GMC Timing Chain Recalls: Worth Worrying About?

Amanda T
Jan 15, 2021

When the GMC Terrain first came out, many didn’t know what to think of its “boxy/futuristic” design. However, once they had a chance to drive it, it wasn’t long before sales took off. Sadly, this doesn’t mean it wasn’t exempt from recalls.

Has GMC issued any timing chain recalls for the Terrain?

As of September 2020, GMC has yet to issue a recall on Terrain timing chains, but many customers are having timing chain issues. Some customer complaints regarding the GMC Terrain timing chain include: 

  • Timing chain breaks while car is in motion, resulting in loss of control
  • Faulty timing chain results in vehicle stalling while in motion
  • Stretched timing change due to vehicles quickly burning through oil

2019 GMC Terrain From Front-Driver Side

If you’re struggling with timing chain issues with your GMC Terrain, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll look at common customer complaints in detail, and go over what to do to remedy these issues.

Timing Chain Breaks Causing Loss of Control

Some GMC Terrain owners have had issues in which the timing chain breaks, resulting in a loss of control of the vehicle while driving.

If ignored, this issue can cause serious injury or death to drivers and passengers and can cause major safety issues for other drivers. A broken timing change can also cause further damage to the car’s engine, resulting in costly repairs.

In order to fix this issue, your dealer or mechanic will replace your timing chain. If your timing chain has already broken, your engine may require more extensive repairs.

Faulty Timing Chain Causes Vehicle Stalling

A faulty timing chain in the GMC Terrain can cause the vehicle to stall while in motion. Customers state that the faulty timing chain causes the vehicle to slow down without warning, eventually coming to a stop.

If ignored, this issue poses danger to the driver, passengers, and others on the road. Stopping without warning can result in a crash.

In order to fix this issue, your mechanic or dealer will inspect your timing chain and replace the chain if necessary.

Stretched Timing Chain Due to Burning Oil

If you’ve noticed that your GMC Terrain is burning through oil more quickly than can be remedied by regular oil changes, you’ll want to have your mechanic check your timing chain.

If ignored, this issue can cause major engine damage.

A stretched timing chain can result in your car losing oil extremely quickly, which can cause your engine to fail to run properly. Permanent damage can be done to your car if you drive without enough oil for your engine to function as intended.

In order to fix this issue, your dealer or mechanic will inspect and replace your timing chain if necessary.

How Do You Handle a Recall on Your GMC Terrain?

If you own a GMC Terrain and are not sure whether there’s an open recall on your vehicle, it’s important to do some research.

Start by looking up your vehicle on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. Using your VIN or the make and model of your car, you’ll be able to discover any open recalls on your vehicle.

If you find that your GMC Terrain has an open recall and you’re not sure what you should do next, reach out to GM customer service at 1 (866) 522-9559.

