About this problem
The timing chain links the crankshaft to the camshafts so the valves open at exactly the right moment. If it stretches, usually from oil that is not changed often enough, the engine timing drifts. The car shows warnings like "Service StabiliTrak" or a check engine light, loses power and can eventually fail to start. Replacing a chain is a long, costly job.
Across all owner complaints filed about the GMC Terrain since 2012, 151 (6.2%) describe timing chain wear, the third 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 34. It tends to show up at higher mileage: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 75,000 and 124,000 miles. One report describes 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
Terrain owners with the 2.4-liter report a rattling timing chain and check engine lights, often linked to low oil from oil consumption. The 2012 to 2014 cars drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
The repair replaces the timing chain, guides and tensioner.
Typical cost: A timing chain job costs about $1,200 to $2,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Excessive oil consumption at less than 65,000 miles, warning lights do not activate to indicate a problem. Next the timing chain broke and was repaired, now the catalytic converter needs replacement."
2012 GMC Terrain, 60,000 miles
"Out of nowhere my car just died when I got to work, and then again twice on my way home. I took it to get tested the next day and was told it was the timing chain."
2013 GMC Terrain, 92,000 miles
"Vehicle with only 75,00 miles, runs rough and stalls, went to dealer and they say due to low oil at some point the timing chain has stretched and needs replaced along with sensors and actuators."
2014 GMC Terrain, 75,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins
GMC has sent dealers 29 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.
This Preliminary information communicates to technician's if they remove the front timing cover when performing a repair, they should inspect the timing chain guide upper bolt for being loose.
This Preliminary information communicates the possibility of the timing chain tesnioner gasket being improperly installed or mis-positioned after major engine repairs causing a low engine oil pressure and dtc p06DE.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a knock noise, seized engine, lower end squeak or squeal from the engine.
Some vehicles require replacements for high feature v6 timing chain kits and guide replacements.
Information on High Feature V6 Timing Chain Kits and Chain Guide Replacements, DTCs P0008, P0009, P0016, P0017, P0018 and/or P0019
Before you buy a Terrain
- Listen for rattle at cold start.
- Check the oil level.
- Ask for timing chain records.
Questions
Which GMC Terrain years have timing chain wear?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2013, 2014 model years. The 2013 drew the most, with 34 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 95,000 miles, and half reported it between 75,000 and 124,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A timing chain job costs about $1,200 to $2,000.