2018 GMC Terrain recalls and problems

The 2018 GMC Terrain has 5 safety recalls and 227 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

227

Crashes / fires

14 / 1

Injuries / deaths

12 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 GMC Terrain vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 GMC Terrain recalls

Recall 20V-668: Power Train

Reported Oct 29, 2020 · 194,105 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 18V-576: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Aug 30, 2018 · 210,628 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 18V-358: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported May 31, 2018 · 895 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 18V-340: Air Bags

Reported May 24, 2018 · 88,503 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 17V-516: Power Train

Reported Aug 22, 2017 · 2,905 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2018 GMC Terrain problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Service Brakes	70
Engine	55
Power Train	42
Electrical System	35
Unknown or Other	35
Air Bags	14
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	13
Fuel/Propulsion System	12
Forward Collision Avoidance	9
Vehicle Speed Control	8
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	7
Steering	7

Most reported parts

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 5
Structure › Body — 3
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 3
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 1
Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 1
Electrical System › Adas › Blindspot › Sensors — 1
Air Bags › Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/Light — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 19,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 GMC Terrain complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 106,727 miles · reported Nov 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The contact stated that gasoline was leaking from the engine while refueling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V358000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The failure mileage was 106,727.

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 92,000 miles · reported Oct 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle unexpectedly stopped. The contact exited the vehicle and there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed and the tow truck operator stated that there was gasoline leaking underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with high-pressure fuel pump failure. The mechanic referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V358000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); as the possible cause of the failure. However, the VIN was…

Power Train · reported Oct 20, 2026

This car was my daily driver to work it's been serviced regularly and well maintained, in XXX I've had the car for 8 years and driving home from work on the [XXX] it started to Rev very high and I wasn't able to speed up past 55 so I got in the slow lane and the car was not shifting gears and the transmission light came on, I took it to a garage who said the error code was P0700 and I would need a whole new transmission which would cost 8k the trade in value for the 2018 GMC terrain is about that price, having a transmission fail after just 8 years is unacceptable, I've read there is a recall…

Service Brakes · reported Oct 14, 2026

On XXX while driving my 2018 GMC Terrain SLE 1.5L turbo on the highway at approximately 70 MPH near [XXX]. I experienced a sudden loss of power brake assist without any prior dashboard warning lights or messages. I was traveling with children to [XXX] for a youth wrestling tournament, approximately 5 hours from my residence. The brake pedal became extremely hard to press, requiring excessive force to slow the vehicle while traveling at highway speeds. I was transporting children at the time, creating a serious safety concern. Because I was away from home and needed to get the children to their…

Service Brakes · reported Sep 30, 2026

Without any type of warning, I was driving down the road when my car started making a knocking/ticking type noise then my engine light came on. I attempted to hit my brakes and stop, and I had no control. There was no brakes without pushing it all the way to the floor it was very hard to get my car to stop. I managed to get off the road and into a parking lot and now told that I have $5000 worth of repairs, including the vacuum pump, camshaft timing and guides. After reading information I see there is complaints filed regarding this failed vacuum pump and I would just like to report this.

Other GMC Terrain years

2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 201920182017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010

Compare all GMC Terrain years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 GMC Terrain have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 GMC Terrain: 20V-668 (power train), 18V-576 (service brakes, hydraulic), 18V-358 (fuel system, gasoline), 18V-340 (air bags), 17V-516 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 GMC Terrain?

Owners report service brakes problems most often (70 reports), followed by engine (55). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 19,000 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.