2021 GMC Terrain problems, complaints & recalls

2021 GMC Terrain recalls (2)

• Recall 23V339000May 11, 2023668,187 vehicles
  CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR

  General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

  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.

  Remedy: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. 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 N232403240.

• Recall 21V612000Aug 5, 20219,597 vehicles
  TIRES · TIRES:TREAD/BELT

  General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with certain Hankook tires. The tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation.

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

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tire DOT numbers, and replace any affected tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782; and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212343560.

Recent 2021 GMC Terrain complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Sep 29, 2026MOEngine

   I have had my check engine light come on for P0299. I've lost power while on the road. Had my turbo replaced and now the same issue is starting again. I'm afraid of my car stalling out again with my child in the car. This is a definite safety issue especially since this is happening again months after getting the new turbo put in.

   NHTSA complaint #11767928 · source
2. Filed Sep 11, 2026TXEngine

   Vehicle Information:Year/Make/Model: 2021 GMC TerrainEngine Type: 1.5L Turbocharged EngineCurrent Mileage: 155,000 miles [1]Description of Safety Defect:I am writing to report a severe, sudden engine and turbocharger failure on my 2021 GMC Terrain that presents an extreme, life-threatening safety hazard. While operating the vehicle in active traffic, the engine began flashing a severe dashboard warning reading "Stop Now Danger" (accompanied by low oil pressure alerts) before…

   NHTSA complaint #11763647 · source
3. Filed Jul 1, 2026NJBrakes

   Formal Safety Complaint – 2021 GMC Terrain Brake Failure Vehicle: 2021 GMC Terrain Incident Location: Garden State Parkway (NJ) Speed: Approximately 65 mph Incident Description While driving northbound at highway speed, I attempted to change lanes and apply my brakes. When I pressed the brake pedal, it became completely rigid (rock hard) and failed to function. I had no ability to slow the vehicle using normal braking. At that moment, I was forced to: Navigate multiple…

   NHTSA complaint #11747608 · source
4. Filed Jul 1, 2026NJBrakes

   Driving on the Garden state parkway on Sunday night June 28, 2026 I proceed to cross over the ratitan bridge. There was traffic as I was going down the bridge at 70 miles an hour. When I applied the brakes the car would not stop. I had two 6 years old in the backseat. I applied 2 feet to the brake pedal and it was like a rock and the car would not slow down. I thought I was going to crash. I had to steer and lane change several times to avoid hitting other cars. This has…

   NHTSA complaint #11747599 · source
5. Filed Apr 29, 2026MOTransmission & Drivetrain

   Automatic transmission solenoid control valve body got stuck open and ruined the whole transmission. This has been a reoccurring problem with these vehicles. Image is from a code read. Issue was confirmed by Gastorf Chevrolet, and an independent transmission shop.

   NHTSA complaint #11734629 · source
6. Filed Mar 16, 2026NYEngine

   Vehicle went into reduce engine power mode and check engine light came on. Vehicle has just over 60,000 miles. Code is telling me I need a new turbo and being quoted $1,500-$3,000. I have read so many people having the same issue with needing a new turbo just after 60,000 miles

   NHTSA complaint #11724745 · source
7. Filed Mar 16, 2026LAEngine

   The contact owns a 2021 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, with a misfire coming from the engine. During the failure, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The contact declined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11724576 · source
8. Filed Jan 26, 2026WIDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The engine light came on while driving, saying “engine power reduced”. It barely accelerates, RPMs go over 5, it chugs when driving. Taken to an independent service center.

   NHTSA complaint #11713477 · source

Compare the 2021 GMC Terrain with another vehicle →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology