repaired · 2023 Q2
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. 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…
2018 GMC TerrainProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 227 owner complaints about the 2018 GMC Terrain, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-668 the manufacturer reports only 79% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 5, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 GMC Terrain has problems
227 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
70Service brakes3 crash/fire/injury
55Engine1 crash/fire/injury
42Power train2 crash/fire/injury
35Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
14Air bags
13Service brakes, hydraulic
12Fuel/propulsion system
8Vehicle speed control
8Forward collision avoidance
4920 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 70 | 3 |
| Engine | 55 | 1 |
| Power train | 42 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 35 | 2 |
| Air bags | 14 | 7 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 13 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 12 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 8 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 8 | 1 |
| 20 other systems | 49 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2018 GMC Terrain recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Disc: caliper
Risk. A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Risk. 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.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2018 Q4
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Terrain year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Terrain median. How we score
'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 GMC Terrain safety ratings
2018 GMC Terrain SUV FWD Later Release in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (18.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What Terrain owners report
Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
On XXX while driving my 2018 GMC Terrain SLE 1.5L turbo on the highway at approximately 70 MPH near [XXX]. I experienced a sudden loss of power brake assist without any prior dashboard warning lights or messages. I was traveling with children to [XXX] for a youth wrestling tournament, approximately…
Without any type of warning, I was driving down the road when my car started making a knocking/ticking type noise then my engine light came on. I attempted to hit my brakes and stop, and I had no control. There was no brakes without pushing it all the way to the floor it was very hard to get my car…
Approximately 3 miles from my residence my car display flashed "Reduced Engine Power" and slowed down. When I reached a stop sign and tried to stop, my brakes were stiff and I was unable to stop. I went through the stop sign. I continued to my residence at 10mph and backed into a parking space with…
Own a 2018 Terrain?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.