Owners have filed 426 complaints
about the 2010 GMC Terrain with NHTSA between 2010 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 17 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 83
Against the median year of the GMC Terrain. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 41
8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 32
19% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
838.1%
Body
419.0%
Exhaust System
29.5%
Engine
29.5%
Frontal
29.5%
Chain/Belt
14.8%
Blind Spot Detection
14.8%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
14.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
205.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
154.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
267.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
5114.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
7321.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
7421.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
7120.7%
150,000+ miles
133.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2010peak 15Jun 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2010 GMC Terrain
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE20009Opened 1 Jun 2020Closed 3 Jun 2022STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Momentary Increased Steering Effort
On June 1, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-009 to investigate instances of a momentary increase in steering effort after the vehicle is driven in a straight line for a period of time due to an issue with the steering gear in model year (MY) 2010 through 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs.If the electric power steering system fails to operate as intended, the driver will experience momentary increased effort when attempting to turn the steering wheel from the straight-ahead position. For this condition to occur, the driver would need to have traveled in a s...
EA19005Opened 13 Dec 2019Closed 28 Nov 2022VISIBILITY
Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative
On December 13, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) upgraded RQ18-002 to an Engineering Analysis (EA19-005) to further assess the MY2010-2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain windshield wiper failures. Due to a prior recall, 16V-582, addressing this issue in the MY2013 subject vehicles, MY2013 was not included in the analysis. To date, ODI had received 998 complaints with allegations of the front windshield wiper failing in adverse whether conditions, while the vehicle was in motion.General Motors (GM) initiated Safety Recall 16V-582 on August 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper f...
RQ18002Opened 2 Nov 2018Closed 19 Dec 2019VISIBILITY
Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure
On November 2, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ18-002) to assess the scope of Recall 16V-582.General Motors (GM) initiated Safety Recall 16V-582 on August 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper failure in the Model Year (MY) 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Failures were attributed to water and debris intrusion into the windshield wiper assembly ball joints, leading to excessive wear and eventual detachment of the affected ball joint with an attendant loss of windshield wiper function. The recall remedy addressed these conditions with the installati...
Recalls on the 2010 GMC Terrain
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201813715,611 units in Canada
Visual System
In certain vehicles, water may drain from the windshield cowl area onto the windshield wiper transmission link joints. Over time, this could result in corrosion and/or wear to the joint, which could result in the separation of the wiper link ball from its corresponding socket. If separation were to occur, the windshield wipers could become inoperative, which could limit the driver's visibility under certain operating conditions and increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will relocate drain holes in the windshield cowl and install a wiper module with revised joints. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2016-318 to include vehicles originally sold or registered in the province of British Columbia.
Recall 2016318141,407 units in Canada
Visual System
In certain vehicles registered and operated in areas where road salt is used on the roadways during winter months for extended time periods (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland-Labrador), water may drain from the windshield cowl area onto one of the windshield wiper transmission link joints. Over time, this could result in corrosion and/or wear to the joint, which could result in the separation of the wiper link ball from its corresponding socket. If separation were to occur, the windshield wipers could become inoperative, which could limit the driver’s visibility under certain operating conditions which may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will relocate drain holes in the windshield cowl and install a wiper module with revised joints.
Recall 201431129,555 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles equipped with power height adjustable front seats, a bolt securing the adjuster mechanism may loosen and fall out. This would cause the seat to drop to the lowest vertical adjustment position, which could affect the driver's ability to safety operate vehicle controls as well as cause reduced driver visibility. These issues could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the bolt.
Recall 20093638,356 units in Canada
Heater And Defroster
On certain vehicles, the software in the Integrated Center Stack can cause the heating, air conditioning, defrost, the radio controls, and the panel illumination to become inoperative. Driving without some of these functions could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the Integrated Center Stack.
