2017 Gmc Terrain Safety Report
2017 GMC Terrain Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Gmc Terrain
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Gmc Terrain. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (131) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 13 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Gmc Terrain with 30 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Gmc Terrain before buying across this generation. |
Gmc Terrain Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Gmc Terrain years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Gmc Terrain | 208 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Gmc Terrain | 144 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Gmc Terrain | 167 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Gmc Terrain | 309 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Gmc Terrain | 164 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Gmc Terrain | 30 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2017 Gmc Terrain Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Gmc Terrain, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
54 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Gmc onlyPower Train
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Gmc onlyExterior Lighting
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Gmc onlyUnknown Or Other
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Gmc onlyUnknown Or Other,Engine
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other,Engine issues Gmc onlyAir Bags
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Gmc onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Gmc Terrain
Reliability Score
The 2017 Gmc Terrain receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2017 Gmc Terrain
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2017 Gmc Terrain
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Gmc Terrain:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Main Seal Blowout Frequent reports of rear main seal blowouts leading to engine failure and reduced engine power, causing significant safety concerns. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Failure Engine failures have been reported, including catastrophic engine failure and reduced engine power, leading to potential safety risks. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Headlight Reflection Issue General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles due to a reflection issue that could impair visibility. |
Medium | Common | 20k-40k miles |
| Wiper Blade Issues Wiper blades have been reported to pop or break multiple times, leading to inconvenience and potential safety issues. |
Medium | Common | 20k-40k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Gmc Terrain:
Frequent reports of engine issues, including rear main seal blowouts and engine failures.
Recall due to reflection issues that could impair visibility.
Multiple reports of wiper blades popping or breaking.
Power steering assembly failure leading to a fire and engine malfunction.
Recall Details for the 2017 Gmc Terrain
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2017 Gmc Terrain by NHTSA:
Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Gmc Terrain
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Gmc Terrain with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 involved fires.
Wiper blades transmission plastic parts keep popping or breaking this is the THIRD time this has happened at a cost of $350. Why would you use plastic parts for this knowing that it will break easily? Who can afford to keep replacing this? 12
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after the vehicle was taken to a local car wash, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence; however, the next day, the vehicle hesitated while starting. The message "Stabilizer - Power to Engine Reduced" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local indepen...
I had a message flash that said the power to the engine was reduce. Next message said check stabilink ( or something similar).. it said drive with caution. I live 2 mins from my job I drove home and pulled in the driveway I then felt the car act like it wanted to shake. This was on 2-10-26 I contacted onstar asked them to run a diagnostic. The codes that came back P0016 p0089 p228D are very well ...
Rear main seal blow out
Traveling on the expressway, engine made wearing noise, reduced engine power and complete engine failure while driving. Rear main seal blowout due to a defective PCV system freezing. It is a known issue for GM2.4L engine especially in cold weather leading to massive oil loss and catastrophic engine damage. This has been confirmed by a GM authorized dealer.
On January 31, 2026, while driving on the highway, my 2017 GMC Terrain suddenly began shaking as if it was going to stall. Thankfully, I managed to exit the interstate before the vehicle lost power. Luckily, when this happened, it "only" blocked traffic on a side road. The Terrain was towed to my garage. The mechanic called to inform me that the vehicle was out of oil -even though it was not due...
The PCV valve froze which caused pressure to build up in the rear main seal to fail. Causing oil to leak out of the motor. Hence the motor won't hold oil.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the engine diagnostic result was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired due to...
I am filing this complaint to report a catastrophic engine failure involving my 2017 GMC Terrain equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec engine, which I believe is the result of a known manufacturing defect related to excessive oil consumption and premature internal engine wear. At approximately 88,000 miles, my vehicle experienced severe engine failure, including excessive oil consumption, timing chain fa...
[XXX], our 2017 Terrain Denali displayed code: “Low Oil/Shut Engine Off” so had it towed to Laura Buick/GMC Colllinsville, IL. Laura confirmed the issue was blown rear seal due to design of intake cover and PCV. They checked with aftermarket warranty for VIN [XXX] , warranty contract number [XXX] who said it was not a covered issue. We called Warranty folks also and were told it was an “extern...
This car burns 1 quart of 5w-30 synthetic blend oil every 200 miles! The pcv valve has been cleaned numerous times and this does not affect the burning oil issue and yes this can be inspected upon request. Safety put at risk you ask, this is a ticking timebomb ready to ruin the engine due to burning oil, leaves me stranded in my rural town for fear of mechanical breakdown, need to carry two 5 q...
