Owners have filed 26 complaints
about the 2025 GMC Terrain with NHTSA between 2025 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 13 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 — 5
Against the median year of the GMC Terrain. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
30.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2025 GMC Terrain
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
415.4%
Steering
311.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Transmission & Drivetrain
311.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Other & Unspecified
27.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
27.7%
Wheels
27.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Suspension
27.7%
Brakes
27.7%
Median failure at 1,126 miles
Engine & Cooling
27.7%
Median failure at 1,126 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
13.8%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
13.8%
Body & Structure
13.8%
Airbags
13.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2025 GMC Terrain SUV AWD
—
—
17.4% risk
2025 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 2025peak 5Jun 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Wheatfield, INCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I was driving north on [XXX] when I felt a slight pull to the right. I figured it was my lane assist even though I was in my lane. Seconds later it felt like if someone was in my passenger seat and just yanked my steering wheel to the right hitting the guardrail. My whole tire and the assembly was off but everything was still intact to the tire. The tie rods, axle, ball joints, the whole assembly. During investigation I was told by the mechanic that the stabilizer bar was a clean break. There was damage to the front end and all down the side. I was told by GM that the force of the impact was what ripped off my tire but it was not enough impact or damage to deploy the airbags. I was on crutches for my left leg, bruising and scar now from a huge abrasion to my right arm. Still having right shoulder pain. I sent all this to the attorney General and they tried to mediate but Afton from GM told Mike that he contacted me 3 times and I did not return her calls. I called her a left her multiple messages and she has not returned my calls. I only had the car for a few months with 5,000 miles on it. I put $2,500 down then had to turn around and get a used vehicle, put another $2,000 down and making the same payment due to the hit on my credit for a 2023 plain vehicle. Plus my insurance went up, missed work, medical bills, etc. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11746462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wheatfield, INCrash1 injured
WHEELS
I was driving north on [XXX] when I felt a slight pull to the right. I figured it was my lane assist even though I was in my lane. Seconds later it felt like if someone was in my passenger seat and just yanked my steering wheel to the right hitting the guardrail. My whole tire and the assembly was off but everything was still intact to the tire. The tie rods, axle, ball joints, the whole assembly. During investigation I was told by the mechanic that the stabilizer bar was a clean break. There was damage to the front end and all down the side. I was told by GM that the force of the impact was what ripped off my tire but it was not enough impact or damage to deploy the airbags. I was on crutches for my left leg, bruising and scar now from a huge abrasion to my right arm. Still having right shoulder pain. I sent all this to the attorney General and they tried to mediate but Afton from GM told Mike that he contacted me 3 times and I did not return her calls. I called her a left her multiple messages and she has not returned my calls. I only had the car for a few months with 5,000 miles on it. I put $2,500 down then had to turn around and get a used vehicle, put another $2,000 down and making the same payment due to the hit on my credit for a 2023 plain vehicle. Plus my insurance went up, missed work, medical bills, etc. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11746462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wheatfield, INCrash1 injured
STEERING
I was driving north on [XXX] when I felt a slight pull to the right. I figured it was my lane assist even though I was in my lane. Seconds later it felt like if someone was in my passenger seat and just yanked my steering wheel to the right hitting the guardrail. My whole tire and the assembly was off but everything was still intact to the tire. The tie rods, axle, ball joints, the whole assembly. During investigation I was told by the mechanic that the stabilizer bar was a clean break. There was damage to the front end and all down the side. I was told by GM that the force of the impact was what ripped off my tire but it was not enough impact or damage to deploy the airbags. I was on crutches for my left leg, bruising and scar now from a huge abrasion to my right arm. Still having right shoulder pain. I sent all this to the attorney General and they tried to mediate but Afton from GM told Mike that he contacted me 3 times and I did not return her calls. I called her a left her multiple messages and she has not returned my calls. I only had the car for a few months with 5,000 miles on it. I put $2,500 down then had to turn around and get a used vehicle, put another $2,000 down and making the same payment due to the hit on my credit for a 2023 plain vehicle. Plus my insurance went up, missed work, medical bills, etc. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11746462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeland, FLCrash
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle did not go into park when the ignition was turned off. Car started to roll while passenger was getting out of the vehicle as another vehicle was parking beside us. The other vehicle could not avoid our rolling vehicle. Passenger had to quickly sit down to avoid being hit. The next day the vehicle was taken to the dealership, and they could not find anything wrong. They gave us a copy of bulletin#08-07-30-026I. We were not aware of any problems or bulletins being issued prior to the accident. We had repairs of $2,705.71 and don't know what the other driver incurred.
