The 2021 GMC Terrain has 33 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train 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 2021 model year
33
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
4
Crash reports
0
Fire reports
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 GMC Terrain vehicles (US, public record).
Where owners report problems
power train
8
engine
8
service brakes
7
electrical system
7
forward collision avoidance
3
Recalls affecting the 2021 Terrain
tires
Campaign 21V612000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with certain Hankook tires. The tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, …
child seat:vehicle latch anchor
Campaign 23V339000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child …
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. H
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.
Electrical system failures — 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). Frequency: very frequent.
Check Engine Light / Emission System Faults — 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. Frequency: recurrent.
Diesel-specific failures — For the diesel variant, reports of failed EGR coolers, catalytic converters burning through, and long parts wait times. Frequency: isolated but severe.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Terrain.
Typical used price
Used Terrain listings typically run $16,788–$31,239 across 2011 to 2026 model years.