They’ll be able to direct you to a reputable mechanic. In addition to getting the information you need about your vehicle, your phone call will allow GM to learn more about the issue you’re having, which may help them decide to issue a recall.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Glenn on March 23, 2024
2015 GMC Terrain timing chain
Avoid the Terrain at all costs. In Jan 2022, I purchased a used 2015GMc TerraiN for my wife since it had great stability in the snow. A year later we were taking a trip out and the timing chain tensioner was damaged causing the timing chain to come loose while we were on the Interstate. At high speeds, it was not noticeable but when we slowed down the car sounded like a tractor. We decided to pull into a hotel for the night and have the car inspected the next day. Turned out the loose timing chain chewed up the gears and shot metal through the engine. This all happened at about 80k miles on the engine. We stayed in the hotel for about a week and the engine replacement was $8400. We owed too much on the car to do anything else but have it repairs but decided that once we got close to paying off the loan that we would sell it. Here is the kicker. March 2024 14 months later, it happened again. This time were home and no obvious signs of problems prior. Started up the car one morning and it was sounding like a tractor again. Got the vehicle towed and the engine is gone again this time with 90k on it. Auto shop wants $12k. It is just blowing my mind that in the 2 years we’ve had this vehicle two engines have been damaged by fault timing chains. This has been a total disaster to us financially. Save yourself some grief and never buy the GMC Terrain
accountCircle JJ on March 23, 2024
2015 GMC Terrain
Timing chain broke and ruined engine at 83k miles. Went to lunch, car was jumping when i stopped at light while in gear. Called Midas and was in by 2pm same day. Mechanic called an hour later to tell me the timing chain broke, there were likely metal shavings in my engine and I would need a completely new engine. Said he looked for a used engine, but couldn't find anything cheaper, and a remanufactured engine to the tune of $13,000. Yikes. Guess I'm buying a new car this weekend unless GMC suddenlydies something. So frustrated. This car has 83k miles has regular oil changes. Paid it off last year, just got new tires 1.5 years ago, new tire pressure sensors and oil change 2 weeks ago. I loved my car up until now and was planning to keep it for 4 more years then pass it to my niece as the mileage would still be low and she need her first car by then. What is GMC going to do to make this right for everyone?
accountCircle Michele on February 12, 2024
2016 Terrain BUSTED
I purchased a 2016 Terrain in 2022 with 45000 miles on it. I kept the maintance up on the vehicle and I checked my oil on the vehicle prior to taking a road trip, plus I had taken it in 2 weeks prior for its inspection and was given no indication that it needed the timing belt replaced by service dealer. So I took my trip on the 13th of January of this new year and I lost power on the highway and the vehicle shut down leaving me stranded on the side of the highway, I got it towed the service dealer called and informed me the belt broke and it needed a new motor which is 11000 and the vehicle had 108000 miles on it. I always check my oil before traveling. I didn't know this model had issues with the timing belt. I had to get another vehicle and I'm still stuck in auto loan for a vehicle i can't drive. Has anyone contacted GMC
accountCircle Dee on February 13, 2024
GMC Terrain 2015
So I have a 2015 Terrain and I am sooo frustrated at the moment. My Timing belt & whatever else it’s connected to, all completely went out. No issues to my knowledge before hand, yes the replacing of oil but that’s just annoying still it’s a small thing in comparison to this issue. A issue that is 6k to fix, I totally do not have that type of money. I searched around and found plenty complaints on the engine however no results or recalls are found. I am so lost & upset I could & did scream, this is unacceptable for all Terrain owners. Oh and no my car hasn’t reached 100k in mileage. What do I do?????? Pissed! And I found that after 2024, they possibly will discontinue the Terrain which is unfortunate cause outside of this I enjoyed my GMC..
accountCircle Alix on February 9, 2024
2017 terrain.
