Owners have filed 74 complaints
about the 2024 GMC Terrain with NHTSA between 2024 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 16 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 — 14
Against the median year of the GMC Terrain. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 28
5.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
89% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
222.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
444.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
222.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
111.1%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2024 GMC Terrain SUV AWD
16.4% risk
2024 GMC Terrain SUV FWD
18.5% risk
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.
May 2024peak 10Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2024 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
23V869000
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Blazer, Blazer EV, Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The door strikers may fracture, resulting in the door opening unexpectedly.
Risk: A door opening while the vehicle is being driven can increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 55,000 milesCaldwell, IDCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2024 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 5 MPH on an intersection, another vehicle driving 40 MPH crashed into the driver's side of the vehicle, by the driver's side door. The driver's side curtain air bag deployed. The contact stated that the three holes on the air bag propelled burning air, which melted and burned through the three layers of clothing of the driver. The driver sustained second-degree burns and blisters on the hip. The contact picked up and transported the driver to Urgent Care, where medical assistance was provided. A police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the police officer. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, pending assessment from the insurance company. The dealer and the manufacturer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11731421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Haven, MIFire1 injured
FIRERELATED
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11730821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Fayettville, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The rear access closes on its own after sitting open for a period of time. I was sitting at grocery pick up with the access open. This caused it to close on worker at grocery pick up. It stayed closed and I had to hit the button to open it back it did not auto go back up when it couldn’t close.
NHTSA complaint #11752310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cortez, CO
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I was driving about 55 mph with adaptive cruise control set to maintain a three-car-length following distance. It was raining, and when the vehicle in front of me slowed down, my vehicle did not detect it or slow down as expected. Instead, it continued accelerating, and I had to brake to avoid rear-ending the vehicle ahead.
NHTSA complaint #11750466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cortez, CO
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I was driving about 55 mph with adaptive cruise control set to maintain a three-car-length following distance. It was raining, and when the vehicle in front of me slowed down, my vehicle did not detect it or slow down as expected. Instead, it continued accelerating, and I had to brake to avoid rear-ending the vehicle ahead.
NHTSA complaint #11750466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tacoma, WA
POWER TRAIN
Leaking transmission fluid at 7,000 miles. Technicians noticed during routine oil change at dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11749897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, GA
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle has experienced a recurring transmission-related defect that has required multiple repair attempts by an authorized GMC dealership. The transmission system has also exhibited fluid leakage. Despite prior repairs, the problem has continued to reoccur. Transmission and associated transmission fluid sealing components. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. A transmission is a critical safety component that transfers engine power to the wheels. A transmission defect or fluid leak can result in loss of propulsion, hesitation, inability to accelerate as expected, unexpected changes in vehicle operation, or transmission failure while driving. These conditions could increase the risk of a crash, particularly when merging into traffic, crossing intersections, or traveling at highway speeds. Transmission fluid leaking onto roadways or vehicle components may also create additional safety concerns. The vehicle has been presented to an authorized GMC dealership for diagnosis and repair on multiple occasions. The dealership has acknowledged and attempted repairs related to the transmission. The vehicle has been inspected and repaired by authorized GMC service personnel. No police involvement. No independent inspection has been performed at this time. Manufacturer-authorized dealerships have documented the repairs. Symptoms included transmission-related concerns and transmission fluid leakage. The defect first appeared while the vehicle was under warranty and has continued despite repair attempts. The recurring nature of the transmission defect and fluid leak has reduced confidence in the vehicle’s ability to operate safely and reliably. The vehicle remains under warranty and has undergone multiple repair attempts without a permanent resolution.
NHTSA complaint #11745857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
POWER TRAIN
Accelerator lag from any speed or stop. The care will take several seconds to hunt for the correct gear before shifting to accelerate. Or it will delay acceleration for several seconds while your pressing the accelerator. No SES indicator active. Mechanics can’t find issues. Other owners on forum a report the same sluggish behavior. These 1.5 turbo cars seem to need a software fix that they are not receiving. It’s like the drive by wire doesn’t register. Affects any gm vehicle with the 1.5 turbo and 9 spd auto.
