2019 GMC Terrain

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine Size
Engine
1.6L I4
Oil Type & Capacity
5W-30 Full Synthetic (5.3 qts)
Transmission
Automatic 6-spd
Wheel Torque
100
ft-lbs

The 2019 GMC Terrain maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your GMC Terrain.

For oil changes, the 2019 GMC Terrain takes 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 5.3 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Dex-Cool (OAT), and transmission fluid is Dexron VI. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the GMC Terrain, torque the lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2019 GMC Terrain have reported 5 common issues including "1.5L Turbo Engine Excessive Oil Consumption", "Fuel Pump Module Failure" and "9-Speed Transmission Rough Shifting and Delayed Engagement". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 3 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2019 GMC Terrain. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2019 GMC Terrain uses 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil (5.3 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 100 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2019 GMC Terrain Specifications
Motor Oil5W-30 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity5.3 qt
Lug Nut Torque100 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantDex-Cool (OAT)
Transmission FluidDexron VI
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
Dexron VI
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Dex-Cool (OAT)
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop

Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2019 GMC Terrain. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
7,500 mi / 12 mo
Dexos1 Gen2 5W-30 (1.5T) or 0W-20 (2.0T), 4.2 qt (1.5T)
Tire Rotation
7,500 mi / 6 mo
Rotate every oil change
Cabin Air Filter
22,500 mi / 24 mo
Located behind glove box
Engine Air Filter
45,000 mi / 48 mo
Inspect at 22,500 mi
Brake Fluid
45,000 mi / 36 mo
DOT 3
Transmission Fluid
45,000 mi
9-speed automatic; severe service interval
Coolant
150,000 mi
Dex-Cool OAT; then every 30,000 mi
Spark Plugs
60,000 mi
Iridium-tipped
Serpentine Belt
90,000 mi
Inspect at 60,000 mi
Battery
60 mo
Inspect annually
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2019 GMC Terrain.

Common problems reported by 2019 GMC Terrain owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

1.5L Turbo Engine Excessive Oil Consumption

Like the Equinox, the GMC Terrain shares the 1.5L LYX turbocharged engine that suffers from excessive oil consumption. Owners report needing to add oil between scheduled changes, and some experience oil-related warning lights. Prolonged low oil conditions can damage the turbocharger and engine internals.

Solution

Use Dexos Gen 2 full synthetic oil and check oil levels regularly. Dealers may perform an oil consumption test. If consumption is excessive, piston ring or short block replacement may be covered under powertrain warranty. Use premium fuel as recommended per GM TSBs to reduce carbon buildup contributing to oil consumption.

Est. Cost: $0 (warranty) - $4,500 (engine rebuild out of warranty)
2

Fuel Pump Module Failure

The fuel pump module can fail and deliver insufficient fuel to the engine, causing stalling and increasing crash risk. This is especially dangerous during highway driving or in traffic. The issue can develop gradually with intermittent symptoms before complete failure.

Solution

NHTSA Recall N222372310 covers the fuel pump module replacement. Dealers replace the defective module free of charge. Owners should watch for symptoms like rough idle, hesitation during acceleration, or intermittent stalling.

Est. Cost: $0 (recall repair)
3

9-Speed Transmission Rough Shifting and Delayed Engagement

The 9-speed automatic transmission can exhibit rough shifting, hesitation during acceleration, jerking at low speeds, and delayed gear engagement. Some owners report the transmission slipping or the vehicle lurching forward unexpectedly. These issues are most noticeable during city driving with frequent stop-and-go conditions.

Solution

Transmission adaptive learning reset and software update at the dealer. Transmission fluid drain and fill with updated fluid specification. In cases of internal damage, torque converter or complete transmission replacement may be necessary.

Est. Cost: $0 (software update) - $4,000 (transmission replacement)
4

Crank Seal Failure and Oil Leak

Some owners report the front crankshaft seal blowing out, leading to significant oil leaks onto the engine and ground. If not caught quickly, the rapid oil loss can cause engine damage. Owners may notice oil spots under the vehicle, burning oil smell, or smoke from the engine compartment.

Solution

Replace the front crankshaft seal and inspect the crankcase ventilation system for excessive pressure that may have caused the seal failure. Clean engine of residual oil. Some cases require replacement of the crankshaft position sensor if oil damage occurred.

Est. Cost: $400 - $1,200
5

Defective Hankook Tires (Tread Separation)

Certain 2022 Terrain vehicles equipped with Hankook tires were manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent during the tire vulcanization process. This defect can cause tread separation while driving, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and a blowout at highway speeds.

Solution

NHTSA recall issued for affected Hankook tires. Dealers inspect and replace defective tires free of charge. Owners should check for bulges, uneven tread wear, or vibrations that may indicate tread separation beginning.

Est. Cost: $0 (recall repair)

3 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2019 GMC Terrain. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign: 20V668000 Date: 29/10/2020

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.

2

SEATS

Campaign: 19V184000 Date: 07/03/2019

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, the insufficient welds may result in an increased risk of injury for an occupant seated in the rear-right position.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192209550.

3

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Campaign: 18V576000 Date: 30/08/2018

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.

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Terrain — Other Model Years
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See Also
2019 GMC Terrain Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2019 GMC TerrainAll Vehicles Using 5W-30 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2019 GMC TerrainWiper Replacement: 2019 GMC Terrain