2012 GMC Terrain Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 170 1 crash 3 fire 2 injury

“?ON APRIL 16TH OUR SON WAS DRIVING ON FAIRVIEW RD. AND TRAVELING THROUGH A GREEN LIGHT WHEN A CAR THAT RAN A RED LIGHT HIT HIM. ?HIS CAR ? A GMC 2012 TERRAIN WAS HIT MULTIPLE TIMES ? DRIVER'S FRONT END, FRONT END AND SPUN AROUND FROM THE FORCE AND HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ?[XXX] WAS IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED BY ON STAR, THEY CALLED POLICE, HIS CAR WAS TOTALED ?ON 4/21 I EMAILED GMC AND ASKED WHAT DEPARTMENT I WOULD CONTACT TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE FRONT AND SIDE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING CALL FROM GMC 866-790-5700 EXT. 22745 SAID ON VOICE MAIL ? THE AIRBAG DID NOT DE…”
NHTSA complaint #10466384, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“JANURARY 7TH 2018 MY 2012 GMC TERRAIN RAN OUT OF OIL EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ALREADY FIXED 6 MONTHS PRIOR FOR SPECIAL ADJUSTMENT COVERAGE 16118 WHICH HAD PISTONS, PISTON RINGS, TIMING CHAIN ETC. FIXED TO REPAIR THE OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE (SEE ADJUSTMENTS 14882 AND 16118. COVERAGE 14882 IS A RESULT OF FAILURE TO CORRECTLY FIX THE 16118 AND IS A DIRECT RESULT OF 14882 AND GMC STATES THEY WILL COVER ME IF THIS HAPPENS. GMC CUSTOMER SERVICE SAYS MY VIN # IS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS COVERAGE. IF ITS THE SAME EXACT ISSUE FOR (MODEL/ENGINE) WHY WOULD VIN # MATTER? ON TOP OF THAT I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO ANOTHER…”
NHTSA complaint #11141850, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“First off before I got the car it had gone through a tune up. About a couple months after I got the car little things started to happen it would rock back and forth while idling I thought it was kind of an indicator that it needed oil but the percentage was still at a decent range and telling me it didn't need oil plus I hadent driven it 3000-5000 miles. Then engine light came on had it inspected codes ran came back telling me something about Throttle body So I purchased a whole new throttle body in Prosser at dealership costing me some booko buks and swapped it out when I got back home I then…”
NHTSA complaint #11492036, 2021 · fire

Visibility/Wiper 74

“I was driving while it was raining. The wipers stopped working. The driverside wiper jumped partially off the windshield. I had my mechanic inspect it. The fuses, relay, and wiper motor are operational. The bushing on the wiper transmission failed. I found the following recall. Special Coverage Adjustment N192266181 Wiper Transmission Arm Linkage Failure – USA Only Release Date: July 2022. However, my VIN does not have this as an applicable recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11545190, 2023

“Windshield wipers quit working. I can hear something, but blades don't move. I see the 2014-15 have a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11526991, 2023

“Ball joint for wiper assembly just "pops off" while in use causing wipers to stop working. I have taken vehicle apart, fixed the issue ( reconnecting the ball joint) and issue happens again. I understand the vehicle is from 2012, but uses same part 2010-2017, which is currently a recall on 2013-2015 models. First occurrence of this issue was July 02, 2019. I brought to GMC dealer, they said they were out of the part. Since then I've not had the issue until today March 14, 2023 where I almost hit another car, due to it popping off and stopped working while in motion.”
NHTSA complaint #11511864, 2023

Unknown Or Other 40 2 crash 2 fire 4 injury

“SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHEN VEHICLE SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE, RESULTED IN EXTREME HIGH SPEED ACCELERATION AND NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THIS RESULTED IN A HIGH IMPACT CRASH INTO GARAGE SIDE WALL. ALSO AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. ASSUME THROTTLE WIDE OPEN CAUSING SUDDEN ACCELERATION. INSURANCE REPORT , AND POLICE REPORT PENDING”
NHTSA complaint #10862428, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“My lift gate has been failing since i bought it used from a local dealership. It's closed down on my mom's leg when she was situating luggage that she'd put in. It has tried closing on myself as well each time i opened it(4×) & when I tried to stop it by pushing up on it, it only forces itself down not up. This is very dangerous & had an old recall from GM motors due to the struts in the lift gate was faulty & made by stabilize whom had numerous lawsuits from other manufacturers due to injuries & deaths. The dealership refuses to fix it for free even though they knew the issue with it cause it…”
NHTSA complaint #11542403, 2023 · 1 injury(ies)

