2018 GMC Terrain VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2018 GMC Terrain has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 201 owner complaints on file for the 2018 GMC Terrain. Severity signals include 13 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Service Brakes (48), Power Train (38), Electrical System (29).
Terrain reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the GMC Terrain before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2018 GMC Terrain issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Service Brakes48
- Power Train38
- Electrical System29
- Unknown Or Other22
- Engine16
- Air Bags11
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 GMC Terrain
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Inspect brake vacuum pump for signs of failure or metal fragments
- Test transmission for erratic shifting or slipping
- Check infotainment system for screen malfunctions or unexpected behavior
- Verify that all door locks function properly
- Inspect engine for signs of vacuum pump or catalytic converter issues
- Test auto-stop feature and ensure it operates smoothly
- Check for any warning lights on the dashboard, especially related to brakes and airbags
2018 Terrain recalls (5)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Terrain. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- POWER TRAINNHTSA 20V668000Oct 29, 2020
General 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 18V576000Aug 30, 2018
General 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.
Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 18V358000May 31, 2018
General 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.
Consequence: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
- AIR BAGSNHTSA 18V340000May 24, 2018
General 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM with updated software, free of charge. The recall began June 29, 2018. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18179.
- POWER TRAINNHTSA 17V516000Aug 22, 2017
General 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.
Consequence: If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17329.
Used-market value
2018 GMC Terrain resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2018 GMC Terrain on the road
114,311 2018 GMC Terrain units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2018 GMC Terrain stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2018 GMC Terrain
With a 73/100 score against a 75/100 segment average, the 2018 GMC Terrain lands slightly below typical reliability for its class. That points to a mixed overall picture rather than a clear strength, with buyer risk running a bit higher than the segment norm.
Complaint activity is not confined to a single system. While service brakes lead the pattern, powertrain and electrical issues also take meaningful shares, with additional reports spread across other and engine-related areas. This distribution suggests multiple potential touchpoints rather than one dominant weak spot. The recall count is elevated, adding to the model’s reliability uncertainty, especially given its first-year, new-generation context.
Overall, the data supports a moderate-to-elevated reliability risk profile.
What you get in a 2018 GMC Terrain report
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2018 GMC Terrain — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 GMC Terrain reliable?
With a 73/100 score against a 75/100 segment average, the 2018 GMC Terrain lands slightly below typical reliability for its class. That points to a mixed overall picture rather than a clear strength, with buyer risk running a bit higher than the segment norm.
How many recalls does the 2018 GMC Terrain have?
5 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 GMC Terrain. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2018 GMC Terrain problems?
The most-reported 2018 GMC Terrain problem areas are: Service Brakes (48), Power Train (38), Electrical System (29).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 GMC Terrain?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 GMC Terrain, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.