since Tuesday morning actually had it towed there monday night. I called Wednesday evening they still wasn't sure the "issue". Thursday I wait until about 1pm spoke with John he said well we are pretty sure you need a new engine the mechanic is checking a few more things the car has no pressure. About a hr later I get a email and a call saying the timing chain skipped and something about the pistons and the valves and I need a new engine . John called me and said well.Ill tell you what we will offer you a brand new Engine for the same price as a rebuild plus you get 3yrs 300 thousand warranty for 10,944. Give or take a few dollars. We'll first I paid like 15,500 for the car that I just litetally paid off like Jan 12026. I really feel like had GMC Made buyers aware that the vehicle has defective parts/engines buyers could replace parts or GMC should be held accountable. I started googling the engine and found out that there is a class action lawsuit and a recall on " certain" 2017 terrains depending on the vin. Same issues my car is having but its saying my car has no recall.
I had a message flash that said the power to the engine was reduce. Next message said check stabilink ( or something similar).. it said drive with caution. I live 2 mins from my job I drove home and pulled in the driveway I then felt the car act like it wanted to shake. This was on 2-10-26 I contacted onstar asked them to run a diagnostic. The codes that came back P0016 p0089 p228D are very well known codes with many people with the same vehicle/engine that have had to replace the engine. The engines have known issues had I known that maybe I could have replaced a part or two or three or four to have a stable vehicle now my vehicle is currently at GMC DEALER since Tuesday morning actually had it towed there monday night. I called Wednesday evening they still wasn't sure the "issue". Thursday I wait until about 1pm spoke with John he said well we are pretty sure you need a new engine the mechanic is checking a few more things the car has no pressure. About a hr later I get a email and a call saying the timing chain skipped and something about the pistons and the valves and I need a new engine . John called me and said well.Ill tell you what we will offer you a brand new Engine for the same price as a rebuild plus you get 3yrs 300 thousand warranty for 10,944. Give or take a few dollars. We'll first I paid like 15,500 for the car that I just litetally paid off like Jan 12026. I really feel like had GMC Made buyers aware that the vehicle has defective parts/engines buyers could replace parts or GMC should be held accountable. I started googling the engine and found out that there is a class action lawsuit and a recall on " certain" 2017 terrains depending on the vin. Same issues my car is having but its saying my car has no recall.
On January 31, 2026, while driving on the highway, my 2017 GMC Terrain suddenly began shaking as if it was going to stall. Thankfully, I managed to exit the interstate before the vehicle lost power. Luckily, when this happened, it "only" blocked traffic on a side road. The Terrain was towed to my garage. The mechanic called to inform me that the vehicle was out of oil -even though it was not due for servicing, nor did a “check oil" warning appear. He noted that this was not the first time he had seen this problem occur with this particular make and model: the PCV valve had frozen due to recent cold weather, which led to the rear main seal fracturing, causing oil leaking. In addition, the manifold had also cracked. He explained that repairs would be costly given the labor needed to remove the transmission and perform other related tasks. He recommended that I "Google" the problem to gain an understanding of the time involved to complete this repair. My research corroborated that this was a very labor-intensive undertaking. More concerning was discovering an abundance of cases documenting this failure -as well as class action lawsuits- which underscores the fact that GM knows about this issue but refuses to address it. I am not sure why there hasn't been a recall—though perhaps that's a question for people much smarter than I am. Now, after spending thousands of dollars, I have a vehicle with an oil life monitoring system that doesn't function as intended—and worse, I know this could happen again.
Safety Rating for the 2017 GMC TERRAIN
The 2017 GMC TERRAIN received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2017 GMC TERRAIN
General Motors, LLC has issued 18 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2017 GMC TERRAIN. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
PIT5699 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
This preliminary information was released to point out a potential issue with a lack of A/C cooling due to an evaporator freeze up concern .
PIP5122G — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technicians for diagnosing and repairing vehicles that have an issue with a pop noise from the fuel tank area after a cold start or Evaporative Emissions System purge. Technician will be able to use Global Diagnostic System 2 to duplicate the concern...
PIT5402A — LANE DEPARTURE
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician for a forward collision alert or lane departure warning inoperative with no diagnostic trouble codes stored. This concern could be caused by an aftermarket windshield. Verify there is the General Motors logo in the lower right corner of the windshield.
PIP5331G — EQUIPMENT
This Preliminary Information communication provides information on a rattle, tick, or knock type noise. Any drivability concerns they should be addressed prior to the following diagnostic progression. A sound file or video with sound of the noise needs to be made prior to dis-assembly to help isolate to one area...
PIT5625A — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
This preliminary information is to alert the service technician of a potential A/C evaporator freezing concern , engineering is investigating.
16NA004 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
This technical bulletin provides a possible location and repair to a wiring harness that may be contacting the fuel pump cover.
16NA004 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
This technical bulletin provides a possible location and repair to a wiring harness that may be contacting the fuel pump cover.
18NA027 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This informational bulletin provides information retaining to the fact that Service Manuals will now be available on USB.
PI1067B — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
This preliminary informational bulletin adds the 2017 model year to repair information for a customer concern of Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on, Reduced Power Mode on, DTC(s) set, and/or poor performance/shifts.
17-NA-237 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the HVAC drain hose due to clogging causing a water leak within the vehicle.
Showing 10 of 18 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2017 GMC TERRAIN
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the GMC TERRAIN
- 2012 GMC TERRAIN — 496 complaints
- 2013 GMC TERRAIN — 483 complaints
- 2014 GMC TERRAIN — 385 complaints
- 2015 GMC TERRAIN — 375 complaints
- 2016 GMC TERRAIN — 174 complaints
- 2017 GMC TERRAIN (current)
- 2018 GMC TERRAIN — 305 complaints
- 2019 GMC TERRAIN — 269 complaints
- 2020 GMC TERRAIN — 250 complaints
- 2021 GMC TERRAIN — 46 complaints
- 2022 GMC TERRAIN — 51 complaints
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