2018 GMC Terrain Engine Problems

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

50Engine complaints

23.6%Of all 212 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

SERVICE BRAKES64 · 30.2%

ENGINE50 · 23.6%

POWER TRAIN40 · 18.9%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM33 · 15.6%

Unspecified / other33 · 15.6%

Share of the 212 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2018 GMC Terrain overview page.

What owners report

“I have a 2018 GMC TERRAIN which I bought brand new from General Motors. In May 2022, the vehicle started jerking/hoping and trying to stall…”NHTSA complaint 11474593 — filed 07/18/2022

“Beaverton GMC did repair work on my vehicle. During the inspection they said they found the radiator leaking from a number of spots and it…”NHTSA complaint 11444181 — filed 12/17/2021

“Catalytic converter failed when driving damaging the engine. Vehicle undrivable and waited for repair at shop for over 90 days. Engine warning light keeps coming…”NHTSA complaint 11444179 — filed 12/17/2021

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

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 GMC Terrain have engine problems?

Engine is the #2 most-reported problem area on the 2018 GMC Terrain: 50 of 212 complaints on file (23.6%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2018 GMC Terrain have in total?

212 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 14 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, 12 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.