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GMC Terrain Problems, Recalls and Owner Complaints by Model Year
Across 15 model years, NHTSA lists 32 recalls and 2,517 owner complaints for the GMC Terrain. Newest model year first. Data as of October 25, 2026.
GMC Terrain by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 GMC Terrain | 0 | 33 | |
| 2025 GMC Terrain | 0 | 13 | |
| 2024 GMC Terrain | 1 | 53 | |
| 2023 GMC Terrain | 2 | 41 | |
| 2022 GMC Terrain | 2 | 88 | |
| 2021 GMC Terrain | 2 | 36 | |
| 2020 GMC Terrain | 2 | 197 | |
| 2019 GMC Terrain | 3 | 186 | |
| 2018 GMC Terrain | 5 | 225 | |
| 2017 GMC Terrain | 1 | 135 | |
| 2016 GMC Terrain | 2 | 153 | |
| 2015 GMC Terrain | 3 | 316 | |
| 2014 GMC Terrain | 2 | 302 | |
| 2013 GMC Terrain | 3 | 369 | |
| 2012 GMC Terrain | 4 | 370 |
Model years with no recall and fewer than three complaints are not listed. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. All GMC models.
GMC Terrain: questions owners ask
Which GMC Terrain year has the most problems?
By owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the GMC Terrain model years with the most are the 2012 (370), 2013 (369) and 2015 (316). Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are naturally lower; compare years of a similar age.
Which GMC Terrain years have the fewest complaints?
Leaving out the newest model years (too new to compare), the fewest owner complaints were filed for the 2021 (36), 2023 (41) and 2024 (53), out of 13 model years from 2012 to 2024. A low count can also mean that year sold fewer cars.
How many recalls does the GMC Terrain have?
NHTSA lists recalls for 13 GMC Terrain model years, 32 in total when counted per model year (one recall often covers several years). The years with the most are the 2018 (5), 2012 (4) and 2013 (3). Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Which GMC Terrain years have the most stalling complaints?
333 owner complaints across 13 GMC Terrain model years describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. The most were filed for the 2012 (60), 2013 (52) and 2014 (42) model years, out of 13 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which GMC Terrain years have the most wiper complaints?
296 owner complaints across 5 GMC Terrain model years describe windshield wipers stopping or failing. The most were filed for the 2015 (87), 2014 (76) and 2012 (65) model years, out of 5 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which GMC Terrain years have the most check engine light complaints?
273 owner complaints across 13 GMC Terrain model years describe the check engine light coming on. The most were filed for the 2012 (37), 2013 (34) and 2014 (33) model years, out of 13 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which GMC Terrain years have the most oil consumption complaints?
267 owner complaints across 6 GMC Terrain model years describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. The most were filed for the 2013 (84), 2012 (76) and 2014 (45) model years, out of 6 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which GMC Terrain years have the most engine noise complaints?
153 owner complaints across 6 GMC Terrain model years describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. The most were filed for the 2013 (40), 2012 (35) and 2014 (31) model years, out of 6 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which GMC Terrain years have the most engine failure complaints?
139 owner complaints across 10 GMC Terrain model years describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. The most were filed for the 2013 (34), 2017 (19) and 2012 (17) model years, out of 10 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which GMC Terrain years have the most rough idle and misfire complaints?
55 owner complaints across 6 GMC Terrain model years describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. The most were filed for the 2013 (19), 2012 (13) and 2015 (12) model years, out of 6 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which GMC Terrain years have the most brake complaints?
50 owner complaints across 3 GMC Terrain model years describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. The most were filed for the 2020 (23), 2018 (14) and 2019 (13) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which GMC Terrain years have the most no-start complaints?
40 owner complaints across 5 GMC Terrain model years describe the car failing to start. The most were filed for the 2012 (12), 2020 (11) and 2016 (7) model years, out of 5 years with such reports. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which GMC Terrain years have the most burning smell complaints?
27 owner complaints across 3 GMC Terrain model years describe a burning smell or smoke. The most were filed for the 2013 (18), 2017 (5) and 2022 (4) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which GMC Terrain years have the most backup camera complaints?
19 owner complaints across 2 GMC Terrain model years describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. The most were filed for the 2019 (10) and 2020 (9) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.
Which GMC Terrain years have the most infotainment screen complaints?
10 owner complaints across 2 GMC Terrain model years describe the infotainment or touch screen freezing, rebooting or going black. The most were filed for the 2020 (7) and 2022 (3) model years. Each model-year report has the owner quotes and any related recall.