Second generation
2018 GMC Terrain
The most reported problem on the 2018 GMC Terrain is brake wear, with 81 complaints, usually around 66,000 miles.
- 222owner complaints
- 5recalls
- 14involved a crash
- 30,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 25, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Terrain doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2018 model year.
Is the 2018 GMC Terrain reliable?
The 2018 GMC Terrain has 222 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, below the median of 331 for 2018 SUVs on this site. Of the 13 Terrain model years since 2014, it has the 3rd most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017 and 2019
- At 25 complaints for each year on the road, the 2018 runs 1.8 times the 2017 (13) and close to the 2019 (23).
- Top problem
- One problem takes up much of the file: brake wear, named in 81 of the 222 complaints (36%). A quarter of the 38 owners who gave a mileage for brake wear saw it by about 30,000 miles, and half by about 66,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 16 of the 222 complaints (7%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 14 reports mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire and 12 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 7 of 14, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Brake wear has a recall on the same system (18V-576). Stalling has none. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2024 at 36 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 25. So far in 2026, 24 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: brakes grind, pulse or wear early, 81 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
222 complaints is 1.2 times fewer than the median 2018 model on this site and 1.5 times fewer than the median 2018 SUV. Among the 8 Terrain model years here it ranks 3rd for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2018 GMC Terrain
GMC filed 1,345 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2018 GMC Terrain. 99 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 9 bulletins · 81 complaints
This preliminary information discusses potential for a code C0010.5A to store in the brake controller which appears to be setting falsely or is induced by the customer.
This preliminary information discusses the possibility of brake module damage caused by performing the rear brake service incorrectly.
7 more on this problem
This service bulletin provides information for tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system concerns.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure for a squeak and/or creak type noise heard when applying the brake and/or cycling the pedal while in park.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Service Calibration for Service ESC and/or Service Park Brake Messages.
This preliminary information discusses potential for a code C0010.5A to store in the brake controller which appears to be setting falsely and advises engineering is investigating the concern.
This Technical bulletin provides information for rear brake pad replacement to correct a squeak type noise heard from the rear brakes when cold.
This Preliminary information communicates a potential issue where there may be a squeak or creak noise from the brake pedal when applied. Engineering is investigating.
This preliminary information was created to express that engineering is investigating the issue of a service engine soon lamp on and a code P050F low vacuum code storing.
Brake pedal goes hard or the booster or vacuum pump fails 1 bulletin · 51 complaints
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the brake booster if the build date of the booster falls within a certain date due to the booster causing a Clunk Noise When Applying Brakes.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 12 bulletins · 25 complaints
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of No Crank, No Start, Quick Start/Stall, No FOB Detected, Key FOBs Inoperative, B3924 00, B3925 00, B3926 00, B3927 00, B3928 00 Set.
This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
10 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
This service bulletin provides service information for customer concerns of an in-tank fuel pump whining noise, engine hard to start and/or stalls and Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated that may be caused by gelling of fuel in cold temperatures.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of No Crank, No Start, Quick Start/Stall, No FOB Detected, Key FOBs Inoperative, B3924 00, B3925 00, B3926 00, B3927 00, B3928 00 Set.
This Preliminary information communicates that a rotational clicking noise heard after engine shut down is a design characteristic and no repairs should be attempted.
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of No Crank, No Start, Quick Start/Stall, Key Fobs Inoperative with DTCs B2924 00, B3925 00, B3926 00, B3927 00, or P0513 set.
This Preliminary information communicates A vehicle may have a concern of running poor and stalling. No trouble codes may be set referencing this condition. Fuel trims around -20% may be observed on both banks.
This Preliminary information communicates a possible BCM and/or circuit 5985 concern if DTC P0747 sets during engine shut down when the transmission is in park or neutral when no hydraulic/mechanical transmission concerns are present.
This technical bulletin is providing a procedure to reprogram the ECM to correct a condition of Runs Rough Cold or Stall Condition Upon Cold Start and/or DTC U18A2 Set (North America /Middle East- Terrain Only).
This Preliminary information communicates noises are considered to be normal operating characteristics of the vehicle when shut off. It will not impact the designed performance or reliability of the vehicle.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to repair a bad terminal and re-route the harness to prevent the future event of Radio Audio Randomly Cuts Out DTC U18B4 - Lost Communication with Radio on Ethernet Bus from happening again.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 27 bulletins · 18 complaints
This Preliminary Information communicates to the technician that some customers may comment on the operation of their haptic seat during a Lane Keep Assist event. Lane Keep Assist works differently than Lane Departure Warning.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of the Service Engine Soon Lamp Illuminated and/or Service Brake Assist Message Displayed, with DTC P0557 Stored.
