Avoid: No year grades F. Weakest: 2011
Best: 2021
14 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 17 model years, the GMC Terrain has 3,190 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 40 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. 2011 drew the most complaints (397), 2021 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (35).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for GMC Terrain vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $15,277–$25,712.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 33 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2024 | 49 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2022 | 88 |
| 2021 | 35 |
| 2020 | 196 |
| 2019 | 185 |
| 2018 | 220 |
| 2017 | 133 |
| 2016 | 152 |
| 2015 | 315 |
| 2014 | 301 |
| 2013 | 369 |
| 2012 | 370 |
| 2011 | 397 |
| 2010 | 295 |
Highest: 2011 (397 complaints). Lowest: 2021 (35).
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. Owners of newer models (2022+) report positive experiences with basic maintenance and no major issues up to 70,000 miles, describing the vehicle as comfortable and feature-rich.
Includes rapid oil consumption (burning a full reservoir within 50 miles), cylinder misfires, piston damage, and complete engine failure requiring replacement, often under 100,000 miles. Linked to the 2.4L engine (2010-2017) and 1.5L turbo engine in later models.
Includes stalling, failure to shift into 2nd or 3rd gear, violent jerking, and complete failure limiting speed to 20 mph (32 km/h). Reported across model years including 2016, 2020, and 2024.
Includes vehicles dying completely while stopped, losing all power, battery saver mode errors, and problematic auto-start/stop systems. Difficulty diagnosing root cause (alternator, starter, battery).
Recurrent codes including P0411 (secondary air injection), P0011 (camshaft timing), P305DF, and P305E. Often leads to expensive repairs like EGR cooler, exhaust manifold, and solenoid replacements.
Buggy CarPlay connectivity, infotainment screen failures, and backup cameras that stop working.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Terrain. Individual model years are broken down above.
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