Photo: IFCAR / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2016 GMC Terrain: common problems and reliability
An average Terrain year.
152 owner complaints, most about engine. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Terrain?The 2016 GMC Terrain has 152 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and visibility/wiper. 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.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 GMC Terrain vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Terrain years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the Terrain?
Across the 17 Terrain model years we track, complaint volume runs from 35 (2021) to 397 (2011). With 152 complaints, the 2016 Terrain sits below the model's median of 185.
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
Recalls affecting the 2016 Terrain
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 16V449000General 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."
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 22V137000General 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."
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 comfortable and feature-rich.
- Very frequentSevere 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.
- Very frequentTransmission 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.
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 $15,277–$25,712.
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
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