NHTSA complaint #11744960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
ENGINE
Accelerator lag from any speed or stop. The care will take several seconds to hunt for the correct gear before shifting to accelerate. Or it will delay acceleration for several seconds while your pressing the accelerator. No SES indicator active. Mechanics can’t find issues. Other owners on forum a report the same sluggish behavior. These 1.5 turbo cars seem to need a software fix that they are not receiving. It’s like the drive by wire doesn’t register. Affects any gm vehicle with the 1.5 turbo and 9 spd auto.
NHTSA complaint #11744960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elgin, OK
ENGINE
Since purchase, this vehicle has consistently had an issue with the fuel system. When I call GMC they state only use no ethanol fuel. I wouldn’t have bought this car if that was the case. The dealership never said that when I was buying it. We replaced the entire engine for $11,000 because of a torn radiator hose, overheating and cracked a gasket. Now, the car is refusing to drive, giving engine power reduced
NHTSA complaint #11744779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elgin, OK
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Since purchase, this vehicle has consistently had an issue with the fuel system. When I call GMC they state only use no ethanol fuel. I wouldn’t have bought this car if that was the case. The dealership never said that when I was buying it. We replaced the entire engine for $11,000 because of a torn radiator hose, overheating and cracked a gasket. Now, the car is refusing to drive, giving engine power reduced
NHTSA complaint #11744779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
This is a continuation for NHTSA campaign number 11711615. While an additional NHTSA complaint has been filed for the power train, this focuses specifically on design failures in the braking system. Our vehicle experienced a highway failure of the fuel pump, but due to the nature of a powertrain failure the car could not be put into neutral, only remain in park. The car was stranded in the middle of the road. As a AWD vehicle it similarly could not be towed as both wheels were fully locked. Tow informed us that there should be a manual release under the shifting column, however, this design safety feature had been removed in the 2024 iteration. The car was stuck on the road behind a blind turn on a somewhat busy road with vehicles typically traveling between 25-50 mph. The failure of a manual override for neutral and braking is a critical design failure that can lead to major accidents and death in the event of engine or transmission failure. There were no warnings, nor instructions or ability to get the car off the road.
NHTSA complaint #11734066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On January 16, 2026 our 2024 GMC Terrain Denali experienced complete loss of power. The car was unmovable from the road, unable to shift into neutral, and unable to release the braking system in addition to the emergency brake. There were no warnings or indications prior to the vehicle's failure at 30,000 miles. The failure happened on a somewhat busy road with no ability to move the car out of the line of higher speed traffic. The cause was ultimately determined to be a fuel pump failure. The part was replaced under the 60,000 mile warranty, however, the issue relating got the fuel pump is known by GMC and has previously been litigated under a class-action suit. Therefore the "resolved" fuel pump issue remains a pressing and potentially dangerous and expensive issue.
NHTSA complaint #11734055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This is a continuation for NHTSA campaign number 11711615. While an additional NHTSA complaint has been filed for the power train, this focuses specifically on design failures in the braking system. Our vehicle experienced a highway failure of the fuel pump, but due to the nature of a powertrain failure the car could not be put into neutral, only remain in park. The car was stranded in the middle of the road. As a AWD vehicle it similarly could not be towed as both wheels were fully locked. Tow informed us that there should be a manual release under the shifting column, however, this design safety feature had been removed in the 2024 iteration. The car was stuck on the road behind a blind turn on a somewhat busy road with vehicles typically traveling between 25-50 mph. The failure of a manual override for neutral and braking is a critical design failure that can lead to major accidents and death in the event of engine or transmission failure. There were no warnings, nor instructions or ability to get the car off the road.
NHTSA complaint #11734066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The screen continues to go out. Screen contains many safety functions. When it malfunctions it is distracting.
NHTSA complaint #11733500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The screen continues to go out. Screen contains many safety functions. When it malfunctions it is distracting.
NHTSA complaint #11733500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valdosta, GA
POWER TRAIN
While driving the vehicle, the engine light came on, plus message board said service transmission and the engine went into limp mode. We let the car sit for awhile and checked the car. A scan said it was the pressure solenoid A in the transmission. The car sat for a day and the light was off. Drove the car and then it acted up again and now reverse doesn't work.