Recall 2009355528 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain vehicles built for Canada have the U.S. Body Control Module Security System Data file which is non-compliant with the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. This situation poses no safety risk and was corrected at the manufacturing plant on September 3rd 2009.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 68,118 milesCleveland, OHCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
THE PROBLEM(S) THAT I HAVE HAD OR CURRENTLY HAVE WITH MY VEHICLE ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. VEHICLE HESITATES 2. JOLTS FORWARD 3. STUTTERS 4. EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION 5. THE CAR HAS BEEN UNDRIVABLE SINCE 01/27/20
NHTSA complaint #11320520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,118 milesCleveland, OHCrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE PROBLEM(S) THAT I HAVE HAD OR CURRENTLY HAVE WITH MY VEHICLE ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. VEHICLE HESITATES 2. JOLTS FORWARD 3. STUTTERS 4. EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION 5. THE CAR HAS BEEN UNDRIVABLE SINCE 01/27/20
NHTSA complaint #11320520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,118 milesCleveland, OHCrash1 injured
ENGINE
THE PROBLEM(S) THAT I HAVE HAD OR CURRENTLY HAVE WITH MY VEHICLE ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. VEHICLE HESITATES 2. JOLTS FORWARD 3. STUTTERS 4. EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION 5. THE CAR HAS BEEN UNDRIVABLE SINCE 01/27/20
NHTSA complaint #11320520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesLouisville, KYCrash
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, WITHOUT WARNING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECAME INOPERABLE WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A GUARD RAIL. THERE WAS NO INJURIES. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED OR MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PIIR= Y. AH
NHTSA complaint #11233914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesCoeur D Alene, ID1 injured
SEATS
TAKATA RECALL I WAS JUST DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD NOT IN MOTION AND SEVERAL THINGS HAPPEN TO MY GMC TERRAIN WITHIN LESS THEN A WEEK FIRST MY WINDOW ON DRIVERS SIDE STOPPED ROLLING ALL THE WAY UP. THEN THE BACK SEAT LOWER AIR POCKET IN SEAT BURST WHILE DOING NOTHING BUT DRIVING. THEN MY HEATER IN CAR WENT OUT. AFTER THIS MY HEATED SEAT ON CAR WENT OUT. THEN CAME A CLICKING NOISE BEHIND MY STEREO. NOT TO MENTION MY CAR STARTED VIBRATING. THEN DEFOGGONG SYSTEM, THERMOSTAT AND RADIATOR WENT OUT. LASTLY MY REMOTE STOPPED WORKING. AND MY LIGHT SENORS FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WON'T GO OFF. IT'S ALSO GOT WEIRD CODES IT'S READING. CITY STREET. WHILE IN MOTION OR STATIONARY
NHTSA complaint #11194842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesCDA, ID1 injured
SEATS
FAULTY DRIVER WINDOW MOTOR, HEATED SEAT DRIVERS SIDE, BLINKING CD ON DASH, NOISES COMING FROM CD PLAYER, HEATER CORE AND THERMOSTAT,AIRBAGS,RELAYS AND FUSES. ALL WENT OUT INCLUDING LUMBAR BACK PAD ON DRIVERS SIDE. WHILE IN MOTION
NHTSA complaint #11194849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
East Greenwich, RI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am reporting an auto dealership and its finance company for contract fraud, electronic profile manipulation, and using illegal repossession threats to cover it up. During my vehicle purchase, the dealership used deceptive bait-and-switch tactics. They altered my final contract numbers without my consent, hid account ledgers, and changed how my down payment was applied. Crucially, they entered falsified financial metrics and manipulated personal tracking data within the electronic underwriting systems and lending networks to force a loan approval that never should have happened. The business records prove the companies have known about this active fraud dispute since March 31st, when I placed a formal cease-and-desist call to management. Instead of stopping collection activities to investigate the fraud, they ignored my notices, hid my payment histories, and completely refused to cooperate. Now, even though these companies are actively being sued in state court for these exact consumer protection violations, they are weaponizing aggressive repossession threats to try and bypass judicial oversight. The dealership sent a physical letter threatening immediate repossession while openly admitting my dispute flags had been active since March 31st. Shortly after, on the exact same day their legal counsel received the court lawsuit papers, the finance company mailed an aggressive notice threatening a live repossession of my vehicle by a strict deadline of July 2nd. They are deliberately using extrajudicial intimidation to seize the physical vehicle and cover their tracks before a state court judge can audit their electronic fraud. I request that NHTSA investigate this dealership and finance company for predatory marketplace practices and falsifying transaction information in electronic auto systems.
