2016 GMC Terrain engine problems
46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2016 GMC Terrain — 30% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The timing chain snapped and caused the engine to seize on our 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L SLC-1 SUV/Truck. Since this has occurred multiple times on the 2.4L engines in this model from 2012 - 2016, we believe that there should be a recall as this issue could cause a major accident if the timing chain…”
filed Aug 14, 2026
“My 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L Ecotec first stalled while idling at a red light in Raleigh, NC. I restarted it and it sounded different, so I drove it home. The next morning it would not start. The failure occurred at approximately 69,939 miles with no meaningful warning. The dealer’s diagnostic report…”
filed Jun 5, 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 | 3% |
| 2024 Terrain | 11 | 22% |
| 2023 Terrain | 14 | 37% |
| 2022 Terrain | 10 | 17% |
| 2021 Terrain | 9 | 26% |
| 2020 Terrain | 57 | 29% |
| 2019 Terrain | 68 | 37% |
| 2018 Terrain | 53 | 24% |
| 2017 Terrain | 77 | 58% |
| 2015 Terrain | 80 | 27% |
| 2014 Terrain | 123 | 42% |
| 2013 Terrain | 197 | 54% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 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.