25 more on this problem
This Preliminary information communicates steps to perform to determine if the concern relates to a Navigation loading concern that is under engineering investigation.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Radio Favorites Grayed Out or Unavailable at Times.
Customer Satisfaction Program. Certain 2018 model year Cadillac ATS, CTS, XTS, and GMC Terrain vehicles may have a condition where they could lose infotainment audio or lose the warning ?chimes?.
This Preliminary information communicates information on IPC Speedlimit concerns. Speed limit displays no value, toggles between values, or is blank. (All models) The speed limit unit of measurement (KPH/MPH) flashes. (for Cadillac Models only).
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Navigation radio does not have a global positioning system location but OnStar is able to accurately locate the vehicle.
This technical bulletin proves a procedure to update the rear infotainment monitors if found the cause of the audio concerns.
This Preliminary information communicates that a customer may complain of when a Bluetooth call is received the ringing will be continuous for the rest of the drive cycle . It may be noted that this only seems to occur when using an Android device on OS 9.0.
This Preliminary information communicates information on 3 IPC Speedlimit concerns. Displayed speed limit is stuck on a value, not updating as the roadway speed limit changes. 2. Speed limit displays no value or is blank. 3.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the HMI module to correct a condition of Radio Control (ICS) Display Does Not Remain Off at Times after it Has Been Turned Off in the Radio Settings Menu due to a software concern.
Plus 15 older ones not listed here.
Check engine light or misfire 42 bulletins · 15 complaints
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Vehicle Will Not Lock and Unlock (Loss of Active Functions) Crank or Start (Loss of Passive Functions) with DTC P0513 Set.
This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce ...
40 more on this problem
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the charge air cooler due to moisture getting inside of it and causing a malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with DTC P0300 and/or P0299/P2227.
This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to ...
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Vehicle Will Not Lock and Unlock (Loss of Active Functions) Crank or Start (Loss of Passive Functions) with DTC P0513 Set.
This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
This Preliminary information communicates the possibility of dtc p0299 p0234 setting due to oil/moisture cndensate freezing in Turbocharger Wastegate Regulator Solenoid Valve (TCV) during cold weather driving
This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of Reduced Engine Power, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated - DTCs P0101, P0172, P0299, P0506, and/or P1101 Set.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to install a CAC and a Grille Cover to correct the customers concern of a Malfunction Indicator Lamp Illuminated or Flashing - DTC P0300 Set When Driving In High Humidity Or In Heavy Rain.
This service bulletin provides repair procedures, depending on model year, to correct a customer concern of a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated with DTC P0172, P06DE and/or P0521 Set.
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of No Crank, No Start, B2924 00, B3925 00, B3926 00, B3927 00, or P0513 set.
Plus 30 older ones not listed here.
Airbag warning light or recall 1 bulletin · 14 complaints
This engineering informational bulletin is requesting information from the field on vehicles that have the condition of Service Airbag Indicator Illuminated with DTC U0151 Set.
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 3 bulletins · 12 complaints
This informational bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
Information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
1 more on this problem
This Preliminary information communicates that on a zero/light throttle 1-2 shift, the "D" may flash in the IPC with a flare/slip felt, as a designed calibration characteristic.
Transmission jerks, lurches or bangs into gear 4 bulletins · 11 complaints
This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise.
This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
2 more on this problem
This informational bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operations.
This informational bulletin provides information on Some vehicles may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise.
Complaints filed by year
36 complaints came in 2024. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2018 GMC Terrain
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
All 5 recalls on the 2018 GMC Terrain, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2018 GMC Terrain?
Brake wear, with 81 of the 222 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 66,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2018 GMC Terrain problems start?
Of the 101 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 9,000 miles and half by about 30,000.
Is the 2018 GMC Terrain better or worse than the 2017 and 2019?
Counted per year on the road, the 2018 has more complaints than the 2017 and about as many complaints as the 2019: 25 a year against 13 and 23.
How many 2018 GMC Terrain complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
16 of them (7%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for brake wear on the 2018 GMC Terrain?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 18V-576. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.