GMC Terrain Stalling Problem Leaving Drivers Sputtering And Muttering

August 13, 2013
By: Robert Silverman


We have seen this situation many times before. You are driving down the highway when all of a sudden your vehicle starts to sputter and the check engine light pops on suddenly.

You hear a strange noise and all of a sudden, drivers instinct is leading you to the shoulder of the road before your vehicle unexpectedly stalls. Sounds familiar? It may if you are a GMC Terrain driver. Unfortunately, a GMC Terrain stalling problem has been lighting up both the message boards and the 1-800-LEMON-LAW hotline.

We have seen this stalling problem repeatedly through 2010, 2011 and 2012 GMC Terrain models, with high pressure fuel pumps, spark plugs and water pumps repeatedly replaced.

If you are experiencing a GMC Terrain stalling problem, it is essential that you maintain a file with comprehensive repair invoices to reflect each time you address the problem with your authorized manufacturers dealership.

Keep track of the days the vehicle is in service and what is being done to fix the problem. You will find authorized GM service advisers are aware of the problem and will do everything they can to fix it as promptly and efficiently as possible. Sadly, they have seen the stalling problem spill over in other GM models as well, including the Chevrolet Equinox.

If you are in repeatedly for the stalling issue, or your car is out of service for a significant period of time, it is essential that you look into your Lemon Law rights.

In New Jersey for instance, you could have a New Jersey Lemon Law claim if your car is out of service 20 days within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles OR if they tried to fix it and it then stalled a second time.

The reason is that New Jersey, as well as other certain states including Ohio, stipulate that manufacturers only have one repair attempt within the Lemon Law parameters to address an issue which could cause death or serious bodily injury and depending on the situation, this could qualify.  Other states like Pennsylvania and New York have their own lemon law stipulations.

In other states, if you experience the GMC Terrain stalling problem three or more times, or you are out of service thirty or more days, you could be looking at a Lemon Law remedy.

Recourse could range from a new vehicle, to a complete refund, to significant monetary compensation to reflect the diminished value of the vehicle as a result of the problem (even if the issue is fixed after repeated attempts). And best of all, legal help under the Lemon Law is 100% cost-free to the consumer. There is no cost and no risk to filing a claim.

And even if your GMC Terrain stalling problem occurs outside of the Lemon Law, you still may be entitled to thousands of dollars if the problem occurs three of more times during a manufacturer’s original, extended or powertrain warranty period. You still have rights under Federal Warranty Law. The key is to make sure you have copies of your records before you contact a Lemon Law Attorney.

Just because your GMC Terrain is stalling does not mean you should stall when seeking recourse. Feel free to reach out to us, so we can review the situation and direct you toward someone who may be able to help.


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23 Responses to “GMC Terrain Stalling Problem Leaving Drivers Sputtering And Muttering”


  1. #1 Cassandra says:

    Our 2012 GMC Terrain has broken down 4 times since we purchased we needed a new readiator the battery had gone down for no reason 3 times and for no apperant reason we did not go to the dealer because the are too expensive does that disqualify us for the lemon law I write this as I wait for the tow truck

    • #2 LemonLaw says:

      @Cassandra: It’s time to look into your lemon law rights. Visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/state-lemon-laws/ to find info about the lemon law in your state.

      • #3 Cindy says:

        I have been experiencing this ‘stalking issue’ recently but now that I have just brought it in for the first time at 36,000 miles will I still be covered under the lemon law?
        It got so bad that I can’t leave it in drive when stopped on an incline while in drive or it will jerk forward and hesitate and then rev up. Hasn’t totally stalled on me… -yet-…..
        What does the lemon law cover when over a certain mileage, or attempts to fix?

        • #4 LemonLaw says:

          @Cindy: Visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/state-lemon-laws/ to find out about the law in your state.

          • #5 Holly Grondman says:

            I bought our GMC Terrain in 2010 brand new. The first year was ok after that the air compressor would not cool or heat. We took it in and they made some comment about it being something else. After several problems regarding this same issue the air compressor had to be replaced. It was included in the warranty. Then we had an oil filter issue. I think this had something to do with the stalling that your site is talking about. I would accelerated and i would get an awful noise and it wouldn’t go. Soon they were replacing our transmission. Manufacture defect. Then the next thing was our Engine and according to our dealer that had already gone above and beyond so we had to pay 1000.00 for the replacement. Even though it was considerably more expensive this was getting old with all these repairs. Since when do you have to change an engine at 114000 miles?!! And one owner. We got every oil change on time etc. Then the next problem was out wiper transmission went out. This was going to cost over 500.00 to get our wipers to work!!!seriously I’m over this vehicle. I bought new for a reason and this is not what I had in mind! What can we do? We tried to get a “lemon lawyer but they said we didn’t have enough records. We don’t know what to do! Thanks hopefully we may get some where.

            • #6 keith says:

              2011 model check engine lite at 43000 miles cam sensor .uses 2 quarts oil between oil changes

              • #7 Elizabeth says:

                I had a 2010 that burned about 2 qts of oil every oil change, and also stalled out on me occasionally when coming to a stop.. It ended up needing an carbon cleanup service… Then it did it three more times within 3 months time. As far as the oil burning issue, they wanted to do an oil consumption test, but they way over filled my oil (checked on a cold engine) and I took pictures into the dealer and they didn’t even see the pictures before offering a new motor ora good trade in. Just FYI!!