I loved this vehicle when I first got it used in 2019, but it's been nothing but trouble since. Most recently, I didn't realize I was going through so much oil on it, and I swear I checked it 3 weeks before it happened. I was getting on to the interstate when suddenly it goes into reduced power mode and then completely shuts down on me. When I get it back to my houseand get a mechanic to come look at it, it's bone dry! No warning lights or anything! It caused my timing chain to break in the engine! I don't have the money to fix it and I work in a different city. I'm never getting another GMC. I now have a brick with an 11k loan.
accountCircle disappointed on June 22, 2022
Timing Chain busted at 52,000 miles!!!
I was so excited to buy my first car!!!! Found a 2015 GMC Terrain and loved the look of it and the thought of buying American Made. During the summer of 2020...just after COVID shut down...my car wouldn't start when running an errand. Got it toed to our local car guy and found out that the timing chain busted and the engine seized up at 52,000 miles. I still owed over $5,000.00 on it! Had it toed back to my garage and it's been sitting in there for 2 years. I have 2 more car payments left on a car I haven't been able to drive. Worst investment I have ever made and I will never buy a GMC of a Chevy again.
accountCircle Amanda on June 22, 2022
Timing Chain busted at 52,000 miles
I was so excited to buy my first car!!!! Found a 2015 GMC Terrain and loved the look of it and the thought of buying American Made. During the summer of 2020...just after COVID shut down...my car wouldn't start when running an errand. Got it toed to our local car guy and found out that the timing chain busted and the engine seized up at 52,000 miles. I still owed over $5,000.00 on it! Had it toed back to my garage and it's been sitting in there for 2 years. I have 2 more car payments left on a car I haven't been able to drive. Worst investment I have ever made and I will never buy a GMC of a Chevy again.
accountCircle Doris Dancy on January 31, 2023
2013 GMC Terrain
This car is a piece of c**p........ I have had to replace the rear seal $1800 it burns oil like an exhausted dog drinking water. I have engine light on stabile track light on and now the car won't even jump out of 1st gear. In 1991 I bought my first ever brand-new car it was a Chrysler it was a lemon from the word go and I vowed I would never buy another Chrysler again. I held true to that promise, and I hold true to this one I will never ever buy another GMC or Chevy again. YOU CAN TAKE THAT TO THE BANK!!!! SCREW YOU GM.....
accountCircle chris on February 27, 2022
Gmc transmission,catlaq converter and timing chain went
Gmc are not built to last. We have 2 an arcadia and a terrain bought from 2 different auto shops different year and on both the transmission went in the same month and on the terrain the catalytic converter and timing chain.Really do your homework because auto dealerships obviously dont do 5 point inspection like they used too. They probly just clean em up, make up look and smell good then send em out the door to some poor familly that is barely afloat but now has too spend everything they have so they can keep working
accountCircle Rodrick Fails on April 7, 2024
I HAVE A 2013 GMC TERRAIN
I purchased a 2013 GMC in the spring or summer of 2023 my truck broke down right before thanksgiving my timing chain went out now my truck have been stuck on the side of a gas station I have a job but I was paying bills every week to live and Barely worked because of the rain I do construction so when it rains I don’t work so I barely had money and couldn’t get the truck towed nor fixed now I’m stuck with payment and now I’m homeless and carless If you can help me please call me @4046682670
accountCircle Michele on February 12, 2024
2016 Terrain Timing Belt Busted
I purchased this vehicle in 2022 it had 45000 miles on it when purchased, I maintained the maintance on the vehicle, then one day I was driving on the highway all of the sudden the vehicle lost power and shut down, had it towed to the service garage, come to find out the timing belt had broke and damaged the engine. The service center said it needed a new engine which is 11000 and I owe 15000 on the vehicle, so I'm stuck with paying for a vehicle I can't drive.
accountCircle Not happy on November 3, 2023
GMC SUCKS
I only had m 2018 Terrain for 3 years and was warned by a good friend to watch out for the timing chain! His engine locked and not able to be fixed!! Well Mine is now doing the same thing and only maybe 80,000 miles!I’m so baffled how GM will not recall this Major problem! I’m tempted to get with my local news station because this is not right! GMC two thumbs down 👎🏾👎🏾
accountCircle Taiz on December 31, 2022
Have been crying for 4 days because of this issue!!
