The 2018 GMC Terrain is a five-seat compact SUV known for its impressive performance, enabled by a 2.0-liter engine. It is also a solid and good-quality ride with attractive infotainment features.
Despite the impressive features of the 2018 GMC Terrain, vehicle owners have complained about persistent issues that are difficult to fix. For instance, some vehicles have a faulty transmission, making shifting difficult.
The affected vehicle owners can’t rely on their vehicles to run their personal and business errands. California lemon laws protect vehicle owners who’ve bought new or used cars with persistent defects.
If you’re stuck with a 2018 GMC Terrain with persistent defects, never hesitate to speak with a trusted lemon law attorney in California.
Here are a few issues with the 2018 GMC Terrain:
The infotainment system engages drivers and helps them cope with dense traffic situations. The 2018 GMC Terrain’s infotainment feature is a tablet-like touchscreen.
However, vehicle owners have registered the following complaints:
The transmission acts as the medium that transmits power generated by the engine through a mechanical system of gears and gear trains. As such, drivers rely on the transmission feature to power the wheels and move the vehicle under various conditions.
Transmission failure could affect your mobility.
Here are the common transmission defects with the 2018 GMC Terrain:
Engine DefectsHere’s a sample of engine defects with the 2018 GMC Terrain:
Here are the recalls issued by General Motors:
On 24th May 2018, General Motors issued a recall notice for specific 2018 GMC Terrain vehicles to fix a defective sensing module that may not power down correctly.
According to the recall notice, the sensing diagnostic module (SDM) that detects a crash and deploys airbags may not power down correctly after the vehicle is shut off, making it ineffective after a vehicle restart.
Unfortunately, if the SDM becomes inoperative, it may not detect a crash or prompt necessary airbag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
The automaker instructed the dealers to reprogram the SDM with updated software free of charge.
On October 29, 2020, General Motors issued a recall notice to fix a start/stop accumulator end cap that may have missing bolts. A missing bolt could trigger a transmission oil leak, which may lead to a loss of propulsion, increasing the crash risk.
Further, a transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the fire risk. The automaker instructed the dealers to inspect the start/stop transmission accumulator and replace it free of charge if any bolts were missing.
On August 22, 2017, General Motors recalled certain 2018 GMC Terrain, Chevrolet Equinox, and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. According to the notice, the right-front intermediate drive shaft may fracture and separate during motion.
If the front-right intermediate drive shaft separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the crash risk. Similarly, if the assembly separates while parked without a parking brake, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a rollaway.
GM instructed dealers to replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly free of charge.
On August 30, 2018, General Motors issued a recall to fix insufficient coating on the rear brake caliper pistons. According to the recall notice, the pistons may have an insufficient coating, causing gas pockets to form and potentially affecting rear brake performance.
Unfortunately, a reduced rear brake performance increases the risk of a crash.
The recall notice affected the following vehicles:
GM instructed the dealers to bleed the affected vehicle free of charge.
On May 31, 2018, General Motors issued a recall to fix a fuel pump flange weld that may fracture. According to the notice, the high-pressure fuel pump may separate from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high-pressure pump line.
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel link, increasing the fire risk. The automaker instructed the dealers to replace the high-pressure fuel pump and high-pressure fuel pipe without charge.
California lemon law covers new and used vehicles with the manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty. If a manufacturer can’t fix a substantial warranty defect in your 2018 GMC Terrain after a ‘’reasonable number’’ of repair attempts, the manufacturer must either:
While you may be entitled to protection by California lemon laws, you must file a claim to protect your rights. Understanding the lemon law claim process can enhance your chances of a fair outcome.
Here are the steps to follow.
Take your vehicle to an authorized dealership for repairs whenever a warranty defect develops. If you take your car to an independent repair shop or conduct do-it-yourself repairs, you could void the automaker’s warranty and lemon law protection.
Before filing a lemon law claim, you must allow the automaker to fix the defect. The prevailing circumstances and facts of the case determine what constitutes a ‘reasonable number’ of repair attempts.
Suppose your 2018 GMC Terrain had a service brake malfunction hindering your ability to stop the vehicle. In that case, you can launch a lemon law claim if the dealer makes two unsuccessful repair attempts.
You can also file a lemon law claim if the vehicle spends more than 30 days in the repair shop during the first repair attempt.
Make sure to document all your interactions with the dealership. A record of all the issues and repair attempts will enhance your chances of initiating a successful lemon law claim.
Here are a few essential documents you should gather:
Be your best advocate by saving the necessary documentation relevant to your case.
It is best to contact an experienced lemon law attorney to discuss the direction of your case. If you’re dealing with a lemon law case for the first time, you may be confused about the suitable steps to take to hold the manufacturer accountable.
A lemon law attorney can help protect your rights by creating a strong case against the automaker. If the automaker has employed a defense lawyer, an attorney will construct compelling arguments and evidence to ensure you obtain the deserved refund or replacement.
Your attorney will also handle all the legal aspects of your claim, including filing a complaint, settlement negotiations, and litigation.
Once a manufacturer receives your official complaint, they may table an initial offer. Your attorney will evaluate all offers tabled by the manufacturer and either accept them or negotiate for a better deal.
California lemon law doesn’t require consumers to arbitrate their cases before filing a lemon law complaint. Therefore, you hold the right to litigate the matter in court even after losing your case during arbitration.
Most lemon cases settle after an initial complaint. However, consider hiring an experienced trial-ready attorney to fight against the manufacturer. If the manufacturer refuses to pay after you’ve filed the complaint, the case may proceed to trial.
Subsequently, your attorney will argue the case before a judge or jury as you pursue a refund or replacement for your defective vehicle.
If you’ve bought a 2018 GMC Terrain with a persistent engine defect that keeps stalling, you can face additional towing, accommodation, and car rental expenses. You need representation from an experienced attorney at LemonLaw123, who will fight to protect your rights.
Contact us online or at 657-529-5239 for a free case review.
Valerie G. Fernandez Campbell, known as The Lemon Law Lady, has dedicated her entire legal career to the specialized field of Lemon Law, a journey that began immediately after her
graduation from UCLA School of Law.
With a 99% success rate and a policy of no fees unless you win, her practice stands as a testament to her expertise in California’s Lemon Law, her commitment to her clients, and her unwavering dedication to justice and consumer rights.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Valerie G. Fernandez Campbell, personally handled over 500 lemon law cases and settlements.
