GMC Terrain common problems
Owners of 2015–2025 GMC Terrain vehicles have filed 1,373 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is engine & cooling (70% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.
- 1,373
- Owner complaints
- 23
- Recall campaigns
- 67
- Crash-related reports
- 60
- Injury reports
Most reported problem areas
By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 11 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.
How to read this before buying
Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.
The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.
Recent safety events
Full timeline- Recall2024 terrain
A door opening while the vehicle is being driven can increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
- Recall2020 terrain
The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Recall2021 terrain
The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Recall2022 terrain
The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Recall2023 terrain
The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Recall2023 terrain
In the event of a crash, a front passenger air bag that deploys with a child or infant in the front passenger seat can increase their risk of injury.
Frequently asked
- What are the most common GMC Terrain problems?
- Across 1,373 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015–2025 GMC Terrain vehicles, the most reported systems are engine & cooling (70%), visibility (22%), airbags (7%).
- Which GMC Terrain model year has the most complaints?
- In our index, the 2015 GMC Terrain has the most owner complaints, with 314 filed.
- Are GMC Terrain problems dangerous?
- Of the 1,373 complaints on record, 67 mention a crash, 11 mention a fire and 60 mention an injury. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.
Problems by model year
The 2015 accounts for the most complaints (314). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.
Where this comes from
Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.