FaultScore

GMC Terrain window and wiper problems

504 of the 4,355 complaints filed about the GMC Terrain are about the glass, mirrors and wipers — 12% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2015.

504

Complaints

12%

Share of all complaints

1

Crashes

1

Fires

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers complaints by model year

2010 Terrain 54 10.7%

Median failure at 86,500 miles

2011 Terrain 35 6.9%

Median failure at 94,000 miles

2012 Terrain 82 16.3%

Median failure at 90,612 miles

2013 Terrain 54 10.7%

Median failure at 59,000 miles

2014 Terrain 89 17.7%

Median failure at 78,000 miles

2015 Terrain 121 24.0%

Median failure at 71,000 miles

2016 Terrain 49 9.7%

Median failure at 58,000 miles

2017 Terrain 4 0.8%

Median failure at 42,500 miles

2018 Terrain 5 1.0%

Median failure at 300 miles

2019 Terrain 3 0.6%

Median failure at 58,000 miles

2020 Terrain 4 0.8%

Median failure at 12,300 miles

2021 Terrain 1 0.2%
2023 Terrain 1 0.2%

Median failure at 6,912 miles

2025 Terrain 1 0.2%
2026 Terrain 1 0.2%

What owners said

2019 GMC Terrain Sicklerville, NJ

VISIBILITY/WIPER

This is the second time I have noticed storm heavy rain that my car is taken on water. We had an extremely heavy rain in June and no windows was left open. I did not know water had gotten into my car for an entire month when I heard a solution sale when I came to a break, what I did realize is that there was condensation buildup is inside of my car, but it was not sure why. After searching, I was able to locate and discover thatI had at least 3 inches of water standing water in my spare tire, section of my trunk. There was also an extreme amount of water on my floors in the back row once I took out my mats, I found there to be mold back there.Still unsure of how t the water got into the car I used my shop vac to suck out the water. We just had an extreme amount of heavy rain again. We are now in August. We just had extremely heavy amounts of rain and once again there’s water in the well trunk of my car where the spare tire is. I actually made sure to sit outside in my car during this heavy rain storm to see where the water was coming from. It appears that the water is coming from the sunroof, which then leaks to the back on the right hand side where the outlet socket is. I watched it dripped down into the back of the trunk into the spare tire well. I do not understand why this issue has not triggered a a recall yet as I’m noticing this is not just with my car. This is apparently the sixth or seventh car that has experienced this issue and GMC has yet to do a recall on it. This is very alarming and concerning God forbid I’m driving to work or I have one of my children in the car during a heavy rain storm and it hits the electrical wires or electrical panel with something else bad happens.

NHTSA complaint #11758661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 GMC Terrain Salem Lakes, WI

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Windshield wiper mechanism broke while driving in heavy heavy rain near [XXX] . Extremely dangerous situation and almost resulted in a crash but I was able to make my way off of the interstate safely. Huge inconvenience because we had to wait out the rain! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11738415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 GMC Terrain Coshocton, OH

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I got into my car to head to the store today. Upon closing drivers door I heard a muffled sounding pop. As I looked around I noticed back windshield looked “weird”. Got out and walked around the back to see it completely shattered. It just exploded and every inch has a crack or chip, even all asking the edges of the glass. I lifted the tail gate to see if a rock was thrown by chance and a chunk fell into the car. No rock was found. It simply shattered. The temp today was low 60’s on May 3rd, 2026 here in Ohio.

NHTSA complaint #11735393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 GMC Terrain Onaway, MI

VISIBILITY/WIPER

During heavy rainfall in the mountains at dawn, my windshield wipers suddenly have stopped working. We can manually move the wipers with ease and can hear the motor engaging but both front wipers suddenly stopped. We were 1200 miles from home on what was supposed to be a vacation. Carvana reports 2 recalls for my reports but the dealerships have no recalls for my year of vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11734710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 GMC Terrain Lake George, NY