“THE BACK GATE COMES DOWN ON YOUR HEAD WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO PUT THINGS IN BACK OR TAKE THINGS OUT, ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. IT HAS HIT MY HEAD SEVERAL TIMES CAUSING IMMENSE PAIN AND A MIGRAINE. IT STARTED IN JULY OF 2019 AND WAS SLOW AT FIRST. NOW IT HAPPENS ALMOST IMMEDIATELY.. IT HAS HIT MY HEAD SEVERAL TIMES AND MY SON. I SAW THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THIS MODEL WITH THIS ISSUE. GMC TELLS ME IT IS NOT COVERED.”
NHTSA complaint #11311490, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

Power Train 37 2 fire

“My 4 cyl. AWD GMC Terrain has had excessive oil use which caused premature failure of the timing chain, loss of power/compression, blown engine, damage to exhaust manifold, cellinoids, and melted the catalytic converter. Its was a road safety, poor emissions due to failed catalytic converter. Headlights are too bright for oncoming traffic at night. Another road & safety hazard. Auto warranty is refusing to cover parts listed above caused by the timing chain and excessive oil consumption problems.”
NHTSA complaint #11567406, 2023 · fire

“First off before I got the car it had gone through a tune up. About a couple months after I got the car little things started to happen it would rock back and forth while idling I thought it was kind of an indicator that it needed oil but the percentage was still at a decent range and telling me it didn't need oil plus I hadent driven it 3000-5000 miles. Then engine light came on had it inspected codes ran came back telling me something about Throttle body So I purchased a whole new throttle body in Prosser at dealership costing me some booko buks and swapped it out when I got back home I then…”
NHTSA complaint #11492036, 2021 · fire

“1. The engine suddenly lost power while driving during evening rush hour and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. 2. Because the vehicle could not maintain speed, I was unable to keep up with traffic, creating a serious safety hazard that could have resulted in a major accident. 3. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center for diagnosis. 4. During the incident, the “Engine Power Reduced” warning indicator illuminated just before the loss of power occurred. 5. As the vehicle slowed and came to a complete stop at an intersection, it remained unresponsive. When th…”
NHTSA complaint #11699710, 2025

Electrical System 33 1 crash 1 fire

“VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT 50,000 MILES, WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION. COMPUTER DID NOT SHOW WHAT PROBLEM WAS. CAR WOULD CUT OFF IN DRIVE IN IDLE. CAR WOULD SHAKE. MECHANICS PUT IN NEW PARTS AND BATTERY FOR MORE THAN $1200. STILL WAS NOT FIXED. MECHANIC WENT TO A DEALERSHIP TO INQUIRE IF THEY HAD SEEN THIS PROBLEM. AT THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT MANY OF THE PARTS THAT WOULD CAUSE THE PROBLEM WERE ON RECALL. GM HAD NOT POSTED THESE RECALLS OR NOTIFIED ME, THE OWNER. AFTER INSPECTING THE CAR THEY SAID THERE WAS TOO MUCH WRONG TO REPAIR AND THE ENTIRE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REP…”
NHTSA complaint #11043478, 2017 · fire

“ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR TURNING, THE ENGINE WILL DIE. FRONT END ACCIDENT GOING 55+ MPH ON A COUNTRY ROAD, HIT A VERY LARGE DIP, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, SEAT BELTS DID LOCK UP.”
NHTSA complaint #10994533, 2015 · crash

“1. The engine suddenly lost power while driving during evening rush hour and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. 2. Because the vehicle could not maintain speed, I was unable to keep up with traffic, creating a serious safety hazard that could have resulted in a major accident. 3. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center for diagnosis. 4. During the incident, the “Engine Power Reduced” warning indicator illuminated just before the loss of power occurred. 5. As the vehicle slowed and came to a complete stop at an intersection, it remained unresponsive. When th…”
NHTSA complaint #11699710, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 29

