The 2018 GMC Terrain represents GM's second-generation crossover on the D2 platform. While the 1.5L turbo is common and generally serviceable, catastrophic engine failures — particularly on the 1.5L and 2.0L turbo four-cylinders — have become a documented pattern, alongside transmission cooling and driveline concerns.
Symptoms: Sudden severe knocking or rattling from engine bay, Metal shavings in oil, oil pressure warnings, Complete engine seizure or rod through block in worst cases, Often no prior warning — catastrophic failure mode
Fix: Short block replacement or complete engine swap typical. 16-24 labor hours depending on AWD and accessibility. GM had extended warranty coverage on some VINs but many owners stuck with bill. Root cause debated — oil consumption, LSPI (low-speed pre-ignition), or PCV system issues.
Estimated cost: $7,000-12,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Lines Leaking/Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking near radiator or front of vehicle, Transmission overheating warning on dash, Burnt smell after highway driving, Pink fluid pooling under vehicle
Fix: Replace cooler lines and possibly external transmission cooler. 2-4 hours labor. Lines corrode or crack at fittings. If caught early, no internal trans damage. If overheated badly, expect transmission rebuild.
Estimated cost: $400-800
Driveshaft Coupling/U-Joint Failure (AWD models)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking or vibration during acceleration, Loud bang followed by loss of power to rear wheels, Driveshaft separation in extreme cases (recall issued), Check AWD system warning light
Fix: Driveshaft replacement, often under recall. 2-3 hours labor if not covered. GM recall 19V-699 covered many units. If coupling fails catastrophically, can damage underbody or cause loss of control.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Electronic Parking Brake Caliper Seizure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Parking brake won't release, 'Service Parking Brake' message, Rear brake drag, burning smell from rear wheels, Premature rear pad/rotor wear on one side, ABS/traction control warnings
Fix: Replace electronic parking brake caliper assembly. 1.5-2 hours per side. Often requires dealer scan tool to retract caliper motor. Moisture intrusion into caliper motor common cause. Recall 20V-074 covered some units.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Fuel Pump Failure (Recall)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Engine stalling at speed without warning, No-start condition, cranks but won't fire, Loss of power under load or highway speeds, Fuel pressure codes (P0087, P0190)
Symptoms: Harsh shifts or delay when accelerating from stop, Shudder or vibration at 30-50 mph under light throttle, Transmission slipping between gears, hunting for ratio, Check engine light with P0700-series codes
Fix: Often requires TCM software update first (1 hour labor at dealer). If persistent, torque converter replacement or valve body work. 9-speed transmission in these is notorious for calibration issues. Fluid flush can help temporarily but rarely fixes root cause.
Estimated cost: $150-3,500
Owner tips
Check engine oil level every 1,000 miles — these 1.5L/2.0L turbos are known for consumption even when healthy
Use TOP TIER fuel and avoid lugging engine below 2,000 RPM under load to reduce LSPI risk
Verify all recalls completed, especially driveshaft (19V-699), fuel pump (N202313880), and parking brake (20V-074)
Change transmission fluid at 50,000 mi regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims — critical for 9-speed longevity
Have pre-purchase inspection specifically check for oil leaks, metal in oil, and transmission cooler line condition
Hard pass unless you find a screaming deal and have a comprehensive warranty — the engine failure risk alone makes this a gamble, and the 9-speed transmission has a troubled reputation across GM's lineup.
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.
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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 and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Consequence: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
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. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER · 18V576000
2018-08-30
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 vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
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. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Consequence: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
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. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE · 18V340000
2018-05-24
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 GMC Terrain vehicles. The sensing diagnostic module (SDM) that senses a crash and deploys the necessary air bags may not power down correctly when the vehicle is shut off, causing it to be inoperative when the vehicle is restarted.
Consequence: If the SDM becomes inoperative, it will not detect a crash or command the necessary air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
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.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · 17V516000
2017-08-22
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.
Consequence: If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away.
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. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17329.
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