GMC Terrain 2018 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls issued for the GMC Terrain 2018 and 224 complaints filed by owners. It's the model year with the most complaints for the GMC Terrain between 2016 and 2025.
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a GMC Terrain 2018? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the GMC Terrain 2018
Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 20V668000 · 2020-10-29
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Brakes (hydraulic)
NHTSA campaign 18V576000 · 2018-08-30
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Fuel system
NHTSA campaign 18V358000 · 2018-05-31
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Air bags
NHTSA campaign 18V340000 · 2018-05-24
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 17V516000 · 2017-08-22
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
224 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
14 with a crash · 1 with a fire · 12 injuries
Most reported problems on the GMC Terrain 2018
- Brakes: 70 (31% of complaints)
- Engine: 55 (25% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 40 (18% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 35 (16% of complaints)
- Brakes (hydraulic): 12 (5% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a GMC Terrain 2018
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Brake hard somewhere safe: the car shouldn't pull to one side and the pedal shouldn't sink; check rotors and pads.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 GMC Terrain SUV FWD Later Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2018 GMC Terrain SUV AWD Later Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2018 GMC Terrain SUV AWD Early Release | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2018 GMC Terrain SUV FWD Early Release | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
GMC Terrain recalls by year
- 2016 : 2 recalls · 152 complaints
- 2017 : 1 recall · 135 complaints
- 2018 : 5 recalls · 224 complaints
- 2019 : 3 recalls · 186 complaints
- 2020 : 2 recalls · 197 complaints
- 2021 : 2 recalls · 36 complaints
- 2022 : 2 recalls · 88 complaints
- 2023 : 2 recalls · 40 complaints
- 2024 : 1 recall · 52 complaints
- 2025 : 0 recalls · 13 complaints
Guides for this check
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the GMC Terrain 2018 have?
NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls issued for the GMC Terrain 2018. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the GMC Terrain 2018?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: brakes (70 of 224 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 18, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).