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2016 GMC Terrain Problems & Owner Complaints

150 NHTSA owner complaints
9 crash 9 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~13.6 complaints per year on the road — ranking 12 of 15 GMC Terrain years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Visibility/Wiper is the most-reported problem area on the 2016 GMC Terrain, cited in 46 of 150 filed complaints (31%).

Engine is next (45 complaints, 30%), followed by Power Train (11), Exterior Lighting (10), Air Bags (9).

Across all complaints, 9 report a crash, 9 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 5 crash, 5 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2016 GMC Terrain, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 150.

Visibility/Wiper 46

“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)”
NHTSA complaint #11738415, 2026

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11734710, 2026

“The windshield wipers quit working while driving during a down pour; some piece to the motor broke. This can cause severe injuries and even death due to the fact that it caused me to not be able to see where I was going and what was around me and could have driven off a high ramp. It hasn’t been inspected by anyone yet. There were no signs, warnings, or messages stating a failure may occur. This issue is available for review if requested until I get the car in for repairs. Will request to keep the part that is repaired Incase it’s needed for review after the fact.”
NHTSA complaint #11686230, 2025

Engine 45

“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 sy…”
NHTSA complaint #11742386, 2026

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11733070, 2026

“Carr paused, and then stopped in the middle of the highway, without any warning lights or identifiers. Other vehicles had to come to abrupt stops or even veer to avoid hitting me the manufacturer is aware, and has had a large lawsuit settlement due to a faulty rear seal causes massive internal oil consumption without any warning to the operator of of the vehicle. My research has shown that it is a catastrophic common issue with this vehicles model and year a certified GMC dealership has identified this as the reason for the sudden shut down without warning, not one warning light illuminated to…”
NHTSA complaint #11718490, 2026

Unknown Or Other 12

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11610903, 2024

“the radio / back up camera and close object display goes on and off intermittently. If backing up all vision and warnings are lost. Unit is no longer available and is obsolete and discontinued by GMC. This was determined and tested at the dealer Cappalino GMC.”
NHTSA complaint #11592577, 2024

“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. I recently had an oil change and I was wondering if that could be the problem. The dealer gave me no recommendations or indications that I needed to change belts or components and my service engine light has never came on.”
NHTSA complaint #11439346, 2021

Power Train 11

“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 sy…”
NHTSA complaint #11742386, 2026

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11683566, 2025

“Code p0700 was indicated at a professional transmission shop. My vehicle started driving different. It is a scary feeling. I have a ten year old daughter who I commute to school and safety is the utmost of importance. I don't want to have a accident in a vehicle I recently purchased for safety and end up having to look for another vehicle because of a total loss accident or a transmission problem that would cost a lot of money I don't have. My fear is the gears slipping as I drive my daughter to school. I got a quote of close to 3,000 $ to have the transmission rebuild or fixed. Money tha…”
NHTSA complaint #11617008, 2024

Exterior Lighting 10 2 crash 2 injury

“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while the wife was driving approximately 45 MPH she accidentally hit an animal due to visibility issues with the headlights. There were no warning lights. The police arrived on the scene; however, no reports were filed. The front passenger headlight was damaged, along with the front grill and tie end rod. There were no air bags deployed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic and repaired. The driver had minor back injuries, no medical treatments applied, and just a few days off work. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure…”
NHTSA complaint #11467204, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH his vehicle inadvertently and unknowingly crashed into the vehicle in front. The contact was unable to see the vehicle in front of him due to the glare of headlights. The air bags did deploy. There were no warning lights. The vehicle was damaged in the front, but drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed with a failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. There were no police reports or medical treatments. The contact has minor injuries to the jaw. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaig…”
NHTSA complaint #11463393, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11610903, 2024

