GMC Terrain years to avoid and best years
Newer GMC Terrain years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2018 has the most complaints per year, at 22 (220 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 4 (from 35 complaints), 2016 at 5 (from 152 complaints), and 2017 at 6 (from 133 complaints). The GMC Terrain 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2018 GMC Terrain, 41 of 220 complaints name Service brakes.
Data as of .
2021
2016
2017
2025–26
GMC Terrain reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market GMC Terrain. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 25.7 |
| 2025 → Too early | 7 | 13 | 0 | Electrical system | 26 |
| 2024 → | 16 | 49 | 1 | Powertrain | 25.5 |
| 2023 → | 6 | 39 | 2 | Fuel and propulsion system | 26 |
| 2022 → | 12 | 88 | 2 | Fuel and propulsion system | 26.5 |
| 2021 → Fewest | 4 | 35 | 2 | Service brakes | 26.5 |
| 2020 → | 13 | 196 | 2 | Service brakes | 25 |
| 2019 → | 17 | 185 | 3 | Service brakes | 27.5 |
| 2018 → Most | 22 | 220 | 5 | Service brakes | 27.5 |
| 2017 → Fewest | 6 | 133 | 1 | Engine | 22.2 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 5 | 152 | 2 | Visibility and wipers | 22.6 |
| 2015 → | 9 | 297 | 3 | Visibility and wipers | 22.6 |
| 2014 → | 12 | 296 | 2 | Engine | 21.9 |
| 2013 → | 11 | 364 | 3 | Engine | 22 |
| 2012 → | 8 | 364 | 4 | Engine | 22 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- dexos1 5W-30 (4-cylinder per manual) · 5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 235/55R18, 235/55R19, 235/60R17 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 22V137000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that 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.". The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: 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. When NHTSA lists multiple GM nameplates in one campaign, the published unit count is shared across them.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- dexos1 5W-30 or 0W-20 (engine per manual) · 5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 235/50R19, 225/65R17 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 23V869000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that general Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Blazer, Blazer EV, Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The door strikers may fracture, resulting in the door opening unexpectedly. A door opening while the vehicle is being driven can increasing the risk of injury or a crash. Remedy: Dealers will replace all four door strikers and attaching bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232429911. When NHTSA lists multiple GM nameplates in one campaign, the published unit count is shared across them.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Terrain years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2021 at 4 (from 35 complaints), 2016 at 5 (from 152 complaints), and 2017 at 6 (from 133 complaints).
Which GMC Terrain year has the most owner complaints?
2018 has the most complaints per year, at 22 (220 complaints). On the 2018 GMC Terrain, 41 of 220 complaints name Service brakes.
How do GMC Terrain owner complaints compare by year?
Newer GMC Terrain years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which GMC Terrain years are too early to compare?
The GMC Terrain 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What engine oil does a GMC Terrain use?
US Terrain manuals specify dexos-approved oil for your four-cylinder engine.
What does NHTSA recall 22V-137 cover on the GMC Terrain?
NHTSA safety recall 22V137000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that general Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles.
What generation is the 2013 GMC Terrain?
1st generation (2012-2017).