2017 GMC Terrain Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 133 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 1 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2017 GMC Terrain receives a 6.9/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 133 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 1 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports with a median failure point at 79,500 miles (IQR: 58,750 – 88,500 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $950 – $3,200 .
15.6 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
1 Active / Free Remedies
2017 Terrain Failure Distribution by Vehicle Subsystem
Top Reported Problem Clusters (6)
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“Have had to replace the VVT solenoids several times within a year spam. Had to replace the rear main seal because it blew out due to carbon build up. Having issues with excessive oil consumption. Now the vehicle just started with: going from a stop position to accelerating at ...”
“The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to a local car wash, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence; however, the next day, the vehicle hesitated...”
“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 w...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“Wiper blades transmission plastic parts keep popping or breaking this is the THIRD time this has happened at a cost of $350. Why would you use plastic parts for this knowing that it will break easily? Who can afford to keep replacing this? 12”
“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 Ter...”
“I am filing this complaint to report a catastrophic engine failure involving my 2017 GMC Terrain equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec engine, which I believe is the result of a known manufacturing defect related to excessive oil consumption and premature internal engine wear. At appr...”
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“The head unit quit working around 98k. The head unit is the radio, and screen which includes the back up camera. From what we have been told and find online, this is a known problem with them and affects other models as well. For the most part the head unit doesn't work but on...”
“The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to a local car wash, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence; however, the next day, the vehicle hesitated...”
“I am filing this complaint to report a catastrophic engine failure involving my 2017 GMC Terrain equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec engine, which I believe is the result of a known manufacturing defect related to excessive oil consumption and premature internal engine wear. At appr...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“While driving on a county highway during an extreme cold front, the vehicle experienced catastrophic engine failure due to low oil pressure. There was traffic that was impacted by this issue and the occupants (mother and child) were stranded in dangerous temps. This issue has ...”
“I was driving back home when I suddenly heard a loud pop and my car seat belt immediately tightened up. I saw smoke inside the car and the screen in my dashboard said "airbag service" There was no air bag physical deployed in the car so I believe it happened internally. Now my...”
“While in park and driving, the passenger seat belt locks and will not unlock. You must unfasten belt and refasten it. It does this multiple times during a trip. This has occurred since 2020.”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“Today is .... 3 days ago my infotainment system my plug-in lighter charger all of them that's in the vehicle and my rear windshield wiper and my blinkers all went out at the same time. I had a licensed mechanic that has the fuse Checker tool, checked every fuse that he can see...”
“On Friday, January 19, 2024, I was driving home from school at night in my 2017 GMC Terrain when suddenly my car was chugging and quit. my steering and brakes froze. Other cars were passing me and it was snowing. I was scared someone was going to hit me. I was able to start it...”
“1. The car started making a noise then started surging and jerking. I'm not a mechanic, so I don't know what happened but it will not crank now. Yes, someone can come inspect the vehicle, by appointment only. 2. I was afraid that the car was going to blow up or the brakes woul...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“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 Ter...”
“The power steering assembly failed and caught on fire. This then caused the engine to malfunction and no longer work. This happened while driving on the interstate at a speed of approximately 80mph. No prior check engine lights were visible”
“On Friday, January 19, 2024, I was driving home from school at night in my 2017 GMC Terrain when suddenly my car was chugging and quit. my steering and brakes froze. Other cars were passing me and it was snowing. I was scared someone was going to hit me. I was able to start it...”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (1)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Summary: 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."
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2017 GMC Terrain
Before purchasing a used 2017 GMC Terrain, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 1 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2017 GMC Terrain
Is the 2017 GMC Terrain a reliable used car?
The 2017 GMC Terrain earns a 6.9/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 133 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2017 GMC Terrain?
The leading complaint category is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 79,500 miles (IQR: 58,750 – 88,500 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2017 GMC Terrain?
Yes, the NHTSA records 1 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.