2018 GMC Terrain
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 290 |
| 2011 | 386 |
| 2012 | 364 |
| 2013 | 364 |
| 2014 | 296 |
| 2015 | 297 |
| 2016 | 152 |
| 2017 | 133 |
| 2018 | 218 |
| 2019 | 181 |
| 2020 | 192 |
| 2021 | 34 |
| 2022 | 56 |
| 2023 | 37 |
| 2024 | 48 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 26 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
37% of complaints: service brakes — 80 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I PULLED INTO OUR CARPORT. IT FELT LIKE THE CAR JUST "SPED UP AND WENT FASTER AND FASTER." IT HIT THE FRONT OF THE CAR STRAIGHT ON. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED NOR DID THE FRONT END COLLISION STOP HAPPEN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180131
Also filed under AIR BAGS and STRUCTURE
Vehicle would slowly roll even when break is applied. It was confirmed by the service center that the break booster vacuum pump was only reading 8 when it should be at 27. It was not making enough pressure.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260722
The vehicle has had regular maintenance, oil change, and inspection including the brakes. My boyfriend is visiting me in [XXX] from the [XXX]. OnXXX while driving the vehicle the engine started.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260717
Also filed under ENGINE and FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
24% of complaints: engine — 53 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
While driving my 2018 GMC Terrain, the vehicle suddenly displayed an âEngine Power Reducedâ warning and the brakes became extremely hard to press.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260810
19% of complaints: power train — 41 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing clutch assembly.
CRASH INJURY16% of complaints: electrical system — 35 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn and sensors.
CRASH FIRE6% of complaints: air bags — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing srs malfunction warning lamp/light.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2018 GMC Terrain.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250523
Head on collision with a deer destroying the front head light and severely damaging the drivers side door. No airbags were deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231227
SAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017.
Campaign 17V516000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 GMC Terrain vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18179.
Campaign 18V340000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018.
Campaign 18V358000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018.
Campaign 18V576000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020.
Campaign 20V668000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 GMC Terrain — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (80 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (53 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (41 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V516000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V340000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V358000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V576000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V668000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 GMC Terrain reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 GMC Terrain is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 GMC Terrain?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 GMC Terrain have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.