2016 GMC Terrain Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/14/2026

45Engine complaints

30.2%Of all 149 complaints

#2Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

VISIBILITY/WIPER46 · 30.9%

ENGINE45 · 30.2%

Unspecified / other12 · 8.1%

POWER TRAIN11 · 7.4%

EXTERIOR LIGHTING10 · 6.7%

Share of the 149 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2016 GMC Terrain overview page.

What owners report

“My vehicle started shaking & stalling really badly out of nowhere on April 18, 2025. Had to have it towed to GMC dealership. They said…”NHTSA complaint 11661501 — filed 05/16/2025

“My 2016 GMC Terrain exhibited the excessive oil consumption outlined in both of the following Special Coverage Adjustment bulletins. In addition to the excessive oil…”NHTSA complaint 11659263 — filed 05/06/2025

“consumption of oil! I got my oil changed January 1, 2025. It is now February 1. I have driven less than 500 miles. I had…”NHTSA complaint 11640149 — filed 02/01/2025

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 GMC Terrain have engine problems?

Engine is the #2 most-reported problem area on the 2016 GMC Terrain: 45 of 149 complaints on file (30.2%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2016 GMC Terrain have in total?

149 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 9 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, 9 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.