2018 GMC Terrain power train problems
41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2018 GMC Terrain — 19% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. While attempting to shift to reverse(R) out of a parking spot, the message “Transmission Unable to Shift” was displayed on the instrument panel, and the transmission was unable to shift into reverse(R). The contact called for tow truck assistance. The vehicle…”
filed Mar 3, 2026
“The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle while transitioning to 4WD. The contact continued driving and the driving sound became more frequent while shifting into 4WD. Upon inspecting…”
filed Feb 9, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing boltsCampaign 20V668000 · Oct 29, 2020
- Right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while drivingCampaign 17V516000 · Aug 22, 2017
Power Train problems in other Terrain years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Terrain | 4 | 17% |
| 2024 Terrain | 20 | 42% |
| 2023 Terrain | 6 | 17% |
| 2022 Terrain | 7 | 15% |
| 2021 Terrain | 8 | 24% |
| 2020 Terrain | 26 | 14% |
| 2019 Terrain | 50 | 28% |
| 2017 Terrain | 23 | 17% |
| 2016 Terrain | 11 | 7% |
| 2015 Terrain | 21 | 7% |
| 2014 Terrain | 33 | 11% |
| 2013 Terrain | 44 | 12% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 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.