The GMC Terrain has been a popular small SUV since 2009. Breaking the design stereotype of these vehicles, it quickly inspired other automakers to follow suit with similar designs. Despite its appeal and popularity, not every year was perfect for this vehicle; flaws have been found in some early models that have been slowly remedied over the years. For those looking to buy secondhand, creating a list of GMC Terrain years to avoid is recommended in order to ensure one doesn’t waste their money fixing issues rather than enjoying their new car.
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GMC Terrain Years To Avoid (List Of Years)
When it comes to the GMC Terrain, there are certain years that should be avoided. As a new product, these first lineups of the GMC Terrain may have some issues that automakers try to fix when a new batch is created. To save potential owners money and time, here’s a list of the worst years ever for this SUV:
- 2010 GMC Terrain
- 2011 GMC Terrain
- 2012 GMC Terrain
- 2013 GMC Terrain
- 2014 GMCTerrain
- 2015GMCTerraim
No one wants to waste their money on an unreliable vehicle with known issues from its earlier models, so make sure you avoid these model years if you’re considering purchasing aGMCTerain!
What Makes These GMC Terrain Years Worth Avoiding?
It has been widely noted that the engine is a common point of concern among all GMC Terrain models from 2010 to present. An analysis of each year’s model reveals an array of issues, ranging from cylinder head gasket problems in 2010 to transmission malfunction in 2016. In order to better understand the scope of these unique problems, it is important to look at them individually and identify potential solutions.
2010 GMC Terrain Problems
The 2010 variant of GMC Terrain has two major complaints amongst owners; engine and transmission problems. Reports have been made that the engine consumes excessive oil, resulting in higher refueling costs for the owner. Furthermore, when starting up the vehicle a loud noise is heard, along with an erratic power delivery causing it to stall frequently which hinders day-to-day activities. Additionally, transmission failure occurs commonly in this model year.
2011 GMC Terrain Problems
The GMC Terrain’s 2011 variant is widely considered to be the worst model year. According to carcomplaints.com, it has a variety of issues ranging from engine and transmission failure to seatbelt and steering problems. Common complaints include engine stalling during driving, excessive oil consumption, as well as exhaust system issues such as cracked manifolds and catalytic converter failures that can cause dangerous fumes inside the car.
2012 GMC Terrain Problems
The GMC Terrain has had numerous customer complaints about excessive engine problems and excessive oil consumption in the three years since its release. Customers have reported misfiring engines, rear main seal failure, dim console and door lights, inaccurate OnStar navigation, and electrical problems such as the engine shutting off or radio and Bluetooth services not working properly. Despite these reports, no action has been taken by the manufacturer to address these issues.
2013 GMC Terrain Problems
GMC Terrain has experienced engine and transmission problems throughout its years of development. This year, the most reported issues are main seal blowing up, reduced engine power, and blown engines. Additionally, excessive oil consumption is a problem that appears to have become more commonplace. Furthermore, transfer cases breaking down is an expensive issue to fix as it costs over $4000 to repair a broken transfer case. Lastly, there has been an increase in vibration during acceleration with GMC Terrains this year.
2014 GMC Terrain Problems
The 2014 variant of this vehicle has been noted to have several significant issues. These include the engine shutting down while driving and consuming excessive oil, as well as its PCV Valve breaking down with repair costs of up to $1800. Additionally, accessories such as the dash display lights, radio, stereo system, and GPS are found to be underperforming or out of date. Furthermore, it is known that this vehicle does not shift properly due to seal breakdowns and also rolls back when parked.
2015 GMC Terrain Problems
This year’s variant of the engine has been a source of numerous issues. Not only has there been excessive oil consumption, but stalling while driving and blown real seals on the motor have also become common problems. In addition, accessories such as radios and cameras may experience screen blackouts or not work at all. Seats are uncomfortable and heated seats often don’t function properly, while the lift gate doesn’t stay up in some instances. The windshield wipers have also experienced frequent stoppages for no clear reason. These engine problems have continued to be an issue over the years with no sign of improvement yet in sight.
Most Common Problems Of GMC Terrain?
When researching a GMC Terrain, there are several things to consider. It is important to be aware of the common risks and issues associated with these vehicles in order to make an informed decision. My research has identified three major problems that should be avoided when looking at particular model years: engine troubles, transmission failure, and excessive oil consumption. Knowing what to look out for can help buyers choose better and ensure they get the best value possible from their purchase.
Engine Troubles
The 2010 and 2011 versions of a certain brand had the most devastating engine issues. These problems, if left unattended to, can become fatal and costly. Any vehicle owner would be wise to pay attention to their car’s engine performance since malfunctions are not only time-consuming but expensive as well. Here is a list of common engine problems that should be taken into consideration:
- Idling and inconsistent power delivery of the engine
- The engine shuts down while driving
- The constant illumination of the check engine light
- Other general faulty engines
It is essential for everyone to ensure they have an efficient running vehicle, so avoiding these potential issues should remain at top priority.
Transmission Failure
Transmission failure is a major issue that should be taken into consideration when purchasing any vehicle, new or used. Transmission problems can pose just as much difficulty and costliness as engine problems, making it difficult to carry out daily activities and travel plans. There are several common transmission issues such as:
- General transmission failure
- Lack of proper reset after fix
- Powertrain failure
When buying a used car, drivers must take into account the hefty amount required for purchase in addition to the risk of additional repairs due to potential transmission issues that may present themselves if not accounted for beforehand. A vehicle with these kinds of problems will never be an attractive option for anyone looking for reliable transportation!
Excessive Oil Consumption
Excessive oil consumption has been a common complaint among owners of the GMC Terrain in its early years. This issue was so prevalent that it became a feature of the 2010-2015 variants of the vehicle. Out of 15 complaints filed by owners, four had their engines replaced while two opted to have them refurbished, all covered by class-action lawsuit for 2011 models with high oil usage. The average cost for repairs amounted to $4,020 and many complained about having “nothing but problems” from day one and vowing never to recommend any General Motors products again due to this terrible experience.
Engine issues were found to be the most frequent issue between 2010 and 2013 according to numerous reports from disgruntled owners who faced major repair costs as a result. Fortunately, manufacturers have taken steps since then to reduce such complaints in later versions resulting in fewer engine problems post 2014 with interior accessory issues becoming more prominent today instead.
Which Years Are Safe To Buy Used?
When it comes to purchasing a used GMC Terrain, the model year is an important factor to consider. Based on the severity of complaints and how often these problems arise, as well as the cost of repairs, 2016-2021 have been some of the best years for this vehicle.
The 2016 GMC Terrain has had fewer problems when compared to previous models and any issues that do arise tend not to be too costly in terms of repair. For buyers who want even more improvements over earlier variants, 2017-2021 offer great options with minor fixes implemented in each year that improve performance or address common issues.
To make a sound decision about which year GMC Terrain you should buy, take time researching specifically which features and fixes have been included in each model so you get your money’s worth without worrying about additional expenses associated with repairing a particular issue.
Taking into consideration all of the information provided about each year of the GMC Terrain, it is important to keep in mind the potential issues that may be associated with any given model. It is essential for a buyer to do their research and determine which model has both reliable performance and safety features. By doing so, they can make an informed decision on which GMC Terrain is best suited for them. Ultimately, this will enable buyers to purchase their dream car without worry or regret.