Air Bags 9 5 crash 5 injury

“The contact owned a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while at a red light, the vehicle was struck from the rear which resulted in the vehicle being pushed forward and crashing into the vehicle in front. None of the air bags deployed. The front driver side seatbelt did not retract however the front passenger side did function as designed during the impact. In addition, the driver hit their head on the steering wheel during the impact. After the impact, the "reset airbag" warning message was displayed. The contact and his wife sustained bruising and contusions. Both injured sought medical tr…”
NHTSA complaint #11426788, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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 con…”
NHTSA complaint #11705536, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while making a right turn, a Dodge Ram truck ran through a stop sign causing the contact to crash into the truck head-on. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact's daughter arrived at the scene and transported him to the local hospital to be evaluated for brain, neck, left-hand fingers, swollen right leg, and back pain injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed but the police report number was not available. The vehicle was towed to a salvage junkyard. The dealer was not contacted, but the vehicle was not…”
NHTSA complaint #11593763, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

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Electrical System 9

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11610903, 2024

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11514747, 2023

“2016 GMC Terrain SLT, service engine light came on, vehicle stalled many times, restarted but drove and misfired, stalled again, was able to get it to repair garage who I trust. He checked code and said I had to put a complete timing chain kit. Total cost came to $992.36 and didn't have a vehicle for a week due to weekend and a holiday. The vehicle only had 30,763 miles on it at the time but was out of factory warrantee. Reading other customer complaints, this looks like an ongoing problem and I feel should warrant a recall. Additional info such as repair invoice is attached. Please reply when…”
NHTSA complaint #11436115, 2021

Steering 6

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11613387, 2024

“Power steering failure and don't walk anymore, had to push my GMC Terrain. The light came on that says POWER STEERING FAILED. Contact service. It can't go any further.”
NHTSA complaint #11486332, 2022

“WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK MULTIPLE TIMES. WHEN DRIVING MY CAR STOPPED AT THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WHEN DRIVING MY CAR WOULD SWITCH ON AMD OFF THE ECO MODE AND I FELT A JOLT EVERY TIME”
NHTSA complaint #11302936, 2020

Service Brakes 5 2 crash 1 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11685259, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“HUSBAND WAS TRAVELING UNDER 25 MPH UP HILL AND TWO VEHICLES AHEAD OF HIM ABRUPTLY STOPPED FOR UNKNOWN REASON WHICH RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT DOING THE SAME CAUSING MY HUSBAND HAVING TO HARD BRAKE. AS HE TRIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE BRAKES WOULDN'T RESPOND AND CAR KEPT ROLLING RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. THE ABS CONTROLLER FAILED”
NHTSA complaint #11290250, 2019 · crash

“The engine light comes on, then "service stabiltrak light" comes on. It starts by making it difficult to accelerate at a red stop light when it changes green. When turning a corner, because there is no quick acceleration, it has caused near miss accidents. As time goes on it becomes worse. I have lost power on the expressway and have to pull over. I have brought this car in several times and GMC has not made any repairs. It is scary when a semi is rolling behind you and you can't accelerate to get out of the way. This is a safety issue. I have received no help from GMC.”
NHTSA complaint #11435686, 2019

Vehicle Speed Control 4

“the car is having stability control issues”
NHTSA complaint #11711023, 2026

“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. LAST TIME THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. IT FINALLY DID AFTER 20 MINUTES OR SO. AND LIGHT WENT OUT LAYER. TOOK IT TO DEALER ONCE AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. THIS IS WORRYING ME.”
NHTSA complaint #11405940, 2021

“VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASE SHOWS NO SIGNS OF LEAK BUT GOES THROUGH OIL AT ABOUT 1 QUART EVERY 1000 MILES MAX. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS ON, SENSORS INDICATE POSSIBLE FAULTY PISTON RINGS. ALL WERE PROBLEMS IN LATER MODEL GMC TERRAINS. WHEN LOW ON OIL WHILE DRIVING AND STATIONARY ALL LIGHTS WILL LIGHT UP AND ENGINE WILL GO INTO REDUCED POWER MODE SAYING TO SERVICE STABILITRACK. CAR WILL NOT GO ABOVE 10 MPH WHEN IN THIS MODE, SOMETIMES UNABLE TO MOVE AT ALL. GOES AWAY AFTER MORE OIL ADDED. GMC TERRAIN HAD RECALLS ON YEARS 2010-2013 FOR ALL ENGINE FAILURE PROBLEMS/REPAIRS DUE TO FAULTY PISTON RINGS/OI…”
NHTSA complaint #11397807, 2020