“My car has started stalling and dying when i slow down, take off or when idling. No power when accelerated, and the smell of exhaust comes into my car. I was making a turn from a red light and my car spit, sputtered, and died right in the middle of the busy intersection. I was almost hit from the rear and another car had to go into on coming traffic to avoid T boning me. I took it to 2 different places to get a diagnosis reading and both places said it was a catalyst problem, and I was told that there was a recall about that because of engine oil clogging it up. My car has been using more oil…”
NHTSA complaint #11741552, 2026

“I think the manifold on GMC Terrain need to be on a recall because mine already cracked.”
NHTSA complaint #11630541, 2024

“Took vehicle into dealer for a recall on October 17, 2023 with the recall being [Primary]: RECALL : C/S: N192268181 -TAILPIPE EMISSIONS - EXHAUST COMPONENTS: C/S: N192268181 -TAILPIPE EMISSIONS - EXHAUST COMPONENTS. The dealership did an excellent job on the work providing a video to show work being done. Now this month of April, I received another check engine light stating the P0013 code stands for “Exhaust “B” Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open (Bank 1).” There is not a recall from the manufacturer but according to dealership they've received a bulletin in regards to this issue. A…”
NHTSA complaint #11585551, 2024

Air Bags 27 17 crash 1 fire 14 injury

“WE HAD BEGUN TO CROSS AN INTERSECTION AND, WHILE OUR SPEED WAS FROM A DEAD STOP, THE OTHER DRIVER BLEW THROUGH A RED LIGHT AND HIT US AT WHAT WAS PROBABLY THE SPEED LIMIT OF 40MPH. HER CAR STRUCK US IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND AGAIN ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. WE, MYSELF WHO WAS DRIVING, AND MY WIFE, WHO WAS THE PASSENGER ON THE SIDE HIT, WERE BOTH THROWN HARD TO THE RIGHT AT IMPACT, CAUSING INJURIES TO US BOTH, MOST NOTABLY, MY WIFE. SHE HIT HER HEAD VERY HARD ON EITHER THE PASSENGER DOOR FRAME OR THE PASSENGER WINDOW. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. NO SIDE AIRBAGS, NO FRONT AIRBAGS. NO…”
NHTSA complaint #10607744, 2014 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG BUSTED OPEN, SMOKED AND EMITTED DEBRIS BUT DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT AND A NINE-YEAR OLD CHILD IN A BOOSTER SEAT, IN THE BACK SEAT OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE STAN MCNABB CHRYSLER…”
NHTSA complaint #11306964, 2020 · crash · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, WHEN TWO VEHICLES IN FRONT OF HIM CRASHED. THE CONTACT STATED HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND REAR ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED STERNUM DUE TO THE SEAT BELT AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AND STAYED OVER NIGHT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INF…”
NHTSA complaint #11353822, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Structure 14 3 crash 5 injury

“WE HAD BEGUN TO CROSS AN INTERSECTION AND, WHILE OUR SPEED WAS FROM A DEAD STOP, THE OTHER DRIVER BLEW THROUGH A RED LIGHT AND HIT US AT WHAT WAS PROBABLY THE SPEED LIMIT OF 40MPH. HER CAR STRUCK US IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND AGAIN ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. WE, MYSELF WHO WAS DRIVING, AND MY WIFE, WHO WAS THE PASSENGER ON THE SIDE HIT, WERE BOTH THROWN HARD TO THE RIGHT AT IMPACT, CAUSING INJURIES TO US BOTH, MOST NOTABLY, MY WIFE. SHE HIT HER HEAD VERY HARD ON EITHER THE PASSENGER DOOR FRAME OR THE PASSENGER WINDOW. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. NO SIDE AIRBAGS, NO FRONT AIRBAGS. NO…”
NHTSA complaint #10607744, 2014 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“?ON APRIL 16TH OUR SON WAS DRIVING ON FAIRVIEW RD. AND TRAVELING THROUGH A GREEN LIGHT WHEN A CAR THAT RAN A RED LIGHT HIT HIM. ?HIS CAR ? A GMC 2012 TERRAIN WAS HIT MULTIPLE TIMES ? DRIVER'S FRONT END, FRONT END AND SPUN AROUND FROM THE FORCE AND HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ?[XXX] WAS IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED BY ON STAR, THEY CALLED POLICE, HIS CAR WAS TOTALED ?ON 4/21 I EMAILED GMC AND ASKED WHAT DEPARTMENT I WOULD CONTACT TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE FRONT AND SIDE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING CALL FROM GMC 866-790-5700 EXT. 22745 SAID ON VOICE MAIL ? THE AIRBAG DID NOT DE…”
NHTSA complaint #10466384, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THE DATA I ENTERED FOR "FAILURE MILEAGE" AND "SPEED AT TIME OF INCIDENT" SHOULD NOT BE USED AS CONCRETE DATA BECAUSE FOR THE MOST PART FROM ROLLING UP VERY SLOW DRIVING WOULD BE MORE ACCURATE (WITHOUT GIVING GAS). I AM 47, AND DRIVING SINCE 18. I AM A MECHANIC, WORKED TELEPHONE, DATA, PRESENTLY A NURSE. I HAVE DRIVEN MANY CARS. I HAVE OWNED, OR CO-OWNED A LEAST 15 CARS. I AM ALWAYS ON THE ROAD IN ALL CONDITIONS. ALL MY PAST PROFESSIONS REQUIRED PLENTY DRIVING. I HAVE DRIVEN THE ABOVE MENTIONED VEHICLE FOR LITTLE OVER 2 MONTHS. THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT BLIND SPOT TO THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10505055, 2013 · 1 injury(ies)

