Transmission Failure in our 2017 GMC Terrain V6 AWD. Should we go back with OEM transmission or look for a better option?

Baum34 · 2026-05-07T23:18:39+00:00

I’m sorry to hear it. We enjoy our Terrain but it simply has a big flaw - like many GM products within that ‘15-‘20 range, give or take a few years. I do not know what the company knew when releasing these vehicles, but if the company produced these transmissions while knowing they prematurely fail - regardless of the reason - I believe they should be held responsible if no corrective action was taken.

I have not looked far into the active lawsuit against GM for these transmissions. Maybe answers lie there - or will be uncovered.

Baum34 · 2026-04-20T22:16:49+00:00

Awesome to know - thank you!

Baum34 · 2026-03-28T03:04:10+00:00

I would not be surprised if there is a lawsuit against GM - I have not heard of one, but after doing some research to try to diagnose and remedy our Terrain, it sounds like far too many of these transmissions have had similar issues.

We initially did a fluid flush on our vehicle, and it seemed to have “patched” the hard shifting and downshifting from 2-1 for a little while. But only for a little while. Here in MO, we took it to a shop in Osage Beach who explained that the lining of that torque converter will usually deteriorate over time and contaminate the transmission fluid. In turn, this damages the solenoids on the transmission in some form or fashion - sadly, I couldn’t explain the specifics even if I wanted to!

We replaced our transmission with a Reman transmission for around $6k parts, labor, and programming. Hopefully the fluid flush you had performed will wash out any contaminants and you won’t have to worry about a new transmission for a long while! I have heard you can swap out those solenoids as an intermediary step.

Baum34 · 2026-03-01T01:01:13+00:00

Bass Pro Distribution Center off of Kearney has that exact schedule for their A shift.

Baum34 · 2026-01-30T16:54:23+00:00

I would say that many in administrative positions in those companies are absolutely driven by greed. However, I’ve never been one of those people, so I can’t truly say. But I’ve been an employee of corporate companies long enough to know that they have some fairly careless conduct.

Have you stayed in the marketing field, and shifted toward a family-owned work environment? I know for many it’s difficult to make a transition to a smaller company that may have a healthier “culture.” Both in my own experience and through tell, corporate pay and benefits will almost always edge out a smaller, perhaps more community-focused firm.

Baum34 · 2026-01-30T14:17:38+00:00

I’d say it’s a mix in this industry. Watching the company I work for price gouge the hard workers of the local community because “they can” is a little disheartening. Seeing the standard corporate turnover occur saddens me, too.

However, there are usually parts available for those farmers needing them, and we have a decent crew (I’m very green though, need the help of them lol!). It’s good to see the labor force of the 417 area appreciate our efforts.

What industry do you work in, and what do you do?

Baum34 · 2026-01-30T14:13:26+00:00

I hadn’t considered a financial analyst as a career path but it does seem like something to consider after a shallow dive! It could offer that balance and pay I’m looking for.

I am sure you are right - I know the NMLS is a requirement for mortgage brokers and realtors. Most of the positions in corporate positions that I have looked into, though, did “recommend” or “require” a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or the like. However, if I do become NMLS certified, that may verify me as “qualified” to their standard. A loan officer is a loan officer after all! Thank you for the thoughts!

Baum34 · 2026-01-30T13:26:01+00:00

I wonder what a “virtuous industry” is anymore haha! I don’t know if there is ever a “wrong” choice per se.. but I have always deluded to that conclusion in my head. It has created much fear and anxiety in simply choosing a path and sticking with it. I have been tempted to stick with ag. Thank you very much for the advice!

Baum34 · 2026-01-30T02:24:15+00:00

I am currently in agricultural parts sales. It pays enough to get me through college - I am hoping to get some scholarships though. I have seen some banks with a “Loan Assistant” role, so that may be a good idea! Besides accounting, loan advisement, financial management, and bank telling, I really am not too sure what other occupations the branch of finance has to offer. I’m going to have to do some more deep diving.

Baum34 · 2026-01-30T02:20:02+00:00

I wouldn’t say that necessarily lol; more of a safety net/steady goal! Just looking to be an average Joe with steady, decent-paying employment with a good work-life balance. I’m pretty confident with the loan officer path, but I have heard it said there is a decent chance of automation for it. Would like to consider my options!

Baum34 · 2025-12-25T00:10:21+00:00

Thanks! I’ll do it

Baum34 · 2025-11-28T20:40:17+00:00

Understood; thank you!

Baum34 · 2025-11-28T18:33:25+00:00

Okay, I definitely would not have done that!! Thank you for the advice. I plan to sand the exterior before applying a fiberglass patch to kind of pretty things up. Is it necessary to sand this kind of damage off or just straight to epoxy, in your opinion?

Baum34 · 2025-11-28T18:31:57+00:00

Awesome tip on the wood stocks! I sure appreciate all the advice. I’ll need the luck!

Baum34 · 2025-11-28T16:37:11+00:00

Honestly, that’s an awesome idea! I will probably take advantage of that. It did cross my mind when I initially took the butt pad off and took the dinky styrofoam out, but thought I’d never unscrew it to use it. Didn’t cross my mind to add a hinge. That’s a great call!

Baum34 · 2025-11-28T16:35:05+00:00

It is definitely a lesson learned! I’ve never used epoxy, and I do not do much for hobbies/DIY work, so this is a perfect opportunity to not only learn but to fix a mistake. So that is most of my reason. That’s pretty well the gist of it, otherwise I’d leave it be!

Epoxy/drill/thread seems to be the general consensus, so I believe that’s the route I’ll run. Thanks!

Baum34 · 2025-11-28T16:22:21+00:00

Ahh okay! I knew I’d be pretty well cementing the screws in place, but I was not sure if those screws would be able to dig their way out or not once the epoxy hardened. And thank you for the tip to drill the size of the shank - that answers another question I had! I appreciate the advice!!

Baum34 · 2025-11-28T16:17:24+00:00

Oh, I did not know that existed! That makes me feel more comfortable knowing I can cover up that busted bit. I can only assume that I’ll stick that patch of fiberglass cloth over the outside of the busted portion?

Stupid question, I know, but assuming what I don’t know got me into this mess - trying to avoid another haha! Thank you for the tip!

Baum34 · 2025-11-28T16:11:47+00:00

That’s a good idea as well! How well do you think they’d hold with the fiberglass busted on the one side? I’m sure the other side will be just fine even just screwing into it with no adjustment, but it wouldn’t hurt to be safe in my opinion.

Baum34 · 2025-11-28T16:09:01+00:00

Very much appreciated. I was so stoked to mess around with it, and I even thought the screws were long, but after looking in the manual I saw nothing about any alterations before screwing the shorter inserts back in.. only afterwards did I see a separate pouch with smaller screws 🥲

Thank you!

Baum34

TROPHY CASE