2016 GMC Terrain: common problems and reliability

The 2016 GMC Terrain has 149 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper and engine. Owners most often flag severe engine problems: 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. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2016 model year

149
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
9
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 GMC Terrain vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2016 a good year for the Terrain?

Across the 5 Terrain model years we track, complaint volume runs from 33 (2021) to 295 (2010). With 149 complaints, the 2016 Terrain sits about the same asthe model's median of 133.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

visibility/wiper
46
engine
45
power train
11
exterior lighting
10
air bags
9

Recalls affecting the 2016 Terrain

equipment:other:labels

Campaign 16V449000

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 info

exterior lighting:headlights

Campaign 22V137000

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

What owners say across generations

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…

  • Severe engine problems: 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. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Transmission issues: 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. Frequency: very frequent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Terrain. See the full Terrain owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Terrain listings typically run $16,788–$31,239 across 2011 to 2026 model years.

Other Terrain model years

Compare every Terrain year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Terrain against its rivals