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2016 GMC Terrain problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 GMC Terrain has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 2safety recalls
- 153owner complaints
- 10crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 10injuries reported
153 complaints, against an average of 168 for the other 14 GMC Terrain model years.
Every GMC Terrain model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 GMC Terrain?
The components named most often in the 153 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 GMC Terrain owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 153 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why do the windshield wipers stop working on my 2016 GMC Terrain?41 owners · 26.8%
- Why does my 2016 GMC Terrain stall, lose power or shut off while driving?14 owners · 9.2%
- Why is my 2016 GMC Terrain burning or losing oil?13 owners · 8.5%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2016 GMC Terrain?11 owners · 7.2%
- Has the 2016 GMC Terrain had engine failures?11 owners · 7.2%
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2016 GMC Terrain engine?8 owners · 5.2%
- Why won't my 2016 GMC Terrain start?7 owners · 4.6%
Has the 2016 GMC Terrain been recalled?
2 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Exterior Lighting: Headlights General 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."
Risk: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.
Equipment: Other: Labels General 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."
Risk: If the information on the certification labels is incorrect, the operator may install incorrectly sized tires or rims or may improperly inflate the tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1050, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 46600.
What do 2016 GMC Terrain owners report?
12 of the 153 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
On 10/1/26 I was in an accident where the entire front of the car was pushed in. The air bags did not employ, which resulted in me hitting my ribs on the steering wheel
The timing chain snapped and caused the engine to seize on our 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L SLC-1 SUV/Truck. Since this has occurred multiple times on the 2.4L engines in this model from 2012 - 2016, we believe that there should be a recall as this issue could cause a major accident if the timing chain snaps or breaks while traveling. It had 101000 miles on it when we bought it used from Klein Automotive, on April 12, 2024. We have only had it for 2 years and 4 months and kept it in good repair. We took it in for its oil change, brought it home, went to dinner 4 days after and the very next day it…
My 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L Ecotec first stalled while idling at a red light in Raleigh, NC. I restarted it and it sounded different, so I drove it home. The next morning it would not start. The failure occurred at approximately 69,939 miles with no meaningful warning. The dealer’s diagnostic report states there were no current relevant codes and no relevant codes in history. The dealer documented major timing-system failure: timing chain tensioner failure, timing chain guide failure, a timing chain guide bolt pulled out of the cylinder head, aluminum contamination in the cylinder head/oiling…
Windshield wiper mechanism broke while driving in heavy heavy rain near [XXX] . Extremely dangerous situation and almost resulted in a crash but I was able to make my way off of the interstate safely. Huge inconvenience because we had to wait out the rain! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
During heavy rainfall in the mountains at dawn, my windshield wipers suddenly have stopped working. We can manually move the wipers with ease and can hear the motor engaging but both front wipers suddenly stopped. We were 1200 miles from home on what was supposed to be a vacation. Carvana reports 2 recalls for my reports but the dealerships have no recalls for my year of vehicle.
My vehicle started turning off suddenly when stopped and then when starting to move. I replaced my rear seal. A week later, I have oil in my timing and my engine no longer works. I have had it checked by a shop. No warning was given. I have my oil checked regularly and changed on time. I had a car full of people, adults and children, in rush hour traffic. The car is sitting in my driveway as I will need to negotiate with the lender on money owed. I am currently without a safe vehicle to drive, and I need that as I am a caregiver and home aid.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, a second vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle. During the crash, the vehicle sustained severe damage to the front passenger side, but no air bags inside the cabin of the vehicle deployed. The driver of the other vehicle reported no injuries, and the air bags in her vehicle did deploy. The contact was transported from the scene of the crash to the local hospital with multiple injuries that included a head contusion and burn, left knee contusion, right hand, and right foot…
I was driving my morning commute to work, when I came upon a stop light. I was pressing the brakes and the brakes failed to engage which caused me to hit a car in front of me. I did not have any warnings that the brakes were defective. The warning on the dash did not indicate that there was anything wrong with brakes. I had my set belt, was going the speed limit and my brakes just gave out. I have injury’s to my arms, shoulder, neck, and head. The other vehicle driver was not hurt. Thank the Lord.
