2016 GMC Terrain Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 48 engine complaints for the 2016 GMC Terrain, 32% of its 152 total complaints for the year, with no related recalls filed. Median mileage at failure was 68,748 miles, with no crashes, fires, or injuries reported.
- Engine complaints
- 48
- 32% of 152
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 68,748 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of power with the check engine and stabilitrak lights coming on, followed by the engine reducing speed or stalling while driving.
- Some describe the engine failing to start, in one case traced to rodent damage to engine wiring under the hood.
- Several complaints mention the dashboard gauges jumping erratically before the vehicle drops into reduced power mode or shifts unexpectedly.
- One owner reported a loud bang and smoke from the engine compartment at low speed while driving around 12 mph.
- Others report the key could not shut off the engine on the first attempt, requiring the key to be reinserted multiple times.
- A few owners noted the transmission failing near 60,000 to 70,000 miles alongside engine symptoms, with one case linked to a blocked PCV valve causing a rear main seal failure.
When 2016 GMC Terrain engine complaints were filed
First complaint Jun 27, 2017, latest Aug 14, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2016 GMC Terrain
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Engine complaints by Terrain model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2016 GMC Terrain have?
- NHTSA has logged 48 engine-related complaints for the 2016 GMC Terrain, making up 32% of the 152 total complaints filed for this model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2016 GMC Terrain engine problems?
- No. The data shows no related recalls tied to these engine complaints.
- At what mileage do 2016 GMC Terrain engine problems usually happen?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 68,748 miles.
- Did the 2016 GMC Terrain engine problems cause any crashes or fires?
- NHTSA records show zero crashes, zero fires, and zero injuries linked to these engine complaints.
- What do owners say happens with the 2016 GMC Terrain engine?
- Owners describe sudden power loss with stabilitrak and check engine lights, stalling or reduced-power events, hard starting issues, and in some cases loud noises or smoke from the engine bay.