NHTSA complaint #11717815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeland, FLCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle did not go into park when the ignition was turned off. Car started to roll while passenger was getting out of the vehicle as another vehicle was parking beside us. The other vehicle could not avoid our rolling vehicle. Passenger had to quickly sit down to avoid being hit. The next day the vehicle was taken to the dealership, and they could not find anything wrong. They gave us a copy of bulletin#08-07-30-026I. We were not aware of any problems or bulletins being issued prior to the accident. We had repairs of $2,705.71 and don't know what the other driver incurred.
NHTSA complaint #11717815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Wheatfield, INCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I was driving north on [XXX] when I felt a slight pull to the right. I figured it was my lane assist even though I was in my lane. Seconds later it felt like if someone was in my passenger seat and just yanked my steering wheel to the right hitting the guardrail. My whole tire and the assembly was off but everything was still intact to the tire. The tie rods, axle, ball joints, the whole assembly. During investigation I was told by the mechanic that the stabilizer bar was a clean break. There was damage to the front end and all down the side. I was told by GM that the force of the impact was what ripped off my tire but it was not enough impact or damage to deploy the airbags. I was on crutches for my left leg, bruising and scar now from a huge abrasion to my right arm. Still having right shoulder pain. I sent all this to the attorney General and they tried to mediate but Afton from GM told Mike that he contacted me 3 times and I did not return her calls. I called her a left her multiple messages and she has not returned my calls. I only had the car for a few months with 5,000 miles on it. I put $2,500 down then had to turn around and get a used vehicle, put another $2,000 down and making the same payment due to the hit on my credit for a 2023 plain vehicle. Plus my insurance went up, missed work, medical bills, etc. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11746462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wheatfield, INCrash1 injured
WHEELS
I was driving north on [XXX] when I felt a slight pull to the right. I figured it was my lane assist even though I was in my lane. Seconds later it felt like if someone was in my passenger seat and just yanked my steering wheel to the right hitting the guardrail. My whole tire and the assembly was off but everything was still intact to the tire. The tie rods, axle, ball joints, the whole assembly. During investigation I was told by the mechanic that the stabilizer bar was a clean break. There was damage to the front end and all down the side. I was told by GM that the force of the impact was what ripped off my tire but it was not enough impact or damage to deploy the airbags. I was on crutches for my left leg, bruising and scar now from a huge abrasion to my right arm. Still having right shoulder pain. I sent all this to the attorney General and they tried to mediate but Afton from GM told Mike that he contacted me 3 times and I did not return her calls. I called her a left her multiple messages and she has not returned my calls. I only had the car for a few months with 5,000 miles on it. I put $2,500 down then had to turn around and get a used vehicle, put another $2,000 down and making the same payment due to the hit on my credit for a 2023 plain vehicle. Plus my insurance went up, missed work, medical bills, etc. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11746462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wheatfield, INCrash1 injured
STEERING
I was driving north on [XXX] when I felt a slight pull to the right. I figured it was my lane assist even though I was in my lane. Seconds later it felt like if someone was in my passenger seat and just yanked my steering wheel to the right hitting the guardrail. My whole tire and the assembly was off but everything was still intact to the tire. The tie rods, axle, ball joints, the whole assembly. During investigation I was told by the mechanic that the stabilizer bar was a clean break. There was damage to the front end and all down the side. I was told by GM that the force of the impact was what ripped off my tire but it was not enough impact or damage to deploy the airbags. I was on crutches for my left leg, bruising and scar now from a huge abrasion to my right arm. Still having right shoulder pain. I sent all this to the attorney General and they tried to mediate but Afton from GM told Mike that he contacted me 3 times and I did not return her calls. I called her a left her multiple messages and she has not returned my calls. I only had the car for a few months with 5,000 miles on it. I put $2,500 down then had to turn around and get a used vehicle, put another $2,000 down and making the same payment due to the hit on my credit for a 2023 plain vehicle. Plus my insurance went up, missed work, medical bills, etc. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11746462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Attleboro, MA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
OnStar module not working
NHTSA complaint #11737313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Attleboro, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
OnStar module not working
NHTSA complaint #11737313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Attleboro, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
OnStar module not working
NHTSA complaint #11737313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairbanks, AK
POWER TRAIN
Car locks itself into 2 Wheel Drive when conditions are "unfavorable" meaning sometimes rain and most commonly in cold weather. If anyone has driven on snowy and icy roads during the winter, they know how much of a problem this can cause in the winter. Not only has the dealership's maintenance department not been able to diagnose the issue but GM themselves are refusing to acknowledge this problem as well. This is a huge safety hazard given the instability of the vehicle driving in those conditions, especially if you cant gain traction while on a busy road. The only indicator is the light that shows AWD and 2WD is in 2WD and an orange color. This is a big accident waiting to happen, if it hasn't happened to someone else already, given the state I've seen some of the newer models in.