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 13

“EMISSION CONTROL HAS WENT OUT TWICE WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF BEING FIXED. CAM SHAFT BOTH SIDES HAD TO BE REPLACED. 4 TIMES WITH 6 MONTHS THE FUEL LIGHT HAS CAME ON STATING THE CAP NEEDS REPAIRED, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS REPLACED. ALTERNATOR, BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED OCTOBER 2019, WHILE IN ANOTHER SATE. ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN FEB. 2019. ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE BECAUSE OF PREVIOUS RIGHT SIDE DAMAGE. THROTTLE HAS WENT OUT, WHILE DRIVING 65 ON HIGHWAYS. STABILITY CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. CRANKSHAFT WAS REPLACED. EXHAUST LEAK. BODY CONTROL SHORT, JERKING WHILE DRIVING, TIMING WAR…”
NHTSA complaint #11270354, 2019

“TAKATA RECALL MY CAR HAS BEEN THROWING A ENGINE POWER REDUCED AND SERVICE STABIL TRAK LIGHT. I HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP FIVE TIMES NOW, AFTER REPLACING A COOLANT SENSOR WHICH IS A CODE IT THROUGH, IT HAS THROWN THREE PEDAL SENSORS, AFTER REPLACING IT THE FIRST TIME THE MECHANIC PLACE TOLD ME THE PEDAL WAS BAD, SENT IT BACK REPLACED IT AGAIN AND THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE THE BEGINNING OF MAY AND STILL NOT RESOLVED. I HAVE READ SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE POST ABOUT THIS ON THEIR TERRAINS.”
NHTSA complaint #11245895, 2019

“I EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH MY GMC TERRAIN. I HAVE CONTACTED MY LOCAL DEALER (DORAL GMC, IN MIAMI, FL) ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WITH NO RESPONSE. I HAVE SUBMITTED A WRITTEN COMPLAINT TO GMC ON APRIL 10TH, 2012 AND NEVER RECEIVED A REPLY. I'VE EXPERIENCED CONTINUOUS CAR PROBLEMS SINCE THE PURCHASE OF MY VEHICLE. WITHIN THE FIRST 3 MONTHS OF PURCHASE MY CAR HAD ALREADY BEEN KEPT AT THE DEALER FOR 30 DAYS ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. VEHICLE PROBLEMS WERE, FOR EXAMPLE; THE AIRBAG SERVICE LIGHT TURNED ON, CAR TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY, THIS ISSUE WAS TAKEN CARE OF BUT RETURNED SEVERAL TIMES…”
NHTSA complaint #11076161, 2018

