2012 GMC Terrain

Above average

Owners filed 364 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
81,534 milesMedian miles at failure

258 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine155
021
Visibility/Wiper71
000
Air Bags22
15113
Unknown or Other19
102
Electrical System18
010
Power Train12
010
Electronic Stability Control (esc)10
000
Fuel/Propulsion System8
000
Exterior Lighting8
000
Structure › Body5
101

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights22V137000
Filed Mar 8, 2022740,581 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. 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.

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.

Electrical System › Ignition16V502000
Filed Jul 5, 20168,367 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Risk. If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust14V447000
Filed Jul 23, 2014414,333 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.

Risk. If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.

Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems11V511000
Filed Oct 19, 201133,964 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 18, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM" (TPMS). THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO ILLUMINATE THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WHEN THE PRESSURE IN A TIRE IS 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE. ON THESE VEHICLES, THE LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE UNTIL THE TIRE PRESSURE IS MORE THAN 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE.

Risk. UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN RESULT IN TIRE OVERLOADING AND OVERHEATING, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A BLOWOUT AND POSSIBLE CRASH. THE RESULTING CRASH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN ALSO RESULT IN PREMATURE OR IRREGULAR WEAR, POOR HANDLING, AND POOR FUEL ECONOMY.

Remedy. GM DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 9, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Jun 2, 2026AR

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 than usual here lately and im guessing thats why. Now, im afraid to drive anywhere because I don't feel like it safe and the fact that my car doesn't run good enough to drive. I was told by more than 1 person that knows mechanics, that its a issue with the catalyst and that it had a recall on it but I never received one. This is a very concerning safety issue, and one that needs immediate attention before someone gets badly hurt (or worse) because of a bad car part . My car is literally just a lawn ornament now until I can get this issue resolved. I need my car to make a living and support my family. PLEASE, get the recall letters out and get this fixed before someone loses a life.

Engine
Filed Mar 9, 2026MN

The engine blew. This was already the 2nd engine in the car. Oil consumption. Metal in the oil. No signs. Needs new engine

Engine
Filed Feb 25, 2026TX

The oil is depleting every month from the vehicle. Every 2-3 weeks I have to put oil in the vehicle because the oil is being absorbed. Is there a recall on this problem.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 16, 2025MO

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 the traffic light turned green, the vehicle would not accelerate at all.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 15, 2025MO

Liftgate automatically closing and failure to remain open causing a safety hazard for anyone standing at the liftgate.

Engine
Filed Oct 6, 2025100,000 milesOH

The contact's uncle owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 34-35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool down. The contact drove to the residence under 15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the variable valve timing chain was bent, and the dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Power Train
Filed Sep 15, 2025NY

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 the suspension integrity is unsafe. When I returned the vehicle to the dealer, I observed additional brackets being attached under the rear subframe area, suggesting reinforcement of compromised structural points. This confirms that the corrosion directly affects suspension geometry, alignment, and stability. This corrosion is not cosmetic. It is advanced structural deterioration affecting the mounting points for trailing arms and lateral links. These components are critical to safe turning, stability, and control. The corrosion compromises the ability of the suspension to keep the wheels aligned, creating serious risks of loss of control or wheel separation. What makes this more alarming is that the vehicle passed a New York State safety inspection on 07/13/2025, yet within days a mechanic refused to perform unrelated service because of the undercarriage condition. This raises questions not

Air Bags
Filed May 21, 2025148,116 milesOR

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the front driver's side air bag unexpectedly deployed without an impact to the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 148,116.

Engine
Filed Mar 19, 2025KS

I have excessive oil consumption. I noticed the issue after getting my 3000-mile oil change. The technician said I only had 1 quart of oil, which I thought was extremely low. Every 2000 miles, my oil dipstick reports abnormally low oil levels. I am concerned that when I go on an extended road trip, I will have engine issues that will leave me and my family stranded on the side of the road. The GM technician started tracking my oil consumption. He said he was doing that to prove to GM that they owe me a new engine. I didn't understand what he meant until I saw a lawsuit my vehicle was part of.

