2017 GMC Terrain: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Final first-generation Terrain and one of the more sorted years, but the 2.4L can still consume oil (PCV/rear-main-seal cold-weather complaints appear). Comfortable and well-equipped. Favor a documented V6 or a four-cylinder with a clean oil-consumption record. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2017 GMC Terrain ranged from $24,070 to $34,275 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Final first-generation Terrain and one of the more sorted years, but the 2.4L can still consume oil (PCV/rear-main-seal cold-weather complaints appear). Comfortable and well-equipped. Favor a documented V6 or a four-cylinder with a clean oil-consumption record.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=terrain&m…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/gmc/terrain
- slashgear.comhttps://www.slashgear.com/1723418/gmc-terrain-best-worst-years/
Known issues
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The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is prone to excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings and a poor PCV design, which can starve and stretch the timing chain and lead to stalling or engine failure; GM issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings.
widespread · 729 NHTSA complaints · typically 50k–120k miles · engine
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Timing chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L engine, often a downstream effect of low oil from the consumption problem, can trigger check-engine codes, rattle on start-up and, if ignored, catastrophic engine damage.
commonly reported · typically 60k–130k miles · engine
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Windshield wiper and visibility failures recur across the first generation, with wipers stopping mid-operation in rain; a common safety-related complaint especially on 2010-2016 models.
commonly reported · 200 NHTSA complaints · electrical
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The 6-speed automatic draws complaints of hard shifting, jerking and hesitation, most prominent on early 2010-2012 models.
occasional · 140 NHTSA complaints · transmission
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (7)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=terrain&m…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=terrain&m…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=terrain&m…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=terrain&m…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=terrain&m…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=terrain&m…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=terrain&m…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Quiet, comfortable and upscale-feeling cabin for a compact SUV of its era
- Strong highway fuel economy from the 2.4L four-cylinder for a boxy SUV
- Available 3.0L/3.6L V6 gives confident passing and towing capability
- Roomy rear seat with sliding adjustment and generous cargo space
Cons
- Heavy curb weight blunts acceleration and real-world economy, especially on the four-cylinder
- The 2.4L engine carries a real oil-consumption and timing-chain reliability risk with potentially costly repairs
- Recurring windshield-wiper and dated infotainment complaints
- Below-average overall reliability ranking for the class
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SL | $24,070 | discontinued | — | — |
| SLE | $27,300 | discontinued | — | — |
| SLT | $30,920 | discontinued | — | — |
| Denali | $34,275 | $42,200 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2017-gmc-terrain-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/gmc-terrain-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($24,070). Higher trims started higher (up to $34,275), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/gmc-terrain/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $550–600/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~210k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/gmc/terrain
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/how-much-do-new-cars-cost-to-insure/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2017 GMC Terrain have?
Documented issue patterns include: The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is prone to excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings and a poor PCV design, which can starve and stretch the timing chain and lead to stalling or engine failure; GM issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings; Timing chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L engine, often a downstream effect of low oil from the consumption problem, can trigger check-engine codes, rattle on start-up and, if ignored, catastrophic engine damage; Windshield wiper and visibility failures recur across the first generation, with wipers stopping mid-operation in rain; a common safety-related complaint especially on 2010-2016 models; The 6-speed automatic draws complaints of hard shifting, jerking and hesitation, most prominent on early 2010-2012 models. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2017 GMC Terrain reliable?
Final first-generation Terrain and one of the more sorted years, but the 2.4L can still consume oil (PCV/rear-main-seal cold-weather complaints appear). Comfortable and well-equipped. Favor a documented V6 or a four-cylinder with a clean oil-consumption record.
How much did the 2017 GMC Terrain cost new?
Between $24,070 and $34,275 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the GMC Terrain expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $550–600/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.