2014 GMC Terrain: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 296 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (36% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 296 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of an abnormal odor coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine failed due to excessive oil consumption. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2025
“Tensioner issues keeps breaking the timing chain. . Replaced twice at own cost. Fuel pump/ loss of power while driving. Back up camera doesn't work sometimes. Screen goes black. If key is left in the ignition it starts itself. If you try to use a car charger for a phone the AC shuts off and a "systems error" message pops up. This happens alot. It's an ongoing issue since I bought the car in Feburary this year.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2025
“ABS Brake problem and have tried to get it repaired for over 3 months and cannot seem to be able to get the part and call GM with no help. Can not tell me when or where to buy the part. Nobody seems to be able to get a new part and no help from GM. If there is this many problems that there is no part left available it should be a national recall.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2025
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“The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil; however, there were no oil leaks evident. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who informed the contact that the frame near the rear wheel on the driver's side was completely rusted. The mechanic stated that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was not diagnosed for the oil consumption failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2025
“The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and hesitating abnormally. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the piston rings were damaged, the high-pressure fuel pump had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2025
“Vehicle is consuming excessive amount of oil in short drive time up to 3qt in less than 1000 miles. With no oil leaks. Vehicle only has 139840 miles. Has regular oil changes and services done.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2025
“It has nothing to do with the headlights. I was told by a couple different technicians that there's an issue with there being a slow oil leak with the GMC Terrains causing the motor/engine to lock up. I get my oil changed religiously! I even have files/reports showing so. It was NOT time for an oil change and my motor locked up. I still have 3 years to pay on my vehicle and it's my primary ride. So after having it towed 4 times...I have to get it towed 1 more time back to the shop to get a used motor/engine installed for $6700 (that's what they estimated me). On top of not having a vehicle for 3 months and making payments on top of it.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2025
“The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while at a complete stop at a red light, the doors were making locking and unlocking sounds. The contact stated upon depressing the accelerator pedal to resume driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH. The messages "Service Stabili-trak" and "Service Power Steering" were displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,500.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2024
“I was driving my suv while it was raining heavily and my driver side wipers just stop working out of no where the passenger side still operates. I have not been to see if a dealer can fix it because I was unaware it was under recall so now I'm trying to find someone to fix it while under the recall.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Aug 2024
“Was driving from home to my job in Novi, MI. While driving at 70 mph on [XXX] [XXX] miles west of Grand Rapids the motor suddenly stopped. There was never any warnings on dashboard instruments, no audio signs, and no physical signs this was about to happen. Had 16% remaining oil life before next oil change per computer. Dealership is telling me there is no oil in motor and it has suffered a catastrophic motor failure after timing jumped. This almost caused a major accident at highway speeds. Motor only has just over 77,000 miles on it. Of course it is out of warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode, causing one or both windshield wipers to fail.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiper module, and repair or replace it as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 21, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212352530.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2014 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Terrain by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2014 GMC Terrain reliable?
NHTSA has 296 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2014 GMC Terrain. The most complained-about area is engine (36% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2014 GMC Terrain problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 80,000 miles or less.
Does the 2014 GMC Terrain have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.