Vehicle Speed Control 11 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHEN VEHICLE SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE, RESULTED IN EXTREME HIGH SPEED ACCELERATION AND NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THIS RESULTED IN A HIGH IMPACT CRASH INTO GARAGE SIDE WALL. ALSO AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. ASSUME THROTTLE WIDE OPEN CAUSING SUDDEN ACCELERATION. INSURANCE REPORT , AND POLICE REPORT PENDING”
NHTSA complaint #10862428, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“First off before I got the car it had gone through a tune up. About a couple months after I got the car little things started to happen it would rock back and forth while idling I thought it was kind of an indicator that it needed oil but the percentage was still at a decent range and telling me it didn't need oil plus I hadent driven it 3000-5000 miles. Then engine light came on had it inspected codes ran came back telling me something about Throttle body So I purchased a whole new throttle body in Prosser at dealership costing me some booko buks and swapped it out when I got back home I then…”
NHTSA complaint #11492036, 2021 · fire

“I still have more to add to my other complaint. The fire started with alternator apparently there were crossed wires took alternator back to Orielys where I got it warrented out fixed the expanded wiring and replaced a hose and other things damaged by the little fire. Then after that things kept getting worse. Then it was spark plugs that were rusted that I replaced eventually I complained back to the dealership I got the car from and they agreed to help repair it after a posting by me on fb that I wasent a happy customer basically and that I literally had a sitting duck. Turns out the timing…”
NHTSA complaint #11492037, 2022

Exterior Lighting 10 1 fire

“My 4 cyl. AWD GMC Terrain has had excessive oil use which caused premature failure of the timing chain, loss of power/compression, blown engine, damage to exhaust manifold, cellinoids, and melted the catalytic converter. Its was a road safety, poor emissions due to failed catalytic converter. Headlights are too bright for oncoming traffic at night. Another road & safety hazard. Auto warranty is refusing to cover parts listed above caused by the timing chain and excessive oil consumption problems.”
NHTSA complaint #11567406, 2023 · fire

“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11478233, 2022

“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11468249, 2022

Seat Belts 9 2 crash 1 fire 3 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG BUSTED OPEN, SMOKED AND EMITTED DEBRIS BUT DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT AND A NINE-YEAR OLD CHILD IN A BOOSTER SEAT, IN THE BACK SEAT OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE STAN MCNABB CHRYSLER…”
NHTSA complaint #11306964, 2020 · crash · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“SEAT RE-TRACTORS DON'T RETRACT AND SEAT BELT GETS CAUGHT IN DOOR WHEN CLOSED. DOOR CRACKS PLASTIC COVER ON SEAT BELT COVER WHICH LEAVES A SHARP EDGE THAT CUTS YOUR FINGERS WHEN YOU TRY TO BUCKLE YOUR SEAT BELT.”
NHTSA complaint #11194557, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR TURNING, THE ENGINE WILL DIE. FRONT END ACCIDENT GOING 55+ MPH ON A COUNTRY ROAD, HIT A VERY LARGE DIP, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, SEAT BELTS DID LOCK UP.”
NHTSA complaint #10994533, 2015 · crash

Visibility 8

“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH in rain weather, the front windshield wipers stopped functioning. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to deactivate and activate the windshield wipers however, the wiper blades failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11530431, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRAINING HOSE FROM THE SUN ROOF LEAKED WATER INTO THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THERE WAS A BUILD UP OF WATER THAT CAUSED A FOUL ODOR AND MOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MATAGA BUICK GMC CADILLAC (LOCATED AT 3261 AUTO CENTER DR, STOCKTON, CA 95212, (209) 951-2600) AND THEY UNCLOGGED THE HOSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 8-4853270190. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11155259, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH IN HEAVY RAIN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL THE VEHCLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD UNTIL THE RAIN STOPPED. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COURTESY BUICK/GMC LAFAYETTE (4750 JOHNSTON STREET, LAFAYETTE, LA, 70506) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CASE NUMBER: 8-4506862182 WAS FILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000. *TT UPDATED 11/19…”
NHTSA complaint #11121070, 2018

Steering 7

“Steering wheel locks and hard to steer while driving. System light comes on stating check power Steering. Also stabilizer light comes as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11421725, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING FAULT MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER BECK CHEVROLET LOCATED AT 3750 W CARLETON RD, HILLSDALE, MI 49242 WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT YET CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11407183, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL COVER SUDDENLY LOOSENED AND SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PHILLIPS BUICK (HWY 441-27, FRUITLAND PARK, FL) WHO INDICATED THAT THE METAL RING USED TO SECURE THE COVER WAS LOOSE AND THE ENTIRE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,600.”
NHTSA complaint #11162250, 2018