Timing chain is needing replaced costs 4000 to repair and am expected to still pay for car. It sucks when your living pay check to pay check and you can’t even rely on your vehicle to hold up becfor even getting to 100k miles. It’s disgusting and disappointing that GMC has yet to do anything about this issue…when it seems to be a very common one. They really should be ashamed.
accountCircle David Holland on June 25, 2023
Broke timing chain and bent valves......AGAIN!!!
2015 GMC Terrain purchased in 2017. Two years later, timing chain breaks and bends 2 valves. Got it fixed and guess what, two years later the chain break again but this time it bent 4 valves!! GMC really needs to address this problem. For the curious, I have made an appointment, with a mechanic, to have my timing chain replaced in 22 months and maybe prevent bending valves.
accountCircle Chuck C. on March 11, 2023
Stretched timing chain on2013 gmc terrain 3.6 engine
Engine started running rough and took it to dealer. They said they found stretched timing chains and broken valve spring on cly 1. Removed engine. Replaced all timing chains, tensioners, guides, and actuators. Removed head and replaced cyl 1 intake valve, spring, and seal. My bill was 6236.94 dollars. My milage was 104,693 at that time.
accountCircle Dakota Taylor on March 1, 2023
2011 GMC Terrain Timing chain
I have already replaced this once about a year and a half ago. Just to be told once again that it is going! This is a problem that needs to be addressed by GMC and fixed at no cost to owners considering I have already paid to get it done a year and a half ago! Not everyone can afford to just keep replacing the same parts in a vehicle!
accountCircle Roseanna Ferguson on July 1, 2022
Timming chain issues and messed up engine gm needs to recall this
2015 gmc terrain timming chain issues, cause oil to burn up quickly making rear seal go out and once spent $1600 not even 2 weeks later same issue and now the sprockets on end of cams are bad and also timming chain.loose side to side causing another $1500 of damage all within 2 months its been at the shop more than anything
accountCircle Manuel Lopez Jr on April 1, 2023
No stars
Brown Chevrolet Eagle Pass Texas. Sold a 70 year old man a gmc terrain that was maintained by their services (oil changes)and broke down at 73000 miles. Timing chain. Now it has no warranty expired at 60000.And my father relying on gmc to last til 150000. Was sadly given the truth that it broke
accountCircle Q on November 30, 2023
2013 GMC TERRAIN
Purchased vehicle 2021 had to have engine rebuild 6 months after purchase. Made my last car payment 4 months ago and then timing chain broke and caused a lot of damage to vehicle. Hearing this is a big problem and there really should be a recall on this issue.
accountCircle Jessica L. on March 3, 2023
Wth is wrong with this vehicle?!
Been in the shop for WEEKS and even GM has no clue. Shop is now taking everything apart to attempt resolution?! Timing chain, solenoids, crank and camshaft sensors replaced and the light STILL will not go away! But this pos back asap! Only 78k miles?!
accountCircle Jay on December 29, 2022
2011 gmc Terrian timing chain broke 3 times
Bought my first car was a 2011 GMC terrain and the timing chain broke three times and it is making noises again and the engine light is on. I’ve spent more than $7000 on this vehicle in repairs and paid $9000 for it used with over 130,000 miles..
accountCircle Gwen Waddle on January 19, 2024
Timing Chain 2013 Terrain
No warning at a little over 108000 miles. Timing chain tensioner stretched locking up motor . Dealer quoted $11800.00 for new engine. Why is GM not issuing a recall. All these complaints and GM doesn't care. At 78 I can not afford to fix or trade.
accountCircle John F on October 4, 2023
2017 GMC Terrain Timing Chain broke
No warning light, the timing chain broke, the mechanic told me it was like shrapnel exploding in the engine. The engine is destroyed and needs replaced to the tune of roughly $8,000. It has 80,000 miles on it. Why no recall???
accountCircle Heather on March 17, 2022
GMC Terrain 2013 timing chain broke after used purchase 3000 miles
GMC 2013 Terrain 133k miles bought it from used dealer 10/2021 and timing chain broke 4 months / 3,000 miles later. Still owe over 9k . I checked the VIN for recalls and didn’t see anything abou this before purchasing
accountCircle Alex B on January 31, 2023
Timing chain busted at 125k 2011 Terrain
This is my first and LAST GMC. Stalls at low idle. Replaced array of sensors. Interior stinks of gasoline. I've owned F150s for many years. Never had issues. GMC, time to recall and address issue. Bad business.
