Photo: Kevauto / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2018 GMC Terrain: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Terrain years.
220 owner complaints, most about service brakes. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 Terrain?The 2018 GMC Terrain has 220 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and engine.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 GMC Terrain vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Terrain years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the Terrain?
Across the 17 Terrain model years we track, complaint volume runs from 35 (2021) to 397 (2011). With 220 complaints, the 2018 Terrain sits above the model's median of 185.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2018 Terrain
air bags: air bag/restraint control module
Campaign 18V340000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 GMC Terrain vehicles. The sensing diagnostic module (SDM) that senses a crash and deploys the necessary air bags may not power down correctly when the vehicle is shut off, causing it to be inoperative when the vehicle is restarted.
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper
Campaign 18V576000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 18V358000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
power train:automatic transmission
Campaign 20V668000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Show 1 more recall
power train:driveline:driveshaft
Campaign 17V516000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. Owners of newer models (2022+) report positive experiences with basic maintenance and no major issues up to 70,000 miles, describing the vehicle as comfortable and feature-rich.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Terrain. See the full Terrain owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Terrain listings typically run $15,277–$25,712.
Other Terrain model years
Compare every Terrain year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Terrain against its rivals
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