2017 GMC TERRAIN Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2017 Gmc Terrain. This model year has 133 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
Model-Year Complaints
133 owner reports
Recall Campaigns
1 NHTSA campaigns
Top Failure Area
Engine Problems
Worst 2017 Gmc Terrain Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
AI Interpretation — 2017 Gmc Terrain
Low ConfidenceBased 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
- 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.
Considering a 2017 Gmc Terrain?
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2017 Gmc Terrain. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search 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.
Recalls for 2017 Gmc Terrain
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Gmc Terrain. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2017 Gmc Terrain — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2017 Gmc Terrain reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2017 Gmc Terrain has 133 NHTSA owner complaints, 11 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (79 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2017 Gmc Terrain has 11 crash-related complaints and 2 fire reports out of 133 total NHTSA complaints. 7 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Gmc Terrain have any recalls?▾
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2017 Gmc Terrain. The largest issue: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2017 Gmc Terrain?▾
The 2017 Gmc Terrain has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
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Check Your Specific 2017 Gmc Terrain
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $12.95 (vs. Carfax $39.99).