Fuel/Propulsion System 3

“consumption of oil! I got my oil changed January 1, 2025. It is now February 1. I have driven less than 500 miles. I had no oil. I have no Leaks or anything wrong. The car just consumes . I have had to have 6 oil changes in the past 3 months. Shop after shop. Has said it just consumes oil and this vehicle is trash. I noticed there was also a lawsuit against it. If you do not put a recall out on my vehicle ASAP, I am going to file a personal lawsuit and sue the hell out of you! For your scam! Somebody better give me a call immediately. Or set me up at my local GMC dealer to fix this issue. I…”
NHTSA complaint #11640149, 2025

“Fuil tank is leaking from the top of the fuil tank.”
NHTSA complaint #11629348, 2024

“Multiple brake lines have corroded out of the gas tank. This caused gas to slowly leak from the vehicle . Not available for inspection - currently being fixed. Dealer confirmed multiple lines corroding. It has been inspected by a certified dealer, Golling in Chelsea, Michigan. There was no warning. Initially smelled gas, but could not pinpoint where it was coming from. Eventually the leak became so large that gas usage was excessive and smell was very strong.”
NHTSA complaint #11522405, 2023

Seat Belts 3 2 crash 2 injury

“The contact owned a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while at a red light, the vehicle was struck from the rear which resulted in the vehicle being pushed forward and crashing into the vehicle in front. None of the air bags deployed. The front driver side seatbelt did not retract however the front passenger side did function as designed during the impact. In addition, the driver hit their head on the steering wheel during the impact. After the impact, the "reset airbag" warning message was displayed. The contact and his wife sustained bruising and contusions. Both injured sought medical tr…”
NHTSA complaint #11426788, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“WE OWN A 2016 GMC TERRAIN. MY WIFE REAR ENDED A FORD EXPEDITIONS. THIS LOW SPEED IMPACT CAUSED ALMOST 17000 DOLLARS OF DAMAGE AND THE SEAT BELT OR AIR BAGS NEVER WENT OFF. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS IS NORMAL OR IS GM COVERING UP FAULTY SAFETY EQUIPMENT.”
NHTSA complaint #10916114, 2016 · crash

“Seats ripped at seams. Seat belts came unattached at base and at buckel with a newborn baby in seat”
NHTSA complaint #11484642, 2022

Structure 3 1 injury

“NOTICED BLACK FLUID ON LIFTGATE FRAME. SEVERAL DAYS LATER I HAD GREAT DIFFICULTY RAISING THE HATCH. WHEN I RELEASED IT THE GATE FELL VIOLENTELY INJURING MY HAND. IT APPEARS BOTH PISTONS FAILED. MY CONCERN IS THAT HAD THE GATE BEEN IN THE RAISED POSITION AND IT FELL, MYSELF OR A FAMILY MEMBER WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE GATE IS EXTREMELY HEAVY. MY DEALER DID NOT RECOGNIZE THE URGENCY OF THIS PROBLEM NOW MAKING ME WAIT NEARLY A WEEK FOR REPAIR. VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVE AT THE TIME.”
NHTSA complaint #11015898, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)

“My cousin thought I had a trailing arm bushing was bad on the driver's side. The subframe holding the trailing arm rusted out completely. He was able to put his thumb through it with little pressure when trying to see if it can be fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #11752313, 2026

“RANDOM AND UNPREDICTABLE FROZEN PASSENGER DOOR. WILL NOT OPEN MANUALLY OR ELECTRICALLY. CAN NOT OPEN !!!!!. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF CONSTANT LOCKING AND UN-LOCKING DOOR HAS RELEASED. HAS HAPPEN FOUR TIMES SINCE PURCHASE IN 2016”
NHTSA complaint #11166403, 2019

Visibility 3

“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield became foggy. The driver rolled down the windows to clear the windshield and the glass; however, the windshield became foggier. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and clear the windshield by hand. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the windshield was collecting excessive moisture from the air inside the vehicle but was…”
NHTSA complaint #11681961, 2025

“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed in inclement weather, the windshield wipers failed to operate. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a screw was replaced; however, the failure recurred. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11484629, 2022