Engine And Engine Cooling 5

“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 114,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11544181, 2023

“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated after driving approximately 25 MPH and then stopping, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the engine power reduced warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with an unstated failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11461568, 2022

“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH the vehicle was consuming engine oil. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed it. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the manifold on the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11453456, 2020

Service Brakes 5 1 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, WHEN TWO VEHICLES IN FRONT OF HIM CRASHED. THE CONTACT STATED HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND REAR ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED STERNUM DUE TO THE SEAT BELT AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AND STAYED OVER NIGHT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INF…”
NHTSA complaint #11353822, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The check emissions light for the engine light came up on the dashboard. Without prior warning or other signs the vehicle lost engine power in the middle of the road. The entire electrical power and engine stopped working and the brakes jammed. This causes the vehicle to become unstoppable in the middle of the road causing a safety hazard to the vehicle, driver, passengers and fellow vehicles on the road. The only way to stop the vehicle is somehow use the gears to shift to parking position, turn the engine again on and try to remove the vehicle from the middle of the road.”
NHTSA complaint #11470065, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO ENSURE THE VEHICLE MADE A COMPLETE STOP. THE DEALER (HARDY CHEVROLET, 2115 BROWNS BRIDGE RD, GAINESVILLE, GA 30501, (770) 532-4389) DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED 20 TSBS ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM, BUT HAD NOT ISSUED A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11076370, 2018

Wheels 5

“GMC Consumer Relations Subject: Structural Undercarriage Safety Defect – 2012 GMC Terrain SLE Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2012 GMC Terrain SLE VIN: [XXX] Mileage at Purchase: 148,305 Date of Purchase: [XXX] Location: Rochester, New York I am filing a complaint regarding a severe undercarriage safety defect in my 2012 GMC Terrain SLE. The rear undercarriage of this vehicle shows heavy structural corrosion on suspension brackets and mounts. The condition produces clanging noises during normal driving, and an independent licensed mechanic has refused to work on the vehicle because th…”
NHTSA complaint #11687398, 2025

“I am having trouble with these things now. The powertrain especially I have not had accident yet but it keeps going dead on me in the middle of driving down road. Causing me to have to put in neutral and restart. At this time the steering goes out. This needs to be repaired before an accident does happen. The drivers seat does not move forward or backwards. The tire pressure warning does not warn until it is at 20 psi.”
NHTSA complaint #11423849, 2021

“We received a notice in the mail regarding our vehicle with our VIN #. And it mentioned our particular size engine had a recall for potential emissions part condition of degraded catalytic converter and/or oxygen sensors caused by excessive engine oil consumption affecting some vehicle from our year, make, and model. We were surprised to receive this notice because we always park in reverse and we had noticed how it was turning the curb side black coming from the tail pipe. We did receive one other notice before and took it to the dealership to have it maintenance but my honest opinion I do be…”
NHTSA complaint #11425912, 2020

Seats 4

“I am having trouble with these things now. The powertrain especially I have not had accident yet but it keeps going dead on me in the middle of driving down road. Causing me to have to put in neutral and restart. At this time the steering goes out. This needs to be repaired before an accident does happen. The drivers seat does not move forward or backwards. The tire pressure warning does not warn until it is at 20 psi.”
NHTSA complaint #11423849, 2021

“RECENT PROBLEMS WITH MY 2012 GMC TERRAIN ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE PVC VALVE CAUSED REAR MAIN SEAL TO CONSUME OIL AND GASKET BLEW OUT DRIVERS SEAT WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS VISOR ON DRIVERS SIDE WILL NOT STAY UP ALSO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS”
NHTSA complaint #11290684, 2019

“WHILE DRIVING, THERE IS A RANDOM DING. NO IDIOT LIGHTS COME ON THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER A MONTH. TODAY I HAPPENED TO LOOK UP AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WAS FLASHING. AS IF STATING THERE WAS SOMEONE IN THE SEAT. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP IT IS TO HAVE THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLED WHILE DRIVING. THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING. IT IS VERY DISTURBING BECAUSE I AM NOT SURE IF I AM IN AN ACCIDENT IF MY PASSENGER WILL BE SAFE.”
NHTSA complaint #11270319, 2019

