GMC

Terrain (1st)

2010-2017 · Compact SUV ยท 4 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (4.2)
2,312 NHTSA Complaints
10 Recalls
20 Fire Reports
88 Crash Reports
View all 2 generations of the GMC Terrain → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

L94

6.2L 8-cyl
โœ… Recommended (4.2)
25 complaints 3.2 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
7
other
6
exterior
5
electrical
3
transmission
2

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (7 complaints)
Exterior Issues (5 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (3 complaints)

LFX - VVT, E85 Max, Aluminum

3.6L 6-cyl
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.8)
229 complaints 32.2 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
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Complaint Breakdown

other
76
electrical
42
engine
35
transmission
33
exterior
19

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (42 complaints)
Engine Issues (35 complaints)
Transmission Issues (33 complaints)

LFW

3.0L 6-cyl
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.1)
171 complaints 33.0 per year Gasoline
3 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
44
other
42
electrical
28
transmission
18
safety systems
15

Known Issues

Engine Issues (44 complaints)
Est. repair: $1,150โ€“$6,350 (8 reports)
Electrical System Issues (28 complaints)
Est. repair: $400โ€“$1,500 (5 reports)
Transmission Issues (18 complaints)

LEA - Flex Fuel (Gas/Alc), Aluminum, High Output

2.4L 4-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.7)
1,695 complaints 165.4 per year Gasoline
14 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
875
other
367
transmission
228
electrical
172
fuel system
122

Known Issues

Engine Issues (875 complaints)
Typical onset: 68,500โ€“117,000 mi Est. repair: $1,225โ€“$5,000 (102 reports)
Transmission Issues (228 complaints)
Typical onset: 52,000โ€“98,500 mi Est. repair: $2,066โ€“$3,500 (21 reports)
Electrical System Issues (172 complaints)
Typical onset: 30,885โ€“86,000 mi Est. repair: $200โ€“$998 (10 reports)

8 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the GMC Terrain regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (955 complaints)
engine critical
Transmission Issues (282 complaints)
transmission critical
Electrical System Issues (246 complaints)
electrical critical
Safety Systems Issues (133 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Fuel System Issues (124 complaints)
fuel_system serious

Recalls (10)

22V165000Mar 16, 2022serious
Visibility

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode, causing one or both windshield wipers to fail.

22V137000Aug 2, 2022serious
Exterior Lighting

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

16V449000Jun 20, 2016serious
Equipment

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles manufactured October 16, 2015. The certification labels may have incorrect tire/rim size and cold tire pressure information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

16V502000May 6, 2016serious
Electrical System

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

16V582000Apr 7, 2016serious
Visibility

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode and wear over time, possibly resulting in one or both of the windshield wipers becoming inoperative.

15V666000Oct 15, 2015critical
Air Bags

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.

14V447000Jul 22, 2014serious
Seats

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.

11V511000Oct 18, 2011serious
Tires

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 18, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM" (TPMS). THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO ILLUMINATE THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WHEN THE PRESSURE IN A TIRE IS 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE. ON THESE VEHICLES, THE LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE UNTIL THE TIRE PRESSURE IS MORE THAN 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE.

10V623000Dec 14, 2010serious
Seat Belts

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC SRX, CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES. THE DRIVER AND /OR FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR MAY FRACTURE AND SEPARATE NEAR THE SEAT ATTACHMENT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

09V489000Dec 22, 2009serious
Visibility

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEMS AND WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS". THE SOFTWARE IN THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL CAN CAUSE THE HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, DEFROST, AND RADIO CONTROLS, AS WELL AS THE PANEL ILLUMINATION TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2010-2017 GMC Terrain problems?

The 2010-2017 GMC Terrain has accumulated 2,312 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Transmission, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which GMC Terrain engine is most reliable?

The 2010-2017 GMC Terrain was offered with 12 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.4L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2010-2017 GMC Terrain a good used car?

The 2010-2017 GMC Terrain can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 2,312 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010-2017 GMC Terrain have?

The 2010-2017 GMC Terrain has 2,312 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2010-2017 GMC Terrain?

There are 10 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used GMC Terrain?

Before buying a used GMC Terrain, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Transmission, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Terrain have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2010-2017 GMC Terrain. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,312 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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