2018 Gmc Terrain Safety Report

2018 GMC Terrain: High NHTSA Crash Ratings Mask Significant Brake, Transmission, and Airbag Complaint Patterns

208Complaints
5Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
14Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
12Injuries
Most reported components: Service Brakes (38)Unknown Or Other (19)Power Train (17)Engine (16)Electrical System (13)Service Brakes,Engine (10)Air Bags (9)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (6)Fuel/Propulsion System (4)Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine (4)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Gmc Terrain

The 2018 GMC Terrain presents a mixed safety profile. While it achieved excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA, scoring 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover, its complaint data reveals several concerning patterns. With 208 total complaints, including 14 crashes, 1 fire, and 12 injuries, there are notable issues that impact real-world safety. The most frequent complaints revolve around the 'SERVICE BRAKES' (38 complaints) and 'POWER TRAIN' (17 complaints), with specific mentions of brake vacuum pump failures leading to loss of braking power and transmission issues causing loss of propulsion or inability to shift. The vehicle has been subject to 5 recalls, directly addressing some of the reported problems. For instance, a recall for 'POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION' addresses missing bolts that could lead to oil leaks and loss of propulsion, aligning with transmission-related complaints. Another recall for 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER' points to potential reductions in braking performance. Furthermore, a critical recall for 'AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE' highlights a risk of non-deployment in a crash, which is particularly concerning given a complaint explicitly mentioning airbags not deploying in a T-bone collision. Despite strong crash test performance, the high volume of complaints, particularly concerning critical safety systems like brakes and airbags, suggests potential real-world reliability and safety shortcomings. The recurring themes of sudden loss of braking, transmission failures leading to loss of propulsion, and airbag system malfunctions, even with recalls, indicate areas where owners have experienced significant safety risks. Prospective buyers should be aware of these documented issues and ensure all recall remedies have been performed.

Reliability Score

The 2018 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.

Known Issues for the 2018 Gmc Terrain

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Gmc Terrain:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
Sudden loss of power assist braking, leading to a hard brake pedal and significantly increased stopping distances, often without warning. Multiple complaints describe near-accidents or rolling into ditches.		 High Common 50000-120000 miles
Transmission Failure/Inability To Shift
Vehicle unable to shift out of park, displaying 'Transmission Unable to Shift' messages, or experiencing sudden loss of propulsion while driving. This aligns with a recall for transmission issues.		 High Common 40000-80000 miles
Airbag Non-Deployment/System Malfunction
Airbags failing to deploy in a crash, or 'Service Safety Restraint System' warnings and airbag lights illuminating. A recall exists for the sensing diagnostic module (SDM) not powering down correctly.		 High Occasional Any miles
Engine Power Loss/Turbo Issues
Reports of turbo boost going out, leading to significant power loss, sluggish acceleration, and sometimes requiring engine replacement due to issues like broken piston lands.		 Medium Occasional 60000-100000 miles
Infotainment System Malfunctions
Touchscreen becoming unresponsive, random app icon deletion, radio station changes, or GPS screen going blank.		 Low Occasional Any miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Gmc Terrain:

Service Brakes 18% of complaints

Predominantly related to brake vacuum pump failures causing sudden loss of braking power and hard brake pedals, leading to increased stopping distances and crash risk.

Power Train 8% of complaints

Issues include transmission failures, inability to shift gears, and loss of propulsion, sometimes linked to driveshaft separation or internal transmission component failures.

Engine 8% of complaints

Reports of engine power loss, turbocharger issues, and in some cases, complete engine failure requiring replacement due to internal component breakdown.

Air Bags 4% of complaints

Concerns about airbags not deploying in collisions and 'Service Safety Restraint System' warnings, indicating potential malfunctions of the airbag control module.

Electrical System 6% of complaints

Various electrical issues, including infotainment system malfunctions, random warnings, and problems affecting other vehicle systems.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Gmc Terrain

Is the 2018 GMC Terrain safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 GMC Terrain received excellent 5-star overall, frontal, and side crash test ratings, and a 4-star rollover rating. However, it has 208 owner complaints, including 14 crashes and 12 injuries, with significant recurring issues related to brake vacuum pump failures, transmission problems, and airbag malfunctions, some of which are addressed by 5 recalls. While crash protection is strong, real-world reliability of critical safety components is a concern.

What are common problems with the 2018 GMC Terrain?

The most reported issues for the 2018 GMC Terrain are related to the 'SERVICE BRAKES' (38 complaints), primarily due to brake vacuum pump failures causing loss of braking power. 'POWER TRAIN' (17 complaints) issues, including transmission failures and inability to shift, are also common. Other significant problems include 'ENGINE' (16 complaints) issues like power loss and turbo failures, and 'AIR BAGS' (9 complaints) concerning non-deployment or system warnings.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 GMC Terrain?

Yes, the 2018 GMC Terrain has 5 recalls. These include recalls for 'POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION' (potential loss of propulsion), 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC' (reduced braking performance), 'FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE' (fire risk from fuel leaks), 'AIR BAGS' (non-deployment risk), and 'POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT' (loss of propulsion).

How does the 2018 GMC Terrain perform in crash tests?

The 2018 GMC Terrain performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star Overall Safety Rating. It received 5 stars for both Frontal Crash and Side Crash tests, and a 4-star rating for Rollover resistance.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2018 GMC Terrain?

When considering a used 2018 GMC Terrain, prioritize checking service records to ensure all 5 recalls have been addressed. Pay close attention to brake pedal feel for any unusual hardness, listen for transmission shifting issues, and confirm there are no active airbag warning lights, as these are common and critical safety concerns reported by owners.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, prospective buyers should be cautious due to numerous complaints regarding critical safety components like brakes, transmissions, and airbags; ensure all 5 recalls have been completed and thoroughly inspect these systems.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Gmc Terrain

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Gmc Terrain. The data includes 208 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 14 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 12 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Gmc Terrain an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 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.