Problems · by component

2010 GMC Terrain engine problems

107 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2010 GMC Terrain cite engine, 36% of all 295 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
107
36% of all complaints
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“I bought this car and the mileage said 120K, but the title says when it was tagged 157K. the car has been tampered with and the some of the lights for the car on the dash are missing, such as the check engine light. Also, it misses so bad that it will die at times”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 21, 2026EngineODI 11732619
“The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service stabili-trak and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to O’Reilly Auto Parts, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that there was no compression in cylinder #3. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that several oil consumption tests were performed by the dealer over the past three years. The contact stated that after each oil consumption test was performed, the oil pressure was always a quart or more lower when checked; however, the contact was informed that it was not an issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 15, 2025EngineODI 11705073
“Reduce spreed unknown if related to fuel pressure regulator since repaired twice told could be to service bulletin. Warning lights keeps appearing while driving at a speed of 40 to 50 mph.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 25, 2024Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11627256
“Twice had to have wiring repaired because animals ate the wiring. Both were caused by GM using soy based insulation on wiring that made it a delicacy to the animals and caused them to eat through two wiring harnesses, one of which GM no longer makes. The other complaint is the timing belt has stretched and is now in need of replacement at a cost of $4500 to $5000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 3, 2024Electrical system, EngineODI 11598642
“The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a reduction in engine power with the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle intermittently failed to start and the passenger's side rear tire made knocking sounds and lifted up off the roadway while making turns. The contact also stated that the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil, causing the contact to refill the oil reservoir every three days. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000. The VIN was unavailable.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 16, 2022EngineODI 11469633
“The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and depressing the acceleration pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated the vehicle was restarted several times and the gear shifter was shifted several times before the vehicle started operating as needed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, 5 months later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 25, 2022Engine, Power trainODI 11466141

Showing 6 of 107 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.