If you’re looking to buy a GMC Terrain, knowing which years to avoid can save you a lot of trouble. The first-generation models, especially from 2010 to 2014, are known for having many problems like transmission failures, engine issues, and high oil consumption.
For example, the 2010 model often has transmission problems, and the 2013 model is known for using too much oil.
To make sure you get a good deal, let’s take a closer look at the years to avoid and what might be better options.
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Key Takeaways
- Stay away from 2010-2014 GMC Terrain models because they often have engine and transmission problems.
- The 2010 model is known for using too much oil and having expensive transmission failures.
- The 2011 model has issues with the engine stalling and the transmission failing.
- The 2012 model has mechanical problems, like using too much oil and the transmission breaking down.
- The 2018 model has issues with stripped bolts, transmission problems, and electrical glitches.
Worst GMC Terrain Years
If you’re looking to buy a GMC Terrain, avoid the 2010 through 2014 models. These years are known for bad engine, oil, and transmission problems.
The 2010 and 2011 models had especially bad transmission issues, leading to expensive repairs and frequent breakdowns. Even though the 2012 model was a bit better, it still had its problems.
The 2013 and 2014 models continued to have mechanical issues, with the 2014 model even facing engine shutdowns along with transmission troubles. These years will likely cause you more trouble and cost you more money.
It’s better to go with newer models for a more dependable ride.
Issues With 2010 Models
When looking at the 2010 GMC Terrain, you’ll notice it has a lot of maintenance problems, like frequent transmission failures, engine issues, and high oil use. Transmission problems usually happen around 86,000 miles and can cost about $3,600 to fix.
Engine issues show up around 67,000 miles, making the car run rough and lose power, with repairs costing around $1,400. The car also tends to use too much oil starting at about 102,000 miles, leading to repair costs of roughly $4,000.
Because of these issues, the 2010 GMC Terrain is considered one of the least reliable models. If you’re thinking about buying a used GMC Terrain, it’s best to avoid the 2010 model to dodge these big and pricey repairs.
2011 Terrain Problems
Moving beyond the 2010 model, various GMC Terrain years also have big problems, especially with engines, transmissions, and oil use.
For example, the 2011 model is well-known for engine stalls and transmission failures, which often cost a lot to fix.
The 2013 Terrain has issues with engine blowouts and main seal problems, which can be both expensive and annoying.
When you look at the 2014 model, you’ll see lots of complaints about engine shutdowns and wiper malfunctions, adding to the list of troubles.
The 2015 Terrain isn’t any better, with issues like engine stalling and blown rear motor seals.
Transmission problems continue across these years, making many owners think twice about their choice.
Avoid 2012 Models
If you’re thinking about getting a GMC Terrain, stay away from the 2012 model. It has a lot of mechanical problems and can be expensive to fix.
People have reported issues like the transmission breaking down and the engine using too much oil, making it unreliable.
It’s better to go for newer models to avoid these costly problems and have a more reliable car.
Common Mechanical Failures
Why should you stay away from the 2012 GMC Terrain? It’s because of its common mechanical problems, especially with the transmission. Owners have reported major transmission issues, often leading to complete failures around 86,000 miles, costing about $3,600 to fix.
But that’s not the only problem; the 2012 model also has engine troubles and uses too much oil. These oil problems usually show up around 102,000 miles and can cost around $4,000 to repair.
Plus, many people have experienced rough running and erratic power, which often require $1,400 in repairs by 67,000 miles. Consumer Reports and owner feedback consistently point out that the 2012 GMC Terrain is a trouble-prone year, so it’s smart to go for more reliable models.
High Repair Costs
If you want to avoid high repair costs, stay away from the 2012 GMC Terrain. This model has many mechanical problems.
Transmission failures can cost you about $3,600 and usually happen around 86,000 miles.
It also uses a lot of oil, and fixing this can cost around $4,000 at about 102,000 miles.
The 2012 Terrain often runs rough and has power issues, with repairs averaging $1,400 at 67,000 miles.
These frequent and expensive repairs make the 2012 GMC Terrain costly to maintain. By choosing a different model year, you can save on repair costs and avoid many headaches.
Poor Reliability Ratings
The 2012 GMC Terrain is known for its poor reliability, so it’s a model year you should avoid. Owners have reported many problems, especially with the transmission and engine. These issues led to higher repair costs and more trips to the mechanic. While Consumer Reports rated the 2012 Terrain as average in reliability, many owners found it to be far from satisfactory.
Here’s a quick look at the common issues:
| Problem Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Frequent failures |
| Engine | Excessive oil consumption |
| Repair Costs | Higher than average |
It’s better to choose newer model years like 2015 or later to avoid these problems and have a smoother driving experience.
2013 Terrain Troubles
If you have a GMC Terrain, you might face three big problems: engine failure, costly repairs, and ongoing maintenance issues.
These problems can leave you stuck and with expensive bills, making certain model years more troublesome.
Knowing these main issues can help you decide which GMC Terrain models to steer clear of.
Engine Blowout Risks
If you own a GMC Terrain, especially the 2013 or 2015 models, you might face some serious and expensive engine problems.