NHTSA complaint #11743328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, KS
ENGINE
I bought this car and the mileage said 120K, but the title says when it was tagged 157K. the car has been tampered with and the some of the lights for the car on the dash are missing, such as the check engine light. Also, it misses so bad that it will die at times
NHTSA complaint #11732619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mishawaka, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Got everything under the hood done n still have the same problem with it shut off while driving
NHTSA complaint #11719522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesWheeling, WV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the center console display intermittently malfunctioned and became inoperable. During the failure, the HVAC system was no longer blowing hot air, and the front windshield could not be defrosted, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. Additionally, the radio had become inoperable, and the audible clicking from the turn signal was muted. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V489000 (VISIBILITY). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 114,000.
NHTSA complaint #11706578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesWheeling, WV
VISIBILITY
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the center console display intermittently malfunctioned and became inoperable. During the failure, the HVAC system was no longer blowing hot air, and the front windshield could not be defrosted, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. Additionally, the radio had become inoperable, and the audible clicking from the turn signal was muted. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V489000 (VISIBILITY). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 114,000.
NHTSA complaint #11706578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesOdessa, TX
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service stabili-trak and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to O’Reilly Auto Parts, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that there was no compression in cylinder #3. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that several oil consumption tests were performed by the dealer over the past three years. The contact stated that after each oil consumption test was performed, the oil pressure was always a quart or more lower when checked; however, the contact was informed that it was not an issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11705073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Calexico, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Reduce spreed unknown if related to fuel pressure regulator since repaired twice told could be to service bulletin. Warning lights keeps appearing while driving at a speed of 40 to 50 mph.
NHTSA complaint #11627256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Calexico, CA
ENGINE
Reduce spreed unknown if related to fuel pressure regulator since repaired twice told could be to service bulletin. Warning lights keeps appearing while driving at a speed of 40 to 50 mph.
NHTSA complaint #11627256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Calexico, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Reduce spreed unknown if related to fuel pressure regulator since repaired twice told could be to service bulletin. Warning lights keeps appearing while driving at a speed of 40 to 50 mph.
NHTSA complaint #11627256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Augusta, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Twice had to have wiring repaired because animals ate the wiring. Both were caused by GM using soy based insulation on wiring that made it a delicacy to the animals and caused them to eat through two wiring harnesses, one of which GM no longer makes. The other complaint is the timing belt has stretched and is now in need of replacement at a cost of $4500 to $5000.
NHTSA complaint #11598642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Augusta, MI
ENGINE
Twice had to have wiring repaired because animals ate the wiring. Both were caused by GM using soy based insulation on wiring that made it a delicacy to the animals and caused them to eat through two wiring harnesses, one of which GM no longer makes. The other complaint is the timing belt has stretched and is now in need of replacement at a cost of $4500 to $5000.
NHTSA complaint #11598642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laurelton, NY
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Wipers stop working
NHTSA complaint #11568386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesSalisbury, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended; however, the contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed excessive corrosion on and around the battery terminals and the presence of battery acid coming from the battery casing. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown electronics and instrument panel gauges failed to work properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11556651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Apple Valley, MN
POWER TRAIN
The transmission stoped working after the second shift.