NHTSA complaint #11732341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesCaldwell, IDCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2024 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 5 MPH on an intersection, another vehicle driving 40 MPH crashed into the driver's side of the vehicle, by the driver's side door. The driver's side curtain air bag deployed. The contact stated that the three holes on the air bag propelled burning air, which melted and burned through the three layers of clothing of the driver. The driver sustained second-degree burns and blisters on the hip. The contact picked up and transported the driver to Urgent Care, where medical assistance was provided. A police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the police officer. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, pending assessment from the insurance company. The dealer and the manufacturer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11731421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Haven, MIFire1 injured
FIRERELATED
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11730821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Punta Gorda, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
this just started on it's own. back up rear camera shows distortion from time to time and appears to be getting worse or happening more.
NHTSA complaint #11730573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,787 milesInwood, WV
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Terrain. The contact became aware of a fluid leak underneath the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a leaking torque converter seal, allowing transmission fluid to leak onto the ground. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,787.
NHTSA complaint #11726445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Schererville, IN
POWER TRAIN
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON 12-22-25 I LOST POWER MY CAR DIED ON I94. BATTERY DIED THE DEARLSHIP COULDNT GET THE CODE. GOT THE CAR BACK ON 12-26-25. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON CARRIE GMC REPLACED BATTERY . CAR BACK ON 12-29-25.. ENGINE LIGHT BACK ON 12-31-25 CAR BACK ON 1-8-26 REPLACLED CATALYTIC CONVEERTED AND OXY SENSOR. 2-20-26 DRIVING ON 1-94 LOST ENGINE POWER CAR BACK ON 2-25 FEUL PUMP AND FEUL LINE. DROVE 300 MILES ENGINE LIGHT BACK ON. BACK TO CURRIE GMC ON 2-26-26 UNTILL 3-2-26 REPLACRED HEATED OXYGEN SENSOR . 3-6-26 REPLACED CATELYTIC CONVERTER AND OXYGER SENSOR FOR THE SECOND TIME.
NHTSA complaint #11723520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Schererville, IN
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON 12-22-25 I LOST POWER MY CAR DIED ON I94. BATTERY DIED THE DEARLSHIP COULDNT GET THE CODE. GOT THE CAR BACK ON 12-26-25. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON CARRIE GMC REPLACED BATTERY . CAR BACK ON 12-29-25.. ENGINE LIGHT BACK ON 12-31-25 CAR BACK ON 1-8-26 REPLACLED CATALYTIC CONVEERTED AND OXY SENSOR. 2-20-26 DRIVING ON 1-94 LOST ENGINE POWER CAR BACK ON 2-25 FEUL PUMP AND FEUL LINE. DROVE 300 MILES ENGINE LIGHT BACK ON. BACK TO CURRIE GMC ON 2-26-26 UNTILL 3-2-26 REPLACRED HEATED OXYGEN SENSOR . 3-6-26 REPLACED CATELYTIC CONVERTER AND OXYGER SENSOR FOR THE SECOND TIME.
NHTSA complaint #11723520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Schererville, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON 12-22-25 I LOST POWER MY CAR DIED ON I94. BATTERY DIED THE DEARLSHIP COULDNT GET THE CODE. GOT THE CAR BACK ON 12-26-25. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON CARRIE GMC REPLACED BATTERY . CAR BACK ON 12-29-25.. ENGINE LIGHT BACK ON 12-31-25 CAR BACK ON 1-8-26 REPLACLED CATALYTIC CONVEERTED AND OXY SENSOR. 2-20-26 DRIVING ON 1-94 LOST ENGINE POWER CAR BACK ON 2-25 FEUL PUMP AND FEUL LINE. DROVE 300 MILES ENGINE LIGHT BACK ON. BACK TO CURRIE GMC ON 2-26-26 UNTILL 3-2-26 REPLACRED HEATED OXYGEN SENSOR . 3-6-26 REPLACED CATELYTIC CONVERTER AND OXYGER SENSOR FOR THE SECOND TIME.
NHTSA complaint #11723520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving several times smelt gas and car cut out engine came on and car stopped mid driving multiple times. Says they replaced fuel pump reset car etc
NHTSA complaint #11723116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
ENGINE
While driving several times smelt gas and car cut out engine came on and car stopped mid driving multiple times. Says they replaced fuel pump reset car etc
NHTSA complaint #11723116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving several times smelt gas and car cut out engine came on and car stopped mid driving multiple times. Says they replaced fuel pump reset car etc
NHTSA complaint #11723116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.