2021 GMC Terrain

The 2021 GMC Terrain is a compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride and user-friendly technology. It is powered by a standard 1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4 engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Terrain offers a spacious interior for its class and a stylish exterior design. Some owners appreciate the Terrain’s fuel efficiency and ease of driving, while others find the engine performance to be lacking and the interior materials not as premium as some competitors. Common complaints often revolve around the infotainment system and some reliability concerns.

Engine

1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-offs between scheduled oil changes. The engine may also exhibit blue smoke from the exhaust pipe.
  • Solution: The dealer may perform an oil consumption test to verify the issue. If confirmed, the fix could range from replacing the PCV valve to potentially replacing the piston rings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Stalling/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report the engine stalling, especially when accelerating from a stop or at low speeds. Hesitation or rough idling may also be present.
  • Solution: Diagnostics may involve checking the fuel injectors, spark plugs, and ignition coils. Software updates to the engine control module (ECM) might also be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Jerking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners experience harsh shifting, particularly between lower gears. The transmission may also jerk or clunk during shifts.
  • Solution: A software update to the transmission control module (TCM) might resolve the issue. In some cases, a transmission fluid flush or replacement of faulty solenoids may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement of the transmission when shifting into drive or reverse. The vehicle may hesitate before moving.
  • Solution: Check the transmission fluid level and condition. If the fluid is low or contaminated, a fluid flush may be needed. In severe cases, internal transmission damage might necessitate a rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may freeze, crash, or become unresponsive. The screen may go blank, or the system may reboot unexpectedly.
  • Solution: Try a hard reset of the infotainment system. If the problem persists, a software update or replacement of the infotainment unit may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The backup camera may fail to display an image, show a distorted image, or intermittently cut out.
  • Solution: Check the camera connection and wiring for damage. Replacing the camera or the infotainment unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Power Liftgate Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The power liftgate may fail to open or close properly, or it may get stuck in either position.
  • Solution: Inspect the liftgate struts and sensors for damage. Recalibrating or replacing the liftgate motor may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Malfunctioning Climate Control
  • Description/Symptoms: Air Conditioning may not function correctly. Temperature controls may not respond. Air only blows out of one vent.
  • Solution: Check for any faulty actuators. Replacement of a climate control module might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 GMC Terrain, while generally reliable, does present some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. The most prevalent problems revolve around the engine and transmission, with potential for costly repairs related to excessive oil consumption, harsh shifting, and infotainment system malfunctions. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to more significant mechanical problems.