NHTSA complaint #11554424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesBoonville, NC
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11521137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Struthers, OH
POWER TRAIN
Faulty timing chain
NHTSA complaint #11512571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wabash, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My defrost system doesn't work. As I drive down the road my windshield fogs up andni can't get it to un fog at all or fast enough. Almost caused me to have an accident before Christmas
NHTSA complaint #11499345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wabash, IN
VISIBILITY/WIPER
My defrost system doesn't work. As I drive down the road my windshield fogs up andni can't get it to un fog at all or fast enough. Almost caused me to have an accident before Christmas
NHTSA complaint #11499345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The defroster/ radio control/ heating area stopped working. Upon visiting a mechanic was told they never seen this or heard of this happening before and quoted me over $1,000.00 dollars to fix stating that due to Federal Law they have to give an estimate but this problem not being in their system they came up with an estimate based on parts and labor. Upon searching online I found a recall for this issue dating back to 2009 recall number was 09V489000 but was never informed about this and while looking up my car it’s not listed but being a safety issue should still be current which it is not.
NHTSA complaint #11498635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The defroster/ radio control/ heating area stopped working. Upon visiting a mechanic was told they never seen this or heard of this happening before and quoted me over $1,000.00 dollars to fix stating that due to Federal Law they have to give an estimate but this problem not being in their system they came up with an estimate based on parts and labor. Upon searching online I found a recall for this issue dating back to 2009 recall number was 09V489000 but was never informed about this and while looking up my car it’s not listed but being a safety issue should still be current which it is not.
NHTSA complaint #11498635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wabash, IN
POWER TRAIN
As i went to drive my terrain we bought back in June or July. But for the absolute first time we needed to use the defrost/defogger button last week on OCTOBER 20, 2022 and it wouldn't work. No lights came on to say it was defaulty. It also started to make our radio screen flicker when i tried to turn defrost on and it's continuously flickering and defrost doesn't engage on front windshield at all won't even melt snow or help defog when it's been raining or it's cold out. I almost wrecked my terrain due to this problem. Now on my instrument panel says camshaft/crankshaft sensor says service stabilitrack and something about my AWD System. All these happened within a week from trying to use my defrost. Also my instrument panel where it shows how fast i go flickers and it flickers on the RPM side as well. Noone has touched or looked it over since i have owned my 2010 terrain. Everything was just fine up till i pushed my defrost button and then all the other stuff happened
NHTSA complaint #11491381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wabash, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
As i went to drive my terrain we bought back in June or July. But for the absolute first time we needed to use the defrost/defogger button last week on OCTOBER 20, 2022 and it wouldn't work. No lights came on to say it was defaulty. It also started to make our radio screen flicker when i tried to turn defrost on and it's continuously flickering and defrost doesn't engage on front windshield at all won't even melt snow or help defog when it's been raining or it's cold out. I almost wrecked my terrain due to this problem. Now on my instrument panel says camshaft/crankshaft sensor says service stabilitrack and something about my AWD System. All these happened within a week from trying to use my defrost. Also my instrument panel where it shows how fast i go flickers and it flickers on the RPM side as well. Noone has touched or looked it over since i have owned my 2010 terrain. Everything was just fine up till i pushed my defrost button and then all the other stuff happened
NHTSA complaint #11491381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wabash, IN
VISIBILITY/WIPER
As i went to drive my terrain we bought back in June or July. But for the absolute first time we needed to use the defrost/defogger button last week on OCTOBER 20, 2022 and it wouldn't work. No lights came on to say it was defaulty. It also started to make our radio screen flicker when i tried to turn defrost on and it's continuously flickering and defrost doesn't engage on front windshield at all won't even melt snow or help defog when it's been raining or it's cold out. I almost wrecked my terrain due to this problem. Now on my instrument panel says camshaft/crankshaft sensor says service stabilitrack and something about my AWD System. All these happened within a week from trying to use my defrost. Also my instrument panel where it shows how fast i go flickers and it flickers on the RPM side as well. Noone has touched or looked it over since i have owned my 2010 terrain. Everything was just fine up till i pushed my defrost button and then all the other stuff happened
NHTSA complaint #11491381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, AL
ENGINE
Burning oil and bad engine timing chain
NHTSA complaint #11485312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sugar Land, TX
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that upon engaging the defroster, the defroster operated with a significant delay. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V489000 (Visibility) however, the VIN was not available. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11481333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.