2012 GMC Terrain engine problems
169 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2012 GMC Terrain — 46% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“My car has started stalling and dying when i slow down, take off or when idling. No power when accelerated, and the smell of exhaust comes into my car. I was making a turn from a red light and my car spit, sputtered, and died right in the middle of the busy intersection. I was almost hit from the…”
filed Jun 2, 2026
“The engine blew. This was already the 2nd engine in the car. Oil consumption. Metal in the oil. No signs. Needs new engine”
filed Mar 9, 2026
“The oil is depleting every month from the vehicle. Every 2-3 weeks I have to put oil in the vehicle because the oil is being absorbed. Is there a recall on this problem.”
filed Feb 25, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Terrain years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Terrain | 1 | 4% |
| 2024 Terrain | 11 | 23% |
| 2023 Terrain | 13 | 36% |
| 2022 Terrain | 10 | 21% |
| 2021 Terrain | 8 | 24% |
| 2020 Terrain | 55 | 30% |
| 2019 Terrain | 63 | 36% |
| 2018 Terrain | 51 | 24% |
| 2017 Terrain | 77 | 58% |
| 2016 Terrain | 45 | 30% |
| 2015 Terrain | 80 | 27% |
| 2014 Terrain | 123 | 42% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 GMC Terrain
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.