GMC Terrain problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 1,823 owner complaints and 21 recalls on file for the GMC Terrain (2010–2026). The 2018 Terrain has the most serious complaints, most often about brakes.

Complaints
1,823
Recalls
21
Model years
17
Worst year
2018

Complaints by model year

47201011413420121571812014192121201611816920181601962020366020224052202413332026
NHTSA complaints per GMC Terrain model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst GMC Terrain years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2018 GMC Terrain — 169 complaints, 10 crashes; top problem: Brakes
  2. 2020 GMC Terrain — 196 complaints, 7 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Brakes
  3. 2013 GMC Terrain — 157 complaints, 3 crashes; top problem: Engine
  4. 2019 GMC Terrain — 160 complaints, 4 crashes, 3 fires; top problem: Brakes
  5. 2014 GMC Terrain — 181 complaints, 4 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2010 (47 complaints).

Every GMC Terrain model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2026 Terrain331211Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2025 Terrain132010Electrical System
2024 Terrain521121Transmission & Drivetrain
2023 Terrain402112Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2022 Terrain600002Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2021 Terrain364042Engine
2020 Terrain1967252Brakes
2019 Terrain16043103Brakes
2018 Terrain169100115Brakes
2017 Terrain1185151Engine
2016 Terrain1217082Visibility & Wipers
2015 Terrain1925123Visibility & Wipers
2014 Terrain1814162Engine
2013 Terrain15730113Engine
2012 Terrain1343354Engine
2011 Terrain1140324Engine
2010 Terrain471012Engine

Most common GMC Terrain problem areas (all years)

  • Engine
    791 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    292 complaints
  • Brakes
    259 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    240 complaints
  • Electrical System
    204 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    188 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    89 complaints
  • Lighting
    78 complaints
  • Airbags
    63 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    47 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the GMC Terrain received by NHTSA each month.

GMC Terrain recalls

  • Recall 26V114000Feb 26, 20265,861 vehiclesModel years 2026

    Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

  • Recall 23V869000Dec 21, 2023265 vehiclesModel years 2024

    Risk: A door opening while the vehicle is being driven can increasing the risk of injury or a crash.

  • Recall 23V339000May 11, 2023668,187 vehiclesModel years 2020–2023

    Risk: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

  • Recall 22V929000Dec 15, 20229 vehiclesModel years 2023

    Risk: In the event of a crash, a front passenger air bag that deploys with a child or infant in the front passenger seat can increase their risk of injury.

  • Recall 22V724000Sep 29, 20226,895 vehiclesModel years 2022

    Risk: A seat with a missing or loose bolt may not properly restrain the occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 22V165000Mar 17, 2022681,509 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015

    Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V137000Mar 8, 2022740,581 vehiclesModel years 2010–2017

    Risk: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V612000Aug 5, 20219,597 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: Tread separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 20V668000Oct 29, 2020194,105 vehiclesModel years 2018–2020

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 19V184000Mar 7, 2019120 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 18V576000Aug 30, 2018210,628 vehiclesModel years 2018–2019

    Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 18V358000May 31, 2018895 vehiclesModel years 2018

    Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 18V340000May 24, 201888,503 vehiclesModel years 2018

    Risk: If the SDM becomes inoperative, it will not detect a crash or command the necessary air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

  • Recall 17V516000Aug 22, 20172,905 vehiclesModel years 2018

    Risk: If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away.

  • Recall 16V582000Aug 4, 2016367,808 vehiclesModel years 2013

    Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 16V502000Jul 5, 20168,367 vehiclesModel years 2011–2013

    Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 16V449000Jun 21, 201617 vehiclesModel years 2016

    Risk: If the information on the certification labels is incorrect, the operator may install incorrectly sized tires or rims or may improperly inflate the tires, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V666000Oct 16, 2015395 vehiclesModel years 2015

    Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.

  • Recall 14V447000Jul 23, 2014414,333 vehiclesModel years 2010–2012

    Risk: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 11V511000Oct 19, 201133,964 vehiclesModel years 2012

    Risk: Underinflated tires can result in tire overloading and overheating, which could lead to a blowout and possible crash. The resulting crash could cause serious injury. Underinflated tires can also result in premature or irregular wear, poor handling, and poor fuel economy.

  • Recall 10V623000Dec 15, 201097,843 vehiclesModel years 2011

    Risk: The safety belt system may not restrain the occupant(s) as designed and could increase the risk of injury.

Other GMC models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology