CarModelProblems.com

2018 GMC Terrain Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Service Brakes — runs 4.6× the fleet median for that category across the 2075 model-years tracked on this site.
212Complaints
5Recalls
14Crashes
1Fires
12Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Service Brakes (30.2% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Service Brakes complaints here are 4.6× the median for that category across the 2075 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Service Brakes64 · 30.2%RecalledRecall 18V576000
Engine50 · 23.6%not available
Power Train40 · 18.9%RecalledRecall 20V668000 · Recall 17V516000
Electrical System33 · 15.6%not available
Air Bags13 · 6.1%RecalledRecall 18V340000
Fuel/propulsion System12 · 5.7%RecalledRecall 18V358000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

SERVICE BRAKES64 · 30.2%
ENGINE50 · 23.6%
POWER TRAIN40 · 18.9%
Unspecified / other33 · 15.6%
AIR BAGS13 · 6.1%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM12 · 5.7%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC9 · 4.2%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL8 · 3.8%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)7 · 3.3%

Percentages are the share of the 212 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 5 campaigns

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

NHTSA campaign 18V340000 · 2018 · reported 05/24/2018

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper

NHTSA campaign 18V576000 · 2018 · reported 08/30/2018

A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

NHTSA campaign 18V358000 · 2018 · reported 05/31/2018

A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission

NHTSA campaign 20V668000 · 2020 · reported 10/29/2020

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 17V516000 · 2017 · reported 08/22/2017

If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“While getting off the interstate, the brakes failed with no prior warning, or issues. The brake pedal became extremely difficult to depress and stopping distance…”NHTSA complaint 11476977 — filed 08/01/2022 · SERVICE BRAKES
“6/3/22 I went to the grocery store which is on a four lane road. When I left the store I had no brakes. On a…”NHTSA complaint 11467275 — filed 06/03/2022 · SERVICE BRAKES
“I was driving out of town (2 hrs from home) with my 2 small children and my mother, when I tried to slow to come…”NHTSA complaint 11466812 — filed 05/31/2022 · SERVICE BRAKES

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

42017392018452019172020262021372022412023532024402025152026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 GMC Terrain?

Service brakes issues are the most-reported category, cited in 64 of 212 NHTSA complaints (30.2%), followed by engine (50), power train (40), electrical system (33). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2018 GMC Terrain have?

212 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 14 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 12 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2018 GMC Terrain have any recalls?

Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V340000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2018 GMC Terrain's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.