For the 2013 model, main seal issues can cost about $1,900 to fix, and a complete engine blowout can set you back around $10,900, usually happening at around 90,000 miles. The 2015 model has its own issues, with engine stalling while driving costing about $2,700 to repair. On top of that, loud tapping noises indicating major engine trouble can cost you another $1,500.
Here’s a quick look:
| Year | Problem | Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Engine blowout | $10,900 |
| 2013 | Main seal issues | $1,900 |
| 2015 | Engine stalling | $2,700 |
| 2015 | Loud tapping noise | $1,500 |
These issues show why it’s important to be careful about which model year you choose.
High Repair Costs
Owning some GMC Terrain models can end up costing you a lot in repairs, especially for issues like transmission problems, engine stalls, and high oil consumption. You might’ve to spend thousands of dollars fixing these issues. Here’s a breakdown of what you could be dealing with:
- 2010 Terrain: Repairs can cost over $3,000 for transmission and oil problems.
- 2011 Terrain: You might spend more than $5,000 on engine stalls and oil consumption issues.
- 2013 Terrain: Repair costs can hit $10,900 for engine blowouts and $5,800 for oil consumption.
- 2014 Terrain: You may face costs of $1,900 for engine shutdowns and $1,000 for high oil consumption.
- 2015 Terrain: Expect to pay $2,700 for engine stalling and $1,600 for rear seal motor problems.
Knowing these potential costs can help you avoid financial stress.
High Costs in 2014
The 2014 GMC Terrain is known for expensive repairs due to problems like engine shutdowns, using too much oil, and broken wipers. If you’re thinking about buying a GMC Terrain, be careful with the 2014 model.
The engine tends to shut down around 82,000 miles, costing about $1,900 to fix. Using too much oil starts to be a problem around 88,000 miles, with repairs costing around $1,000. Wipers usually break down at about 64,000 miles, costing around $500 to repair.
These issues can lead to unexpected and high costs, making it pricey to own. Potential buyers should think about these factors before choosing a 2014 GMC Terrain, as these known problems could mean big maintenance bills.
2015 Terrain Headaches
When thinking about which GMC Terrain to buy, it’s important to know that certain years have more problems than others. These models often have issues with the transmission and engine reliability.
- 2010: You might face lots of maintenance problems, like transmission failures and using too much oil.
- 2011: The engine might stall or shut down while you’re driving, plus the transmission can fail, leading to high repair costs.
- 2013: Expensive problems like engine blowouts and issues with the main seal can cost a lot to fix.
- 2014: Be careful of the engine shutting down while driving and blown rear seals.
- 2015: Engine stalling and loud tapping noises suggest serious engine problems.
To get a reliable car, avoid these years.
Reliability of 2016 Models
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable SUV, check out the 2016 GMC Terrain. This model offers low maintenance and repair costs, so you won’t spend too much on upkeep. It also has great fuel economy, which means you’ll save money in the long run. Plus, it has top safety ratings, giving you peace of mind while driving.
Here’s a quick summary:
| Feature | 2016 Model Performance | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Minimal | Low repair costs |
| Fuel Economy | High | Saves on gas |
| Safety Ratings | Excellent | Keeps you and passengers safe |
| Reliability | High | Dependable transportation |
| Value | Strong | Good return on investment |
Second-Generation Terrain Issues
If you’re thinking about getting a second-generation GMC Terrain, it’s best to steer clear of the 2018 model. This year has a lot of problems that can be both dangerous and expensive.
Here are the main issues you should know about:
- Stripped bolts that can affect your safety.
- Transmission problems that cause rough shifting and might break down.
- Electrical glitches that make some features stop working.
- Poor build quality that can lead to long-term wear and tear.
- High repair costs that make it expensive to keep up.
2018 Model Year Concerns
While the 2018 model has a lot of problems, other GMC Terrain years also have serious issues you should know about.
The 2010 and 2011 models are known for transmission failures, burning too much oil, and engine stalling.
The 2013 Terrain isn’t much better, with expensive engine blowouts and main seal problems.
The 2014 model has issues like engine shutdowns and wiper failures that can cost a lot to fix.
The 2015 model year continues with engine stalling, blown rear motor seals, and loud tapping noises that signal major engine problems.
Knowing these issues can help you make a smarter choice when looking at a GMC Terrain.
Common Terrain Problems
Common problems with the GMC Terrain often involve engine reliability, transmission issues, and using too much oil, which can lead to expensive repairs and a lot of frustration.
You might face several problems that can feel overwhelming. Here are some common issues you might encounter:
- Engine stalls that happen unexpectedly and could be dangerous.
- Transmission problems that make it hard to shift gears smoothly.
- High oil usage, meaning you have to add oil often and it could damage the engine.
- Blown rear motor seals, causing oil leaks and other mechanical problems.
- Wiper issues, which can reduce visibility and make driving unsafe.
These repetitive problems make some GMC Terrain models less appealing and can really affect your experience as an owner.
High Repair Costs
You’ll see that some GMC Terrain models can be really pricey to fix.
From 2010 to 2015, these cars often have expensive engine repairs, ongoing transmission troubles, and regular oil consumption problems.