“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving in the rain, the windshield wipers failed to operate as needed without warning. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that an abnormal, cracking sound was coming from the windshield wipers when she attempted to activate them. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he repaired the windshield wipers. The contact notified the manufacturer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact filed a complaint with the m…”
NHTSA complaint #11439105, 2021

Wheels 3

“I'VE BEEN NOTICING THAT DRIVING IN THE SNOW THE THE WHEELS LOCK UP UP ESPECIALLY WHEN I AN TAKING A TURN. I BROUGHT THIS BACK TO CARMAX WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHIC AND THEY STATED THAT THIS IS NORMAL AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY ANTILOCK BRAKES.”
NHTSA complaint #11190164, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER. WHILE THE DRIVER WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRES EXPLODED. THE DRIVER COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE CONTACT WHO REPLACED THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ED MORSE MAZDA GMC BUICK OF PORT RICHEY (10237 US-19, PORT RICHEY, FL 34668, (888) 852-6523) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN ALIGNMENT WAS NEEDED AND THE REAR SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAIL…”
NHTSA complaint #11120447, 2018

“THE TIRES ON THE CAR LOSE AIR PRESSURE VERY QUICKLY, EVEN WHEN THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF AIR PRESSURE IS ADDED. THE CAR CAN SET IN THE GARAGE FOR A FEW DAYS AND ONE TIRE MAY HAVE LOW AIR PRESSURE AND I FILL IT UP TO 32 PSI. A WEEK OR LESS LATER, ANOTHER TIRE WILL HAVE LOW AIR PRESSURE AND SO ON. THIS IS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE WITH OTHER GM SUV'S I'VE OWNED.”
NHTSA complaint #11114233, 2018

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2

“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the stability track warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle however, the warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the electronic brake control module replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11445356, 2021

“I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE WHEN ON THREE SEPERATE OCCASIONS THE SERVICE STABILITRAK MESSAGE FLASHED ON THE DIC AND I LOST ENGINE POWER. ONE OF THE TIMES THIS HAPPENED I WAS ON A ROAD WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 55 AND THE ISSUE ALMOST CAUSED A VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO ME. THE MESSAGE GOES AWAY AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES. I TRIED TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE AND WAS TOLD THEY CANT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO NOW I DONT EVEN BOTHER TRYING TO HAVE THEM FIX IT. HOW CAN A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE LIKE THIS NOT BE FIXED BY GM!!”
NHTSA complaint #11209123, 2019

Seats 2

“Seats ripped at seams. Seat belts came unattached at base and at buckel with a newborn baby in seat”
NHTSA complaint #11484642, 2022

“Passenger seat occupied sensor not sensing passenger. Have light come on saying service air bag. Was told that if in an accident and I have a passenger in the front. The airbags would not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11434641, 2021

Forward Collision Avoidance 1 1 crash 1 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11685259, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Lane Departure 1

“The engine - My engine blew because oil evaporated out of the #1 cyclinder, which drained the oil. No warning lights went on and the vehicle stalled in the middle of rush hour traffic. The dealership told me it was because of a factory defect, but no recall on that part of the vehicle. This could have been much worse if the vehicles behind me were going faster than they were and not able to stop before rear ending me. Because this was a factory defect it should have been recalled and I should have been notified of this problem when I bought the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11550114, 2023

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“While the key is still in the ignition (first time, vehicle was running; second time, vehicle was off), the car doors locked without any one pushing the button to lock the doors.”
NHTSA complaint #11589305, 2024

Parking Brake 1

“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in a driveway on a hill, the contact heard an abnormal snap and the vehicle started to roll down the hill through the neighbor’s yard, and then into the woods. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,780.”
NHTSA complaint #11489336, 2022

Suspension 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER. WHILE THE DRIVER WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRES EXPLODED. THE DRIVER COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE CONTACT WHO REPLACED THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ED MORSE MAZDA GMC BUICK OF PORT RICHEY (10237 US-19, PORT RICHEY, FL 34668, (888) 852-6523) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN ALIGNMENT WAS NEEDED AND THE REAR SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAIL…”
NHTSA complaint #11120447, 2018

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2016 GMC Terrain draws about 13.6 complaints per year on the road, ranking 12 of 15 among the GMC Terrain model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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