On or around August 15th I was in traffic and my 2016 GMC TERRAIN just shut off in the middle off traffic almost causing the car behind me to hit me is the rear. I got it started and then slowed down for a car that was turning in frount of me and it shut off again almost causing another car to rear end me. There where no warning light no warning at all just shut off I called a flat bed and it was taken to Clintscales Chevrolet in Belton Sc. They have informed me that it is a problem with the timing chain causing me to need a new motor. I have done research and it shows Gm has had problems with…
My steering wheel locked while driving. This has prevented me from turning the wheel AT ALL (100% completely locks while the car is in motion). The locked steering wheel lasts approximately 15 seconds. This has happened multiple times over a few month period. I took it to GMC who couldn't replicate the issue and said that GMC no longer makes the steering column assembly component, which they aren't sure would fix the issue, so there was nothing they could advise be done other than sell the car or spend a lot of money on diagnostic fees, which they said they wouldn't do if it were them. My…
Back right tail light filling with water when it rains. Affecting electrical wires and water dripping into back cargo. No cracks or damage found on tail light.
Thermostat/coolant sensor malfunctioning causing engine fan to constantly run as if the engine is over heating. Some engine exhaust door/flap is stuck open or closed causing check engine light to come on. And or the actuators doors are broken causing windows to fog and obstruct view. Not sure what would cause this issue but I have had to have work done on my vehicle twice for this issue within 3 years.
2016 GMC Terrain: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 GMC Terrain reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 153 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 GMC Terrain; the most common categories were engine (46, 30.1%), visibility/wiper (46, 30.1%), power train (11, 7.2%). There are 2 safety recalls. 10 complaints mention a crash, 10 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Terrain?
Across 153 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (30.1% of complaints), visibility/wiper (30.1% of complaints), power train (7.2% of complaints), air bags (6.5% of complaints), exterior lighting (6.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 GMC Terrain; the most recent (campaign 22V137000, 2022-03-08) concerns Exterior Lighting: Headlights. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why do the windshield wipers stop working on my 2016 GMC Terrain?
41 of the 153 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 GMC Terrain (26.8%) describe windshield wipers stopping or failing. One owner wrote: "During heavy rainfall in the mountains at dawn, my windshield wipers suddenly have stopped working. We can manually move the wipers with ease and can hear the motor engaging but both front wipers suddenly stopped." (NHTSA complaint 11734710, April 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2016 GMC Terrain stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
14 of the 153 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 GMC Terrain (9.2%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Driving down the road yesterday and outta nowhere I lost power and got a low oil pressure warning then the car just shut off merging onto a busy highway. Blown rear main seal and locked up the engine with no warning. Only 65k miles on the car." (NHTSA complaint 11566260, January 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is my 2016 GMC Terrain burning or losing oil?
13 of the 153 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 GMC Terrain (8.5%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "excessive oil consumption....caused engine to fail....yes, car is available for inspection ...caused the car to lag and initially break down without any warning lights ...confirmed form dealer new engine needed...law suits in other states have proven that…" (NHTSA complaint 11715195, February 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2016 GMC Terrain?
11 of the 153 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 GMC Terrain (7.2%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Thermostat/coolant sensor malfunctioning causing engine fan to constantly run as if the engine is over heating. Some engine exhaust door/flap is stuck open or closed causing check engine light to come on." (NHTSA complaint 11514747, March 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2016 GMC Terrain had engine failures?
11 of the 153 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 GMC Terrain (7.2%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "excessive oil consumption....caused engine to fail....yes, car is available for inspection ...caused the car to lag and initially break down without any warning lights ...confirmed form dealer new engine needed...law suits in other states have proven that…" (NHTSA complaint 11715195, February 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2016 GMC Terrain engine?
8 of the 153 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 GMC Terrain (5.2%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "I was leaving the area of Hiram and my car started running different and you could hear a taping noise. I drove it to the GMC dealer down the street and they said it was the timing chain." (NHTSA complaint 11439346, November 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2016 GMC Terrain start?
7 of the 153 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 GMC Terrain (4.6%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "When driving the stabiltrak service light will come on and the engine light. the car will loss acceleration immediately then seems wont go out of 2nd gear. i stop turn off car a few minutes and it will start again and the engine light will go out after while." (NHTSA complaint 11405940, April 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Terrain
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2016 only.