Suspension 4 2 crash 4 injury

“WE HAD BEGUN TO CROSS AN INTERSECTION AND, WHILE OUR SPEED WAS FROM A DEAD STOP, THE OTHER DRIVER BLEW THROUGH A RED LIGHT AND HIT US AT WHAT WAS PROBABLY THE SPEED LIMIT OF 40MPH. HER CAR STRUCK US IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND AGAIN ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. WE, MYSELF WHO WAS DRIVING, AND MY WIFE, WHO WAS THE PASSENGER ON THE SIDE HIT, WERE BOTH THROWN HARD TO THE RIGHT AT IMPACT, CAUSING INJURIES TO US BOTH, MOST NOTABLY, MY WIFE. SHE HIT HER HEAD VERY HARD ON EITHER THE PASSENGER DOOR FRAME OR THE PASSENGER WINDOW. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. NO SIDE AIRBAGS, NO FRONT AIRBAGS. NO…”
NHTSA complaint #10607744, 2014 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“?ON APRIL 16TH OUR SON WAS DRIVING ON FAIRVIEW RD. AND TRAVELING THROUGH A GREEN LIGHT WHEN A CAR THAT RAN A RED LIGHT HIT HIM. ?HIS CAR ? A GMC 2012 TERRAIN WAS HIT MULTIPLE TIMES ? DRIVER'S FRONT END, FRONT END AND SPUN AROUND FROM THE FORCE AND HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ?[XXX] WAS IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED BY ON STAR, THEY CALLED POLICE, HIS CAR WAS TOTALED ?ON 4/21 I EMAILED GMC AND ASKED WHAT DEPARTMENT I WOULD CONTACT TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE FRONT AND SIDE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING CALL FROM GMC 866-790-5700 EXT. 22745 SAID ON VOICE MAIL ? THE AIRBAG DID NOT DE…”
NHTSA complaint #10466384, 2012 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“GMC Consumer Relations Subject: Structural Undercarriage Safety Defect – 2012 GMC Terrain SLE Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2012 GMC Terrain SLE VIN: [XXX] Mileage at Purchase: 148,305 Date of Purchase: [XXX] Location: Rochester, New York I am filing a complaint regarding a severe undercarriage safety defect in my 2012 GMC Terrain SLE. The rear undercarriage of this vehicle shows heavy structural corrosion on suspension brackets and mounts. The condition produces clanging noises during normal driving, and an independent licensed mechanic has refused to work on the vehicle because th…”
NHTSA complaint #11687398, 2025

Back Over Prevention 2

“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse out of a parking space, upon putting shifting into reverse, the rearview camera screen turned off. The contact stated that the display screen went blank, and due to the failure, the vehicle bumped another vehicle that was also reversing. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that it was a minor impact and that there was no cosmetic damage to either vehicle. The Police was not called. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was i…”
NHTSA complaint #11639980, 2024

“CODE-P0014-CAMSHAFT POSITIONB TIMING OVER-ADVANCED OR SYSTEM.CODE-P0300 RANDOM/MUITIPLE CYLINDER MISFIRE.COMPUTERIZED ENGINE ANALYSIS.RECALLS#50490-50491”
NHTSA complaint #11375295, 2020

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“Over the past couple years I have become worried to even drive this vehicle. Well Taken care of and maintenance completed regularly. This vehicle has been in the shop 7 times in the past couple years but no one can tell me exactly what is going on. Only 1 place has told me that I need extensive electrical work but couldn't tell me what exactly the problem was. Issue #1: When coming to a stop, and/or idle, the engine seems to give up and vehicle shuts off. Issue #2: When started Engine sounds like a.high pitch raddle. Issue #3: Occasionally, while driving on the interstate going around 60 - 65…”
NHTSA complaint #11423555, 2021

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled at various speeds, and now was stalling while accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who linked the failure to excessive oil consumption. The fuel pump was replaced and oil was added. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred the following morning. The check engine and oil service warning lights were illuminated. The oil level was low. The contact stated that the oil was changed almost every 3-months. The dealer was notified of the failure…”
NHTSA complaint #11455968, 2018

Tires 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE TPMS WARNING LIGHT FOR THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. ON A LATER DATE, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TPMS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO MADE AN UNKNOWN ADJUSTMENT; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10779204, 2012