NHTSA complaint #11735931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Titusville, FL
STEERING
My SUV pulls hard to the right when braking at speeds above 50 mph and much more on the interstates at 65 mph and above. I first experienced this after three weeks of ownership on a drive up I-95 on a trip to NC. It has happened numerous times while traveling on the interstates and has almost caused loss of control when having to brake hard when cut off by another driver or traffic suddenly coming to a stop. The vehicle has been to the service department numerous times....at first they suspected a braking issue and have had both calipers replaced, all brake lines replaced, lower control arms replaced and the right side strut replaced. None of these repairs have solved the problem. The factory service rep who took over the situation tested 3 other GMC 2025 Terrain suvs and all had the same problem. He reported the issue on a safety report to GM in Michigan and the response from GM was that it is a normal condition for the Terrain models. I have never owned, driven, or ridden in another vehicle in over 50 years of driving which performed like this, this is not a normal condition in my opinion.
NHTSA complaint #11728525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Titusville, FL
SUSPENSION
My SUV pulls hard to the right when braking at speeds above 50 mph and much more on the interstates at 65 mph and above. I first experienced this after three weeks of ownership on a drive up I-95 on a trip to NC. It has happened numerous times while traveling on the interstates and has almost caused loss of control when having to brake hard when cut off by another driver or traffic suddenly coming to a stop. The vehicle has been to the service department numerous times....at first they suspected a braking issue and have had both calipers replaced, all brake lines replaced, lower control arms replaced and the right side strut replaced. None of these repairs have solved the problem. The factory service rep who took over the situation tested 3 other GMC 2025 Terrain suvs and all had the same problem. He reported the issue on a safety report to GM in Michigan and the response from GM was that it is a normal condition for the Terrain models. I have never owned, driven, or ridden in another vehicle in over 50 years of driving which performed like this, this is not a normal condition in my opinion.
NHTSA complaint #11728525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Titusville, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
My SUV pulls hard to the right when braking at speeds above 50 mph and much more on the interstates at 65 mph and above. I first experienced this after three weeks of ownership on a drive up I-95 on a trip to NC. It has happened numerous times while traveling on the interstates and has almost caused loss of control when having to brake hard when cut off by another driver or traffic suddenly coming to a stop. The vehicle has been to the service department numerous times....at first they suspected a braking issue and have had both calipers replaced, all brake lines replaced, lower control arms replaced and the right side strut replaced. None of these repairs have solved the problem. The factory service rep who took over the situation tested 3 other GMC 2025 Terrain suvs and all had the same problem. He reported the issue on a safety report to GM in Michigan and the response from GM was that it is a normal condition for the Terrain models. I have never owned, driven, or ridden in another vehicle in over 50 years of driving which performed like this, this is not a normal condition in my opinion.
NHTSA complaint #11728525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeland, FLCrash
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle did not go into park when the ignition was turned off. Car started to roll while passenger was getting out of the vehicle as another vehicle was parking beside us. The other vehicle could not avoid our rolling vehicle. Passenger had to quickly sit down to avoid being hit. The next day the vehicle was taken to the dealership, and they could not find anything wrong. They gave us a copy of bulletin#08-07-30-026I. We were not aware of any problems or bulletins being issued prior to the accident. We had repairs of $2,705.71 and don't know what the other driver incurred.
NHTSA complaint #11717815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakeland, FLCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle did not go into park when the ignition was turned off. Car started to roll while passenger was getting out of the vehicle as another vehicle was parking beside us. The other vehicle could not avoid our rolling vehicle. Passenger had to quickly sit down to avoid being hit. The next day the vehicle was taken to the dealership, and they could not find anything wrong. They gave us a copy of bulletin#08-07-30-026I. We were not aware of any problems or bulletins being issued prior to the accident. We had repairs of $2,705.71 and don't know what the other driver incurred.
NHTSA complaint #11717815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,126 milesPlantersville, AL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2025 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 40 MPH on wet roads, the brake pedal was depressed, but the brake pedal was stiff, preventing the vehicle from slowing down as intended. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated during the failure. The accelerator pedal was released, and the vehicle rolled to a stop. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, but the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the brake control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately 7 months and 2 weeks later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,126.
