YearToAvoid

2023 GMC Terrain Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 16 engine-related complaints for the 2023 GMC Terrain, 41% of its 39 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 34,000 miles. No related recalls are on file for this issue.

Engine complaints
16
41% of 39
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
34,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden loss of engine power on the highway, with an 'Engine Power Reduced' message and inability to accelerate past a low speed.
  • Several owners describe the vehicle stalling at stops or low speeds, sometimes needing to restart after waiting several minutes.
  • Multiple complaints point to a high-pressure fuel pump failure that triggers limp mode, hesitation on restart, and stalling.
  • Some owners report a check engine light with diagnostic codes tied to an internal engine failure requiring an ECM reprogram.
  • One owner described continued misfiring, chugging, and bucking under load going up hills or when passing, requiring repeated spark plug and ignition coil replacement.
  • A rear main seal leak was reported that the dealer said may require a full engine replacement.

When 2023 GMC Terrain engine complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 19, 2024, latest Aug 5, 2026.

2023 GMC Terrain engine complaints: complaints filed per month2Apr 2024Jan 2025Jun 2025Jan 2026Mar 2026May 2026Aug 2026
16 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2024 to Aug 2026; peak Apr 2026 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2023 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.

  1. 2010126 (43%)
  2. 2011207 (54%)
  3. 2012179 (49%)
  4. 2013206 (57%)
  5. 2014130 (44%)
  6. 201583 (28%)
  7. 201648 (32%)
  8. 201779 (59%)
  9. 201858 (26%)
  10. 201976 (41%)
  11. 202067 (34%)
  12. 202111 (31%)
  13. 202213 (22%)
  14. 202316 (41%)
  15. 202413 (27%)
  16. 20253 (23%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2023 GMC Terrain?
NHTSA lists 16 engine-related complaints for the 2023 Terrain, which is 41% of all 39 complaints filed for this model year.
Is there a recall for the 2023 GMC Terrain engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no related recalls tied to this engine complaint pattern for the 2023 Terrain.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure among reported cases is 34,000 miles.
Do the engine problems cause crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data for these complaints shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.
What symptoms do owners describe most often?
Owners commonly report sudden power loss with an 'Engine Power Reduced' message, stalling at low speed, and high-pressure fuel pump failures that trigger limp mode.

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.