                • #8 Fred says:

                  I also have a stalling engine issue (GMC TERRAIN 2011). Three times at the shop, even an oil consumption test, third time major repair including rings, pistons and gaskets . After three attempts to fix this problem, it has not been solved; additionally the car has been at the shop for a total of 15 days. On top of the inconvenience of not having the car for 15 days, I was not given a car loaner on any of the three occasions the car was at the shop; neither I was reimbursed for the incurred transportation expenses. Thinking on the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act

                  • #9 Kati Satterlee says:

                    My 2012 GMC Terrain check engine light on instrument panel keeps coming on. Just started doing it since my last oil change. 2 weeks ago, when leaving store, I got in & started the engine & shifted into reverse. When released brake and hit the gas pedal truck went about 2 feet, then engine stalled. I put in Park turned key off & then restarted engine, which fired right up. Drove to a gas station & turned off engine. When done entered truck & started engine. It did the same thing as before, went 2feet in reverse then stalled out. What should I do?

                    • State: Wisconsin
                  • #10 DS says:

                    Having the same problem as same comment stalling engine light come on and cannot keep oil in my 2012 Terrain love the car I need help.I have letters from GMC for thing that wrong like excessive engine oil consumption and flex fuel E85 capability I need HELP!!! What can I do.

                    • State: Michigan
                  • #11 Stephanie Meronk says:

                    My 2012 GMC Terrain check engine light on instrument panel keeps coming on. Just started doing it since my last oil change. 2 weeks ago, when leaving store, I got in & started the engine & shifted into reverse. When released brake and hit the gas pedal truck went about 2 feet, then engine stalled. I put in Park turned key off and then restarted engine, which fired right up. It did the same thing as before, went 2feet in reverse then stalled out. What should I do? I also took it im for oil change amd it burned 4 qts of oil in not even 1200 miles.WHAT SHOULD I DO????

                    • State: Wisconsin
                  • #12 DOUGLAS PRICE says:

                    Just bought 2011 terrain .. had 68000 miles on it an check engine light come on stays on constant. Took in when first bought an put new tires an complete service.. then light comes on

                    • State: Mississippi
                  • #13 DOUGLAS PRICE says:

                    Bought 2011 terrain.. drive it seemed fine. Had 68000 miles on it put new tires an all on it an new oil .. said quart low but not sure when last change was.. 2 weeks later engine light comes on constant

                    • #14 Marcus Drew says:

                      i haste had my gmc terrain worked on 5 times in the past 8 months for the same 2 problems

                      • State: virginia
                    • #15 Richard says:

                      We have just had significant warrantee work done on our 2013 Terrain. 2 days later engine light comes on and the car is not functioning,stalling
                      And other malfunctions.
                      We are returning the car to GMC Dealership tomorrow. We’ll see what happens!

                      • State: NJ
                    • #16 LemonLaw says:

                      @Richard: If you are back three or times under GM warranty for any one issue, make sure you call us at 1 800 LEMON LAW (1 800 536 6652) to discuss your rights and how we can help.

                      • #17 Rodrick Mayes says:

                        I Have a 2012 Terrain it’s stalling, oil is leaving engine to quick. This truck is junk.

                        • State: CA
                      • #18 Tabitha says:

                        When i bought my 2010 terrain in 2016 the whole motor was rebuilt right before purchase. Ive had it 2 years and its beginning to stall, very loud and rough idle, and check engine light on.. took it back to where i got it they said their was nothing wrong with the motor.. did new actuators, wheel bearing and a speed sensor.. still having the same issues..

                        • State: Wisconsin
                      • #19 Melissa says:

                        Purchase my 2012 GMC Terrain in June, 2016. I have had a oil leak repaired since purchasing . Now, I’m dealing with My check engine light is on inside panel. My vehicle constantly stalling, it will stop on me driving, parking, backing up,. One time it cut-off while I was driving and I had enough power to drift into a gas station but I had to drift in front of a incoming dump truck to avoid getting hit from the rear of my vehicle. I was told to purchase some motor flush and put it where the oil would go. I did that & drove it for 2 days before having oil changed. Still the same problem. So , then I was told that I would need to have my cam-shaft Senors changed, I had those changed. Still the same issues. Check engine light remains on & my truck continue to stall /cut-off whenever it want to leaving me frustrated with my GMC. I still owe so much on my vehicle & not sure what to do or where to go for help as far as fixing the problem. HELP !

                        • State: Maryland
                      • #20 Amy Nenstiel says:

                        I bought a 2011 Terrain in 2016 with 29,000 miles on it within the first 6 Months the transmission went got it fixed went threw multiple oil changes new batteries changed pistons in engine know the head gasket went it has 79,000 Miles on it and it constantly stalls out what can I do ? The car is a nightmare

                        • State: Pa
                      • #21 Nicole Whitmarsh says:

                        I have a 2015 gmc terrain and I have 52,000miles on my car and several times it shuts off when I’m slowing down the last time my steering column locked I had no control thank God I was the only one on the road .I had it towed to a dealer and they called and said my car is fine and to pick it up .I know the car isn’t fine .one of these times my family is going to be really hurt

                        • State: NY
                      • #22 Luke says:

                        We bought a 2013 GMC Terrain with 98,000 miles on it and at 118,000 miles the engine failed. We had a Jasper engine installed which is an identical engine just with new upgrades to the engine to stop it from having the issues it was having. So its been about 3,500 miles and the engine failed again. The times they have failed, my children 2 and 4 years of age were in the car. Luckily both times the engine failed they were in a neighborhood and it didn’t fail in a busy intersection. It is under warranty now, but I cant keep having these issues and putting my family at risk. This is a GMC quality issue and they should be liable for producing vehicles that threaten the life’s of customer’s who put there trust and hard earned money into their product. We have a Toyota Corolla with twice as many miles and haven’t had a single issues as big as this.

                        • State: Indiana
                      • #23 YolAnda Harris says:

                        2012 terrain i have had problems since day 1 with this vehicle..

                        • State: GA

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