NHTSA complaint #11716716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,126 milesPlantersville, AL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2025 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 40 MPH on wet roads, the brake pedal was depressed, but the brake pedal was stiff, preventing the vehicle from slowing down as intended. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated during the failure. The accelerator pedal was released, and the vehicle rolled to a stop. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, but the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the brake control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately 7 months and 2 weeks later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,126.
NHTSA complaint #11716716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wardensville, WV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle wouldn’t unlock/start with primary key fob or secondary key fob. Tried manual entry with both key fobs still could not enter.
NHTSA complaint #11711804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wardensville, WV
ENGINE
Vehicle wouldn’t unlock/start with primary key fob or secondary key fob. Tried manual entry with both key fobs still could not enter.
NHTSA complaint #11711804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crawfordsvlle, IN
STRUCTURE:BODY
Top of roof pops when you shut car door, Leaking either transmission fluid or oil, Left turn signal doesn't stay engaged when turning, Side mirror warning lights randomly go off when no car is around. Car is not shifting correctly when driving
NHTSA complaint #11709231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crawfordsvlle, IN
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Top of roof pops when you shut car door, Leaking either transmission fluid or oil, Left turn signal doesn't stay engaged when turning, Side mirror warning lights randomly go off when no car is around. Car is not shifting correctly when driving
NHTSA complaint #11709231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crawfordsvlle, IN
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Top of roof pops when you shut car door, Leaking either transmission fluid or oil, Left turn signal doesn't stay engaged when turning, Side mirror warning lights randomly go off when no car is around. Car is not shifting correctly when driving
NHTSA complaint #11709231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Midland Park, NJ
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I just purchased a brand new 2025 Terrain. The entire windshield is defective. The glass is distorted and causing visual impairment. It is VERY unsafe. I have contacted the dealership multiple times and have not yet received a response.
NHTSA complaint #11683671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Galena, MO
POWER TRAIN
Incident 1: Pulled out from stop sign car made funny noises, light came on said it couldn't shift to drive. Had towed to dealer. They said couldn't find issue except it was quart and a half low of transmission fluid. The car had approx 3,500 miles on it. Incident 2: For about two weeks when pulling out felt like it was skipping but didn't feel like transmission. Felt like over powered. Then it done same as Incident 1. Pulled out made noise would not move. Notice that is couldn't shift and check engine light came on had it towed again. Approx 6,300 miles on it. They then said it was very low on transmission fluid and they did find a small hole in hose. Danger is pulling out and it just stops in cross traffic and won't move could easily be hit. It is very scary to drive not knowing if or when it is going to happen. I have no current invoice on vehicle as it is still in shop.
NHTSA complaint #11681792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Galena, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Incident 1: Pulled out from stop sign car made funny noises, light came on said it couldn't shift to drive. Had towed to dealer. They said couldn't find issue except it was quart and a half low of transmission fluid. The car had approx 3,500 miles on it. Incident 2: For about two weeks when pulling out felt like it was skipping but didn't feel like transmission. Felt like over powered. Then it done same as Incident 1. Pulled out made noise would not move. Notice that is couldn't shift and check engine light came on had it towed again. Approx 6,300 miles on it. They then said it was very low on transmission fluid and they did find a small hole in hose. Danger is pulling out and it just stops in cross traffic and won't move could easily be hit. It is very scary to drive not knowing if or when it is going to happen. I have no current invoice on vehicle as it is still in shop.
NHTSA complaint #11681792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ankeny, IA
WHEELS
When driving down the interstate the vehicle sways and makes steering challenging. Potential lack of control when hitting bumps on road at highway speeds. Taken to the dealership that sold the vehicle. They confirmed the issue. No warnings lights or notifications at this time.
NHTSA complaint #11671245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ankeny, IA
STEERING
When driving down the interstate the vehicle sways and makes steering challenging. Potential lack of control when hitting bumps on road at highway speeds. Taken to the dealership that sold the vehicle. They confirmed the issue. No warnings lights or notifications at this time.
NHTSA complaint #11671245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ankeny, IA
SUSPENSION
When driving down the interstate the vehicle sways and makes steering challenging. Potential lack of control when hitting bumps on road at highway speeds. Taken to the dealership that sold the vehicle. They confirmed the issue. No warnings lights or notifications at this time.
NHTSA complaint #11671245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.