2021 GMC Terrain: common problems and reliability

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 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.

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).

Is 2021 a good year for the Terrain?

Across the 5 Terrain model years we track, complaint volume runs from 33 (2021) to 295 (2010). With 33 complaints, the 2021 Terrain sits belowthe 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

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…

  • 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 2021 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Terrain against its rivals