Engine
Filed Feb 3, 2025WI

Car burns oil bad . Got an oil change and it only took 12 days to go dry with no oil

Back Over Prevention
Filed Jan 31, 202568,000 milesMO

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 informed that the center console display was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Dec 30, 2024TN

Issues with the passenger side seatbelt not pulling to lock. It's jammed off and on. Doesn't work.

Engine
Filed Dec 13, 2024KY

I think the manifold on GMC Terrain need to be on a recall because mine already cracked.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 4, 2024GA

Evap emission control leak detected As the check engine light comes on, when hooking a computer up to the car for a scan it pulls a code stating there is an evap leak. The gas cap has been replaced along with a sensor and no gas is seen leaking but you can smell gas vapors when the car is running and fuel mileage is terrible. Also the stabilitrak has been an underlying issue since owning the vehicle

Engine
Filed Aug 14, 2024FL

It appears the timing chain is bad. The vehicle only has 84000 miles and currently the engine turns off and you just coast to a stop in the middle of driving.

Engine
Filed Jul 31, 2024191,843 milesAL

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but a diagnostic test was not performed. The contact was informed that the engine control module and the camshaft actuator solenoid were replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 191,843.

Engine
Filed May 31, 2024FL

I have a 2012 GMC Terrain!! I am the 2nd owner of this vehicle purchased in 2014-2015 there is an engine oil consumption issue with this vehicle that I have to add 2 quarts of oil every week!!! I have not been notified of any recalls or any information from GM in regards to the issue!!! Took it to dealer to have it checked and got told it’ll cost me over 5000 for the repairs!!! Is GM or will GM take care of this issue

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 27, 2024IL

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. According to the dealership it will cost in excess of $500 to repair. Absolutely not true. There are a thousand videos on what causes this and even how to repair it from the same mechanics that work within these dealerships. This issue is a safety issue because if not repaired it causes damage to your engine. This code lets you know that you will start experiencing loss of power, trouble starting your vehicle, the stalling/picking up speed all at the same time. Some of these issues have been caused from the issue of the oil consumption problem associated with the Terrain's.

Engine
Filed Apr 10, 2024MI

Hello i'm writing this letter to inform you about my 2012 Terrian i have had nothing but problems with the motor and now the muffler system i have had all recalls done on this and GM is well aware of this problem i have a dealer ship to replace the timing in this motor and still uses oil and still have all the problems after the recalls have been fixed now they want me to pay over $3,000 to have new catalytic converters fixed on it now after paying $2800 for a new timing seems to me GM likes to fix the cheap stuff on these cars and make customers pay for the expensive parts must people can't afford this and junk the vehicle i will not i'm going to fight for what is right the dealer ship even told me when i took it back in to see what the code was for that GM is well aware of it and not worth putting the money into the car this is not right for customers to spend this kind of money GM needs to handle this.

Engine
Filed Apr 8, 2024AK

My vehicle is 2012 GMC Terrain. Oil changes on my vehicle we kept up and i had no major issues with this vehicle. I had an oil change done about a month before i went to start my car and all the lights came on and my car would rumble and wouldn't stay started and was longer drivable. After towing it a service shop they stated the following: The timing chains are damaged, skipped teeth, metal debris found in oil and screen of intake and exhaust camshaft solenoids due to many oil leaks coming form engine and serious internal issues w/engine we recommend replacing the engine. Est cost, 11,061. I had no reason to think my car was in any trouble, as it was driving fine with no problems. I received no such recall letter or phone call and no mention from the dealership i bought the car from back in 2018 that this was an issue or that it was "taken care of" if I had i wouldn't have paid over $20,000. into my car. Reading several complaints online about this exact issue is all new to me. Knowing i could have been driving a vehicle and it could have started a fire in my engine is crazy to think. Because I may have been driving a car with a serious recall on it. I am at a loss right now, financially i am screwed.

20 of 364 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2011
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202629120Routine
202513000Routine
202449110Routine
202338210Routine
202259200Routine
202135200Routine
2020195220Routine
2019183330Routine
2018220510Above average
2017133120Routine
2016152200Routine
2015297310Above average
2014296220Above average
2013364321Fatalities reported
2012 — this page364450Above average
2011386480Above average
2010290300Above average

Compare every Terrain year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 8, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.