2024 GMC Terrain

This is a continuation for NHTSA campaign number 11711615. While an additional NHTSA complaint has been filed for the power train, this focuses specifically on design failures in the braking system. Our vehicle experienced a highway failure of the fuel pump, but due to the nature of a powertrain failure the car could not be put into neutral, only remain in park. The car was stranded in the middle of the road. As a AWD vehicle it similarly could not be towed as both wheels were fully locked. Tow informed us that there should be a manual release under the shifting column, however, this design safety feature had been removed in the 2024 iteration. The car was stuck on the road behind a blind turn on a somewhat busy road with vehicles typically traveling between 25-50 mph. The failure of a manual override for neutral and braking is a critical design failure that can lead to major accidents and death in the event of engine or transmission failure. There were no warnings, nor instructions or ability to get the car off the road.

Vehicle was running but transmission was in PARK. Suddenly on screen in front of driver this message appeared: BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE 43MPH TOP SPEED WARNING SERVICE ESC. Vehicle was not moving. Engine was running but vehicle was in PARK. I had to drive it home. Very difficult to stop. Brake pedal vibrated violently. Very long stopping distance even at 20MPH. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership from which I had purchased it. I bought this vehicle on 25 Nov 2024. Right now its mileage is 3757. Obviously my safety and that of others was put at risk. The service department at the dealership has not communicated with me at this time. There was NO prior warning nor were there any prior symptoms of this problem. It occurred VERY suddenly.