These issues can lead to big repair bills, making certain years of the Terrain an expensive choice.
Expensive Engine Repairs
When thinking about a GMC Terrain, you should know that models from 2010 to 2015 are known for having expensive engine problems that can cost you thousands of dollars. Here’s what you might face:
- Engine blowouts and main seal failures can cost more than $5,000 to fix.
- 2012 and 2013 models often have engine stalling and use too much oil, costing about $5,000 to repair.
- The 2014 model has engine shutdown issues, with repairs costing around $1,900.
- 2015 models have problems with engine stalling, costing up to $2,700 to fix.
- Blown rear seals and loud tapping noises in 2015 models can cost around $1,600 and $1,500 to repair.
These engine problems can really hurt your wallet.
Transmission Issues
While expensive engine repairs are a big worry, transmission problems in the 2010-2012 GMC Terrain models are just as scary for buyers. Fixing the transmission in these years can cost you about $3,600, which is a lot of money. Many owners have faced high costs due to these transmission issues, often happening at certain mileage points.
Because of these pricey repairs, buying these models can be a risky choice. To avoid the hassle and financial stress, think about going for newer models. They’re less likely to have these costly transmission problems, making them a more reliable and budget-friendly option.
Oil Consumption Problems
If you’re thinking about getting a 2010-2014 GMC Terrain, keep in mind that these models often burn through oil too quickly, which can lead to costly repairs. Owners usually start seeing problems as early as 20,000-25,000 miles. Fixing these oil consumption issues can cost you more than $4,000. Here’s a simple rundown:
- Burns oil fast: You’ll need to add oil often.
- Expensive fixes: Repairs can cost over $4,000.
- Starts early: Problems can begin around 20,000 miles.
- Needs attention: Regular oil checks are a must.
- Costly to own: Higher expenses over time.
Steering clear of these model years can save you from these pricey and annoying problems.
Reliability Ratings
Reliability ratings show that GMC Terrain models from 2010 to 2014 and 2018 have big problems, like oil leaks and transmission failures, which make them years to avoid. These issues mainly involve the transmission and can lead to expensive repairs and unexpected breakdowns.
The first-generation models, especially those from 2010 to 2012, are well-known for these problems. Even though the 2013 and 2014 models are a bit better, they still have reliability issues. The 2018 model also has its flaws, proving that some second-generation units aren’t perfect either.
If you’re thinking about getting a GMC Terrain, it’s smart to avoid these specific years to ensure a more reliable ride.
Consumer Reports Insights
If you check Consumer Reports, you’ll find that the 2010 and 2011 GMC Terrain models are rated below average for reliability. They’ve problems like using too much oil and having transmission issues.
The 2012 model is a bit better, with average reliability. Issues like needing to replace pistons, rings, and timing chains show why you should be careful with some Terrain years.
Reliability Ratings Breakdown
Consumer Reports gives helpful information about the GMC Terrain’s reliability. The 2012 model is better than the 2010 and 2011 versions. The 2012 GMC Terrain has average reliability, but the 2010 and 2011 models are below average.
Early models had big problems like using too much oil and transmission issues. Oil consumption problems usually start around 20,000-25,000 miles. Transmission issues were often reported in the first models. Piston, rings, and timing chain replacements have been done under warranty for some cars. Regular maintenance and oil changes can help prevent these problems.
Consumer Reports says the 2012 model is more reliable than the earlier ones.
This information can help you decide if you want to buy a used GMC Terrain.
Key Reliability Metrics
When looking at the key reliability metrics, you’ll see that Consumer Reports point out big differences in how well different GMC Terrain model years perform and how dependable they are.
The 2010 and 2011 models are rated below average for reliability, mostly due to issues like oil leaks and transmission problems. The 2012 model is a bit better, falling into the average reliability category. However, first-generation Terrains, especially those from 2010 to 2014, are known for their mechanical troubles, particularly with their transmissions.
Consumer Reports’ insights can help you make better purchasing decisions by avoiding these problematic years. Paying attention to these metrics can help you avoid expensive repairs and ensure a more reliable driving experience.
Forum Recommendations
Forum recommendations offer useful insights and detailed discussions about which GMC Terrain model years to avoid for better reliability. By checking out these forums, you’ll find valuable advice from owners who’ve gone through the highs and lows with different Terrains.
Commonly mentioned GMC Terrain years to avoid include 2010 to 2014. Users often point out:
- 2010: Frequent transmission problems.
- 2011: Engine performance issues.
- 2012: Electrical system failures.
- 2013: Persistent oil consumption problems.
- 2014: Poor overall build quality.
These insights help you avoid models with recurring problems. By using the collective wisdom of the community, you can make a better decision and choose a Terrain model that offers more reliability and fewer headaches.
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Gmc Canyon, Gmc Acadia and Gmc Acadia. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
Conclusion
If you’re considering a GMC Terrain, it’s a good idea to steer clear of the first-generation models. The 2010 model had transmission problems, and the 2014 version had issues with build quality.
These years can teach you what to avoid in a car. Instead, go for a second-generation model or the 2016 version to avoid expensive repairs. Why learn the hard way?
