VehicleVerdict

2018 GMC Terrain problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2018 GMC Terrain sits mid-pack among Terrain years: 317 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 283, with 5 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 17 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (75), engine (51), and electrical system (42), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

317

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

22

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

17

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Terrain years?

Terrain NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted557 complaints2010: 426 complaints2011: 557 complaints2012: 500 complaints2013: 484 complaints2014: 385 complaints2015: 382 complaints2016: 180 complaints2017: 181 complaints2018: 317 complaints2019: 287 complaints2020: 282 complaints2021: 50 complaints2022: 65 complaints2023: 63 complaints2024: 70 complaints2025: 26 complaints2026: 29 complaints
Terrain NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Terrain years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 GMC Terrain problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes7524%
Engine5116%
Electrical System4213%
Transmission4113%
Other3310%
Fuel System155%
Airbags144%
Driver Assistance113%
Speed Control83%
Steering62%
Visibility & Wipers52%
Tires & Wheels31%
Seat Belts31%
Body & Structure31%
Seats31%
Suspension21%
Lighting10%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2018 GMC Terrain have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V668000TransmissionOctober 29, 2020 · 194,105 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Consequence

Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

18V576000BrakesAugust 30, 2018 · 210,628 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Consequence

A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

18V358000Fuel SystemMay 31, 2018 · 895 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Consequence

A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

18V340000AirbagsMay 24, 2018 · 88,503 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 GMC Terrain vehicles. The sensing diagnostic module (SDM) that senses a crash and deploys the necessary air bags may not power down correctly when the vehicle is shut off, causing it to be inoperative when the vehicle is restarted.

Consequence

If the SDM becomes inoperative, it will not detect a crash or command the necessary air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18179.

17V516000TransmissionAugust 22, 2017 · 2,905 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.

Consequence

If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17329.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY 2018 GMC TERRAIN BRAKES DID NOT WORK WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT STOP LIGHTS WHICH CAUSED ME TO REAR END THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THERE WAS NO WARNING ON MY SUV NOR DID I RECEIVE A RECALL ON THIS MATTER. THIS HAPPENED TWICE TO ME IN THIS SAME VEHICLE WHERE THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND AT A LOW SPEED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 31, 2021 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. THE VENTS LOCATED NEAR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL EMITTED A STRONG BURNING ODOR WHEN THE HEATING SYSTEM OR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 1, 2018 · fire

“SCREEN WENT BLACK AND WARNING CHIMES AND SEAT VIBRATION DID NOT GO OFF WHEN BACKING UP. HAD TO FILE A CLAIM WITH INSURANCE TO FIX MY DENTED BUMPER. I ALSO EXPERIENCE ISSUES WITH THE AUDIO BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I AM NOT ABLE TO CHANGE THE SONG IN I AM ON APPLE PLAY AND THERE IS ALWAYS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 12, 2019 · crash

“THE CAR KEEPS REVVING AND DOESN'T SHIFT INTO GEAR. YOU HAVE TO LIFT YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND GIVE IT A FEW SECONDS AND THEM PRESS IT AGAIN. HOWEVER WHEN YOU PRESS THE GAS AGAIN THE CAR JUMPS INTO GEAR CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO JERK EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT. IT EITHER REVS TOO HIGH OR IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 8, 2020 · crash

“THE CAR KEEPS REVVING AND DOESN'T SHIFT INTO GEAR. YOU HAVE TO LIFT YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND GIVE IT A FEW SECONDS AND THEM PRESS IT AGAIN. HOWEVER WHEN YOU PRESS THE GAS AGAIN THE CAR JUMPS INTO GEAR CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO JERK EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT. IT EITHER REVS TOO HIGH OR IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 8, 2020 · crash

2018 GMC Terrain — common questions

Is the 2018 GMC Terrain reliable?

It is close to typical for the Terrain: 317 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2018 Terrain problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (75 complaints), engine (51 complaints), electrical system (42 complaints).

Does the 2018 GMC Terrain have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 GMC Terrain. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which GMC Terrain years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Terrain years to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2013, 2010. The cleanest record among Terrain years belongs to 2025.

How safe is the 2018 GMC Terrain?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 GMC Terrain earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.