accountCircle Jason Stevens on July 10, 2023
Timing chain
2013 GMC Terrainim shop today. They said they believe the timing chain guide or chain itself may be the issue. There was a recall on oilbconsumption but not for this. I will not bebuyingany GMC's ever again.
accountCircle Daniel C. on July 13, 2023
2017 Terrain screwed me on a long trip with the timing chain snappin
We were on a long trip and the timing chain snapped. It sucked for our trip, obviously. It also cost us $2,700 to replace it plus all of the labor of having to break down the engine just to see it.
accountCircle Elva I Pearse on September 30, 2021
Okay
2012 timing belt broke with no warning The oil was always burning and changed earlier than required because it was burn high No one will consider this a recall issue 5k quote to repair
accountCircle Sandra Maddry on September 20, 2023
Disgusted with GMC
2016 Terrain gone at 150,000 miles. Nobody will replace timing chain. Now I have to find a cash car replacement for a car I just paid off a year ago. Time to take responsibility GM.
accountCircle Bob B on December 17, 2021
GMC Terrain time chain shot
Have a bad timing chain, been burning oil. Engine been rattling been adding oil regularly finally wouldn’t had towed to the auto service dealer to be fixed hopefully.
accountCircle Kathy I Chandler on March 12, 2022
Kathyc4994@gmail.com
Have a 2010 Terrain I put it in a timing change Cadillac converter all three sensors still having trouble GM need to have a recall on their vehicles this is ridiculous
accountCircle Pamela on February 23, 2022
2012 GMC Terrain- Timing chain replacement
Oil consumption issue is causing so many problems. Catalytic converter replaced twice - $1100. Now timing chain has to be replaced - $2500. WILL NEVER BUY GMC AGAIN!
accountCircle Manny Lopez on April 1, 2023
Bad investment
Thiscar is problematic. My 70 year old father bought it for his granddaughter now the granddaughter can’t even drive it it broke down 70000 miles timing chain
accountCircle Jacqueline Walsh on March 20, 2024
Timing chain broke
So sad I didn’t know this before I bought this car I do not have the money to replace my engine and I still owe 8000 on a car I can not drive so sad
accountCircle Mark McMillan on February 24, 2022
GMC Terrain Timing Chain
Timing Chain broke Thousand four hundred miles. A lot of people have had this happen but GM does nothing costing hundreds of dollars come on GM
accountCircle Howard on November 6, 2021
Timing chain and assemble
2015 Terrain 51000 miles. Engine check on. Resolved by GM dealer replacing chain and all parts around it, $2100. Way to early what gives GM?
accountCircle Gurne on June 18, 2022
2015 GMC Terrain
Timing chain failure , oil consumption replaced engine and same problems ! Definitely will not be buying any GMC products.
accountCircle Disappointed GM owner on August 3, 2022
Timing chain at 80,000 miles
I bought brand new 2013 terrain. At 80,000 miles the cam shaft position sensor then month later the timing chain!
accountCircle Amanda on May 29, 2023
Timingchain
I'm wondering why GMC has not been sued or has not recalled 2011 GMC terrains due to bad timing chains!
accountCircle Chris K on May 18, 2022
2016 GMC Terrain
Bought the vehicle 10 days ago from dealership, timing chain exploded, causing ton of engine damage.
accountCircle Javier on February 13, 2024
2016 gmc terrain sle timing chain
Another one for gmc collection so many people have the same problem with the timing chain situation
accountCircle Sabrina on December 27, 2021
Timing chain
Have a 2011 GMC Terrain always uses to much oil than at 14100 miles timing chain breaks!
accountCircle Randy on February 22, 2022
2014 terrain JUNK
Went through a quart of oil every 2k miles.. Timining chain broke at 144k miles...
accountCircle Dave on May 14, 2022
2012 terrain
I had it for 5 months cather convertor , then the timing chain .
accountCircle Gordon Matthews on April 6, 2022
Jamgor47@yahoo.com
Is there any kind of recall on the timing chains on this POS???
accountCircle Janae A McDonald on February 3, 2022
Timing chain
Timing chain breaks 140000 miles. Over it. GMC TERRAIN 2013
accountCircle Carrie on March 24, 2022
2014 terrain
I will never buy another GMC again! Garbage motors!
avatar Amanda T
Amanda T. is a freelance writer, mom, and health nut who refuses to drive anything other than a Nissan. She has six years of automotive writing experience, and loves providing drivers with well-researched information to help them make informed decisions.
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