About this problem
Every engine burns a little oil, but some designs burn a quart every 1,000 miles or less. The usual cause is piston rings that stick or wear, letting oil slip into the combustion chamber. If the owner does not top up between changes, the oil level drops low enough to damage the engine. Carmakers have issued bulletins and, in some cases, extended warranties for this.
Across all owner complaints filed about the GMC Terrain since 2012, 231 (9.4%) describe oil consumption, the second most reported problem we track on the Terrain. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2013 and 2014 model years, and the 2013 drew the most, with 75. It tends to show up at higher mileage: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 74,000 and 111,000 miles. 2 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but GMC has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Owners of 2010 to 2015 Terrains with the 2.4-liter engine report burning oil between changes, low oil warnings and engines that failed. The cause is the piston rings. GM offered special coverage for piston replacement on many engines.
How it gets fixed
Dealers replace pistons and rings under the special coverage if the car qualifies.
Typical cost: Free if covered; otherwise $2,500 to $4,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Car makes terrible engine noise when starting/as it idles. This is almost always due to low oil.this car burns through oil faster than anything ive ever seen. Even with full synthetic oil I have to add at least quart every 700 miles for so."
2013 GMC Terrain, 60,000 miles
"I also have a 2012 GMC Terrain that has an oil consumption issue that has caused complete engine failure. Approximately 2.5 weeks ago the car wouldnt start. Engine would turn over but not start. I thought that it might be the fuel pump."
2012 GMC Terrain, 87,228 miles
"Around 90,000 miles the engine began burning oil. I had to add oil every 2,000 miles. At 101,000 miles radiator failed. At 123,000 miles the engine completely failed. The mechanics at GM dealership could not explain it."
2014 GMC Terrain, 123,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
GMC has sent dealers 35 bulletins that mention this problem on the Terrain. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
14882 - special coverage.
Special Coverage (Revised Warranty).
Special Coverage Adjustment.
Special Coverage (Revised correction statement, service procedure and customer reimbursement).
16118 - Special Coverage.
Special Coverage (Revised Service Procedure).
Before you buy a Terrain
- Check the oil level on the dipstick before the drive.
- Ask for oil change records and any special coverage repair.
- Look for blue smoke at start-up.
Questions
Which GMC Terrain years have oil consumption?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2013, 2014 model years. The 2013 drew the most, with 75 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 93,000 miles, and half reported it between 74,000 and 111,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Free if covered; otherwise $2,500 to $4,000.