2017 Gmc Terrain Problems
Shopping for a used 2017 Gmc Terrain? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 133 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2017 Gmc Terrain has 133 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2017 Gmc Terrain Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2017 Gmc Terrain trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2017 Gmc Terrain Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2017 GMC Terrain SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Gmc Terrain has 133 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Gmc
- Model
- Terrain
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 133
- Crash-related complaints
- 11
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2017 Gmc Terrain problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2017 Gmc Terrain?
The 2017 Gmc Terrain shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2017 Gmc Terrain
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine and transmission for known issues, such as unusual noises or shifting problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially engine and transmission.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on engine and drivetrain.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine and transmission for known issues, such as unusual noises or shifting problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially engine and transmission.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on engine and drivetrain.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Gmc Terrain, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 133 NHTSA complaints for the 2017 GMC Terrain, the data suggests that engine problems are the most frequently reported issue, followed by transmission/drivetrain concerns. There is also a notable number of airbag and electrical complaints. However, with only one model year analyzed and low confidence, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems account for the largest share of complaints (79 out of 133).
- Transmission/drivetrain issues are the second most common complaint category (23 complaints).
- Airbag malfunctions were reported in 12 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Airbag Malfunctions
Full breakdown
All 2017 Gmc Terrain complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Gmc Terrain. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 79 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 20 | 3 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 12 | 9 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 9 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 7 | 4 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Gmc Terrain. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 once …
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 low…
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
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 wh…
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 …
Rear main seal blow out
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 Terr…
Traveling on the expressway, engine made wearing noise, reduced engine power and complete engine failure while driving. Rear main seal blowout due to a defective PCV system freezing. It is a known issue for GM2.4L engine especially in cold weather leading to massive oil loss and …
The PCV valve froze which caused pressure to build up in the rear main seal to fail. Causing oil to leak out of the motor. Hence the motor won't hold oil.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Th…
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 approx…
[XXX], our 2017 Terrain Denali displayed code: “Low Oil/Shut Engine Off” so had it towed to Laura Buick/GMC Colllinsville, IL. Laura confirmed the issue was blown rear seal due to design of intake cover and PCV. They checked with aftermarket warranty for VIN [XXX] , warranty c…
This car burns 1 quart of 5w-30 synthetic blend oil every 200 miles! The pcv valve has been cleaned numerous times and this does not affect the burning oil issue and yes this can be inspected upon request. Safety put at risk you ask, this is a ticking timebomb ready to ruin the…
For a year we have had to check to the oil weekly and add oil due to the vehicle burning oil so quickly. The past month we have had to check it daily and add oil. We do regular routine oil changes and have had to get them before the next one is due. Recently when driving the “oil…
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
We have been keeping up with all maintenance and oil changes. We have only driven the car for less than a year. At time of oil change; the oil has been low, resulting in OVER oil consumption; Requiring an extra quart of oil to be added between oil changes. When we purchased the v…
I was driving back from out of state and all the sudden the engine just got loud. So I pulled over and check oil levels. Except there is no access to the transmission oil. The only way to check this is to remove the front driverside tire, take a bolt out and see if any oil drips …
Throttle position system all of a sudden went bad. My 2017 Terrain started shaking. I was holding up traffic. The sun couldn't go over 5mph. I've read online where this is happening alot in 2010'2017 GMC Terrains.
I looked up my recall on my vehicle about my headlights being recall. Never received any information there was a recall.
GM recently recalled over 500,000 car engines. The warning signs to look out for was a “knocking” sound coming from the engine. I had recently experienced the same issues that the recalled car engines were experiencing. I went to get it checked out and my mechanic said there were…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Gmc Terrain.
Safety recalls
2017 Gmc Terrain recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Gmc Terrain. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2017 Gmc Terrain buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Gmc Terrain reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 133 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2017 Gmc Terrain shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Gmc Terrain?▾
#1: Engine Problems (79 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (23 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (20 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Gmc Terrain?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Gmc Terrain?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Gmc Terrain, NHTSA complaints include 11 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 133 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Gmc Terrain have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2017 Gmc Terrain. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Gmc Terrain?▾
The 2017 Gmc Terrain shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Gmc Terrain reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Gmc Terrain based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.