YearToAvoid

2017 GMC Terrain Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 23 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 GMC Terrain, 17% of all 133 complaints filed for that year. Median mileage at failure is 46,580 miles. No related recalls are listed for this component.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
23
17% of 133
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
46,580 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe a delayed, harsh shift around 20 mph where torque drops off, the engine revs high, then a big jolt hits when the transmission finally engages the next gear.
  • Some report the transmission jerking at low speeds with a loss of power, with dealers telling them a full transmission replacement or rebuild was needed.
  • A cluster of complaints describe a frozen or clogged PCV valve in cold weather that builds crankcase pressure and blows out the rear main seal, leading to sudden oil loss while driving.
  • Several owners report the vehicle unexpectedly entering reduced power mode on the highway, sometimes paired with a low oil pressure warning before the vehicle had to be towed.
  • One complaint describes a transfer case defect that caused a burning smell, grinding noise, and hesitation while driving.
  • Another owner reported cruise control disengaging on its own followed by violent shaking and incorrect gear shifts, later diagnosed as needing a new transmission.

When 2017 GMC Terrain transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 1, 2019, latest Jan 21, 2026.

2017 GMC Terrain transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month3Nov 2019Mar 2022Apr 2023Sep 2023Jan 2024Jan 2025Jan 2026
23 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2019 to Jan 2026; peak Jan 2023 (3).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2017 GMC Terrain

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Terrain model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201051 (18%)
  2. 201176 (20%)
  3. 201237 (10%)
  4. 201344 (12%)
  5. 201433 (11%)
  6. 201521 (7%)
  7. 201611 (7%)
  8. 201723 (17%)
  9. 201841 (19%)
  10. 201951 (28%)
  11. 202028 (14%)
  12. 20218 (23%)
  13. 20228 (13%)
  14. 20237 (18%)
  15. 202421 (43%)
  16. 20254 (31%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2017 GMC Terrain have?
NHTSA lists 23 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 GMC Terrain, which is 17% of the 133 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2017 GMC Terrain?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the Transmission & Powertrain area on the 2017 GMC Terrain.
At what mileage do 2017 GMC Terrain transmission problems usually appear?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component area is 46,580 miles.
What kind of transmission problems do owners report on the 2017 GMC Terrain?
Owners describe delayed or harsh shifts, jerking at low speed, sudden loss of power on the highway, and some report being told the transmission needed to be rebuilt or replaced.
Have transmission failures on the 2017 GMC Terrain caused crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data for this component area on the 2017 GMC Terrain shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.