Photo: Kevauto / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2017 GMC Terrain: common problems and reliability
An average Terrain year.
133 owner complaints, most about engine. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2017 Terrain?The 2017 GMC Terrain has 133 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. 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 2017 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2017 GMC Terrain vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Terrain years only. How we score it
Is 2017 a good year for the Terrain?
Across the 17 Terrain model years we track, complaint volume runs from 35 (2021) to 397 (2011). With 133 complaints, the 2017 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 2017 Terrain
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.
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 2017 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Terrain against its rivals
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