The 2022 GMC Terrain sits on GM's D2 platform with the 1.5L turbo as the workhorse engine. While relatively new, these units have inherited serious engineering flaws from the 2018+ generation—particularly catastrophic internal engine failures that strike without warning.
Symptoms: Sudden loud knocking or rattling from engine bay, Metal shavings in oil during change, Check engine light with misfire codes, Complete loss of power, engine seizes, Oil consumption between changes (early warning sign)
Fix: This is a complete engine replacement job in most cases—connecting rods break, punch through block, or pistons crack. Short block replacement takes 18-24 hours if you can source one; most get reman or used engines. Root cause appears to be inadequate oil delivery to rod bearings under certain conditions combined with defective piston ring design causing carbon buildup.
Estimated cost: $6,500-9,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under vehicle (red/pink fluid), Burnt transmission fluid smell, Harsh shifting or slipping after fluid level drops, Low transmission fluid warning light
Fix: The cooler lines that run to the radiator corrode or crack at the crimped fittings. Requires replacement of cooler lines and often the cooler itself if contaminated. 2-3 hours labor, plus full fluid flush. GM issued TSB for some VINs but not a recall.
Estimated cost: $450-800
Transmission Mount Failure (Torque Strut)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive/reverse, Excessive engine movement visible from driver seat during acceleration, Vibration through chassis at idle, Thud when letting off throttle
Fix: The upper torque strut mount (engine/trans mount) rubber deteriorates quickly on these. Simple replacement job, 1-1.5 hours. Use OEM or quality aftermarket—cheap ones fail in 20k miles.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Fuel System Contamination/Injector Issues
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires on multiple cylinders, Hard starting, extended cranking, Loss of power, hesitation under load, P0087 fuel pressure too low codes
Fix: The high-pressure fuel system is sensitive to contamination. Fuel filter clogs prematurely or injectors gum up. Often requires fuel filter, injector cleaning or replacement, and occasionally high-pressure fuel pump. 3-5 hours depending on how many injectors need replacement.
Estimated cost: $800-2,200
Head Gasket Failure (1.5L Turbo)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Milky oil on dipstick or oil cap, Overheating, bubbling in coolant reservoir, Sweet smell from exhaust
Fix: The 1.5L has thin casting in the block and head, making it prone to gasket failure and warpage. Head gasket job requires 10-14 hours, head machining usually needed, and you're gambling whether the block is warped too. Many techs recommend checking for cracks with dye test during teardown.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough idle especially when cold, Hesitation on acceleration, Reduced fuel economy, Misfires at startup, Engine runs rough until warmed up
Fix: Direct injection means no fuel washing the intake valves—carbon cakes on hard. Walnut blasting the intake valves is the proper fix, 4-6 hours with intake manifold removal. Some shops use chemical treatments but results are temporary.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Owner tips
Change oil every 5,000 miles MAX with full synthetic—the 1.5L turbo is unforgiving with extended intervals
Monitor oil level between changes; consumption above 1 qt per 3,000 miles is a red flag for impending engine failure
Use Top Tier gasoline and consider fuel system cleaner every other tank to fight carbon buildup
Check transmission fluid color annually—should be bright red, not brown
If buying used, demand oil consumption test and compression/leak-down test on 1.5L engines
Hard pass on used examples with the 1.5L turbo unless you have comprehensive warranty coverage—the engine grenades are too common and too catastrophic for a vehicle this new.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: AGM battery required for start-stop system; standard equipment on 2022 Terrain
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2018-2026 GMC Terrain — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 Behind headlamp assembly, driver or passenger side
🔧 Autel MaxiSys
⚠️ Configuration for LED/HID headlamps and automatic high beam
Seat Control Module (SCM)0.7 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Under driver or passenger seat
🔧 Auto-learn
⚠️ Memory seat positions relearn automatically; heated/ventilated seat control
Rear Camera Module (RCM)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated into liftgate handle or rear trim panel
🔧 Auto-calibration
⚠️ Standard rear camera; typically plug-and-play with menu calibration
Tire Pressure Monitor Control Module (TPMS)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated into BCM or separate module behind instrument panel
🔧 TPMS relearn tool
⚠️ Sensor ID relearn required after tire rotation or sensor replacement
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Consequence: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232403240.
SEATS · 22V724000
2022-09-29
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles. The driver's seat may have a stripped or loose bolt at the seat frame height-adjust pivot.
Consequence: A seat with a missing or loose bolt may not properly restrain the occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the seat cushion frame, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 4, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222377890.
Performance
Horsepower
170hp
Torque
203lb-ft
0–60 mph
9.2sec
Quarter mile
16.9sec
Top speed
112mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
25mpg
Highway
30mpg
Combined
27mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
1,500lb
Payload
1,200lb
Curb weight
3,640lb
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Wiper blades
Second generation (2018+). J-hook attachment standard.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2022 GMC Terrain 1.5L I4 Turbo and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.