2019 GMC Terrain Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners of the 2019 GMC Terrain frequently report engine issues, with a notable pattern involving vacuum pump failures leading to catastrophic engine damage and the need for full engine replacements. Complaints often describe symptoms such as the vehicle entering limp mode, abnormal engine sounds, and stalling, with some incidents occurring at highway speeds. Multiple reports involve safety implications, including two incidents of engine fires and sudden loss of power, which pose significant risks while driving. These issues appear across various mileage ranges, from as low as 14,000 miles to over 100,000 miles. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring engine problems and the potential safety hazards they may present.

Owners of the 2019 GMC Terrain frequently report issues related to the vacuum pump, which can lead to a loss of braking power, engine power, and steering control. Symptoms described include sudden dashboard warnings like “engine speed reduced” and “service brakes,” followed by stiff brakes and eventual vehicle shutdown. Such failures have been reported at various mileages and can result in significant engine damage, with some owners requiring engine replacement. Additionally, several complaints mention panoramic sunroof glass shattering unexpectedly while driving. These issues, particularly the vacuum pump failure, have safety implications, including one reported crash and injury, highlighting potential risks for prospective buyers.

Owners of the 2019 GMC Terrain frequently report issues with the back-up camera system, specifically noting that the display screen shows a blue or blank image instead of the rear view when the vehicle is in reverse. Complaints often mention that the "Service Rear Vision System" message appears, with some owners linking the problem to Technical Service Bulletin 19-NA-076. The failure typically occurs at mileages ranging from approximately 7,681 to 88,000 miles. One report includes a crash where the inoperable camera contributed to a collision with a telephone pole, highlighting a potential safety risk. This information may be relevant for used car buyers considering this model, particularly in assessing the reliability of the back-up camera system.

Owners of the 2019 GMC Terrain frequently report issues with the steering system. Complaints often describe the steering wheel locking up intermittently, particularly when the ESC system activates or when turning at low speeds. Another common symptom is a sharp jerk in the steering wheel during acceleration from a stop, attributed to voltage loss in the steering gear. Some owners also mention a hard brake pedal and limited steering assist, leading to near loss of vehicle control. These issues occur at various mileages and can lead to potentially unsafe driving conditions.

Owners of the 2019 GMC Terrain report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly involving the shifter system and adaptive cruise control. Complaints frequently mention the ease of accidentally shifting into neutral due to the electronic button design, which can be triggered by objects or passengers, leading to a sudden loss of power. This issue is noted alongside the absence of an audible alert to inform drivers of the unintended shift, potentially causing confusion and safety risks during driving. Additionally, one owner describes the vehicle aggressively applying brakes without reason while adaptive cruise control is activated. These incidents occur at various mileages, with one specific report detailing occurrences as early as August 2019. Safety implications include potential loss of control and increased risk of accidents, which prospective buyers should consider.

Owners of the 2019 GMC Terrain report issues related to the electronic stability control system, with repeated instances of warning lights for ESC, ABS, traction control, and engine malfunction appearing, often while driving on highways. Some describe the problem as intermittent, with warning indicators disappearing after restarting the vehicle, but recurring multiple times, leading to breakdowns and towing. One complaint highlights a more serious incident where a malfunction in the braking system during stop-and-go traffic resulted in a crash due to loss of braking control. These issues appear to occur across a range of driving conditions and may result in extended diagnostic periods at dealerships. Safety implications are significant, particularly in cases involving loss of vehicle control and crashes.

Owners of the 2019 GMC Terrain report issues with air bag deployment during crashes. In one instance, the air bags deployed, but metal fragments from the air bag caused severe facial injuries to the driver. In another case, the air bags failed to deploy when the vehicle was hit on the driver side, resulting in an injury. Both incidents occurred around 20,000 miles, and both involved crashes with injuries, highlighting significant safety concerns for potential buyers.