For a year we have had to check to the oil weekly and add oil due to the vehicle burning oil so quickly. The past month we have had to check it daily and add oil. We do regular routine oil changes and have had to get them before the next one is due. Recently when driving the “oil pressure low stop engine” light has been coming on almost daily. The oil change company has reported to us that it is d...
The power steering assembly failed and caught on fire. This then caused the engine to malfunction and no longer work. This happened while driving on the interstate at a speed of approximately 80mph. No prior check engine lights were visible
We have been keeping up with all maintenance and oil changes. We have only driven the car for less than a year. At time of oil change; the oil has been low, resulting in OVER oil consumption; Requiring an extra quart of oil to be added between oil changes. When we purchased the vehicle, there was an strong exhaust smell; The shop that we bought the vehicle stated there were no issues and we have t...
I was driving back from out of state and all the sudden the engine just got loud. So I pulled over and check oil levels. Except there is no access to the transmission oil. The only way to check this is to remove the front driverside tire, take a bolt out and see if any oil drips out. This is insane that there is no dip stick. I am taking it to a mechanic on Monday but to not have quick access to t...
Throttle position system all of a sudden went bad. My 2017 Terrain started shaking. I was holding up traffic. The sun couldn't go over 5mph. I've read online where this is happening alot in 2010'2017 GMC Terrains.
I looked up my recall on my vehicle about my headlights being recall. Never received any information there was a recall.
GM recently recalled over 500,000 car engines. The warning signs to look out for was a “knocking” sound coming from the engine. I had recently experienced the same issues that the recalled car engines were experiencing. I went to get it checked out and my mechanic said there were chunks of metal in the engine. The GM engine recall should include 2017 GMC TERRAINS SLT. If I had not got it looked at...
March 1, 2025, I was driving from Charlotte, NC east bound on highway 40 towards Wilmington and all of a sudden my car just stopped while I was in the left lane. I was able to cruise over to the right shoulder and park my car in front of a sign that read exit 298 a few feet ahead. From there I was on the highway about two hours trying to get a tow truck to tow my 2017 GMC Terrain to the nearest GM...
1st time - rear main seal blew out & engine lost all of its oil causing rocker arm to break & chains to slip-vehicle sputtered & DIED while driving down busy street & would not restart - my safety & safety of others driving behind me were at risk for causing a rear end accident and/or pile up crash - no warning lights or sounds alerted me - dealership told us General Motors is aware this is/has be...
Showing 20 of 131 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Gmc Terrain
Has the 2017 GMC TERRAIN been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 GMC TERRAIN has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2017 GMC TERRAIN have?
The 2017 GMC TERRAIN has 131 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 11 involved crashes. 7 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 GMC TERRAIN?
The 2017 GMC TERRAIN received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 GMC TERRAIN?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 GMC TERRAIN involve engine (54 complaints), power train (10 complaints), exterior lighting (7 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, unknown or other,engine, air bags.
How many crash reports does the 2017 GMC TERRAIN have?
There are 11 crash reports associated with the 2017 GMC TERRAIN out of 131 total complaints (8.4% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2017 GMC TERRAIN have?
There are 2 fire reports for the 2017 GMC TERRAIN out of 131 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 GMC TERRAIN?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 GMC TERRAIN.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 GMC TERRAIN?
7 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 GMC TERRAIN. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2017 GMC TERRAIN?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 GMC TERRAIN is acceptable with caveats. It has 131 complaints, 1 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 GMC TERRAIN?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 GMC TERRAIN are: 1. ENGINE (54 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (10 complaints), 3. EXTERIOR LIGHTING (7 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE (5 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 54 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 GMC TERRAIN?
Be cautious of potential engine and power steering issues, and ensure regular maintenance to avoid safety risks. The 2017 GMC TERRAIN has 131 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2017 GMC TERRAIN?
The 2017 GMC TERRAIN receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 131 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 13 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Rear Main Seal Blowout and Engine Failure.
What are the known issues with the 2017 GMC TERRAIN?
Known issues with the 2017 GMC TERRAIN include: Rear Main Seal Blowout, Engine Failure, Headlight Reflection Issue, Wiper Blade Issues. These are based on patterns found across 131 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2017 GMC Terrain?
Common issues include engine failures, rear main seal blowouts, and wiper blade problems.
Is there a recall for the 2017 GMC Terrain?
Yes, there is a recall for certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles due to a reflection issue in headlights.
What should I do if I experience engine issues?
Have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic to diagnose and address the issue promptly.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential engine and power steering issues, and ensure regular maintenance to avoid safety risks.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Gmc Terrain
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Gmc Terrain. The data includes 131 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 11 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 7 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Gmc Terrain an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16