Owners have filed 500 complaints
about the 2012 GMC Terrain with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 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 — 98
Against the median year of the GMC Terrain. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 70
13.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 25
14% 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.
Body
735.0%
Motor
525.0%
Hatchback/Liftgate
210.0%
Catalytic Convertor
210.0%
Rearview System Braking
15.0%
Automatic Emergency Braking
15.0%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
15.0%
Crankcase (Pcv)
15.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
72.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
123.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
185.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3410.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
7622.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
8926.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
9126.8%
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.
Dec 2011peak 13Jun 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2012 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 2012 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.
United States — NHTSA
22V137000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
16V502000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
14V447000
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
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.
11V511000
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
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.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Butler, PAFire
POWER TRAIN
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Butler, PAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Butler, PAFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boonville, IN1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 was brought to their attention by their detail guy whom had it close on him as well. This a is major issue that needs addressed asap. And not at the expense of the owners but the manufacturers & dealerships that knowingly sell these autos that can be dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11542403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunnyside, WAFire
POWER TRAIN
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 took it for test drive along with my 4 kids in the vehicle with me and then a little ways about 20 mins driving engine power reduced light came on along with stabilitrak and eventually lost power I was stranded in the middle of summer in the middle of nowhere with my kids windows rolled down ppl drove by and asked if I needed help and eventually came back with jumper cables tried to jump me but the car wouldn't budge I then left the car there overnight and took battery out to have it inspected the next day IT WAS FRIED (over 4 yrs old) so I had to purchase a new one costing me roughly 150 buks then took it back to where my car was stranded put it in and alarm went off and I clicked the button on key ring stuck it in ignition shit the door behind me locking keys in car while vehicle was still running and had to bust a window out to get to em. Got into car drove off made it back to my apt left it running outside while I went inside to get some stuff before I THOUGHT the problem was solved it shut off again.....I then had to replace the alternator costing me another pretty penny....about a couple weeks later I was starting a new job at a assisted living facility and arrived 10 mins early shit car off a noticed smoke coming from under hood I was confused because where the smoke was coming from couldn't have been it overheating I popped the hood and my car was on fire!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11492036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunnyside, WAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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 took it for test drive along with my 4 kids in the vehicle with me and then a little ways about 20 mins driving engine power reduced light came on along with stabilitrak and eventually lost power I was stranded in the middle of summer in the middle of nowhere with my kids windows rolled down ppl drove by and asked if I needed help and eventually came back with jumper cables tried to jump me but the car wouldn't budge I then left the car there overnight and took battery out to have it inspected the next day IT WAS FRIED (over 4 yrs old) so I had to purchase a new one costing me roughly 150 buks then took it back to where my car was stranded put it in and alarm went off and I clicked the button on key ring stuck it in ignition shit the door behind me locking keys in car while vehicle was still running and had to bust a window out to get to em. Got into car drove off made it back to my apt left it running outside while I went inside to get some stuff before I THOUGHT the problem was solved it shut off again.....I then had to replace the alternator costing me another pretty penny....about a couple weeks later I was starting a new job at a assisted living facility and arrived 10 mins early shit car off a noticed smoke coming from under hood I was confused because where the smoke was coming from couldn't have been it overheating I popped the hood and my car was on fire!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11492036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Mayflower, AR
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11741552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mayflower, AR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11741552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Faribault, MN
ENGINE
The engine blew. This was already the 2nd engine in the car. Oil consumption. Metal in the oil. No signs. Needs new engine
NHTSA complaint #11722888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11720511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11699710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11699710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11699710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Creve Coeur, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Liftgate automatically closing and failure to remain open causing a safety hazard for anyone standing at the liftgate.
NHTSA complaint #11693545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesCincinnati, OH
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11691643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
POWER TRAIN
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 only about inspection validity, but also about the underlying durability and corrosion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11687398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
WHEELS
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 only about inspection validity, but also about the underlying durability and corrosion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11687398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
SUSPENSION
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 only about inspection validity, but also about the underlying durability and corrosion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11687398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,116 milesForest Grove, OR
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11662388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Topeka, KS
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11649255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Janesville, WI
ENGINE
Car burns oil bad . Got an oil change and it only took 12 days to go dry with no oil
NHTSA complaint #11640255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesVersailles, MO
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11639980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarksville, TN
SEAT BELTS
Issues with the passenger side seatbelt not pulling to lock. It's jammed off and on. Doesn't work.
NHTSA complaint #11633244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bowling Green, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I think the manifold on GMC Terrain need to be on a recall because mine already cracked.
NHTSA complaint #11630541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bowling Green, KY
ENGINE
I think the manifold on GMC Terrain need to be on a recall because mine already cracked.
NHTSA complaint #11630541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bowling Green, KY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I think the manifold on GMC Terrain need to be on a recall because mine already cracked.
NHTSA complaint #11630541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pembroke, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11612482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Alfred, FL
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11608613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 191,843 milesFoley, AL
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11605673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deltona, FL
ENGINE
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
NHTSA complaint #11591801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Joliet, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11585551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.