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The windshield has an optical distortion, characterized by "waviness" and "rippling." This condition is not merely a cosmetic imperfection; it is a safety hazard that causes visual impairment, and dizziness while driving. This defect compromises my ability to perceive distances and hazards accurately, especially when looking through the passenger side while making turns or looking for hazards. Current Status of the Issue as reported online Documented reports indicate that GMC dealers are aware of these "warped windshields" and that the issue appears to be a systemic quality control failure in the 2026 model year. • Safety Risk: This distortion constitutes a safety-related defect as defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as it interferes with the driver's primary field of vision. •Failure of Prior Remedies: I am aware that many owners have undergone multiple replacements only to have the same defect reoccur, suggesting that current replacement stock may also be compromised

NHTSA complaint #11731814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 GMC Terrain Milwaukee, WI

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Wiper blades transmission plastic parts keep popping or breaking this is the THIRD time this has happened at a cost of $350. Why would you use plastic parts for this knowing that it will break easily? Who can afford to keep replacing this? 12

NHTSA complaint #11725197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 GMC Terrain at 114,000 miles Wheeling, 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.

2016 GMC Terrain Wichita, KS

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The windshield wipers quit working while driving during a down pour; some piece to the motor broke. This can cause severe injuries and even death due to the fact that it caused me to not be able to see where I was going and what was around me and could have driven off a high ramp. It hasn’t been inspected by anyone yet. There were no signs, warnings, or messages stating a failure may occur. This issue is available for review if requested until I get the car in for repairs. Will request to keep the part that is repaired Incase it’s needed for review after the fact.

NHTSA complaint #11686230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 GMC Terrain 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.

2016 GMC Terrain at 93,000 miles Akron, OH

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield became foggy. The driver rolled down the windows to clear the windshield and the glass; however, the windshield became foggier. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and clear the windshield by hand. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the windshield was collecting excessive moisture from the air inside the vehicle but was unable to provide a specific diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.

NHTSA complaint #11681961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 GMC Terrain Raleigh, NC

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The windshield wipers became inoperable due to a ball joint failure within the wipers. The parts are available for inspection. The safety of myself and others were put at risk as it was raining heavily after sundown and I could no longer see through my windshield due to the rain not being cleared off by windshield wipers. The visibility issue could have caused an accident, especially if the car in front of me had slammed on breaks. The problem has not been addressed by a dealer but I will be doing that in the following weeks. No one has inspected the component. I did not get any warning lamps or messages. The wipers just immediately stopped.

NHTSA complaint #11676629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 GMC Terrain Le Mars, IA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I was driving on an interstate highway. I entered a construction zone restricted to two lanes.(one each way). It began to rain very hard, after a short time of starting the front windshield wipers; both stopped. There was a total failure of both wipers with out any warning and a total loss of vision due to a rain covered windshield. Due to the restricted traffic lanes in the interstate construction zone there was no shoulder on either side to pull off onto and no way to exit the interstate traffic flow for several miles. I was able to avoid a crash and exit the interstate after several miles. With a different driver, slightly different circumstances or a little less luck it would have resulted in LOSS of LIFE!!!! The cause was failure of the wiper arm linkage more specifically the ball broke off of the wiper motor arm. THIS APPEARS TO BE THE SAME FAILURE THAT CAUSED A RECALL TO BE ISSUED FOR PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS OF THE GMC TERAIN. The parts are available for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11669047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 GMC Terrain Louisville, KY

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Windshield wipers stopped working during a downpour. Lucky I was able to make it home safely but took time. Checked fuses, nothing wrong there. Can hear something running so assume motor is OK, but linkage may have broken. Will have to take to mechanic

NHTSA complaint #11666948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 GMC Terrain Blaine, MN

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The front windshield wipers suddenly stopped working while I was driving on the freeway in moderate rainfall on [XXX]. I wasn't able to see through the windshield. I will call GMC in Roseville MN on Monday, June 9, 2025 to request a service date. I waited until the rain was lighter, so I could drive from Willow River Rest Area to Moose Lake, 19 miles. It was inspected at the repair shop, Federated Co-Ops Moose Lake 017, 100 Arrowhead Ln, Moose Lake, MN 55767. (218) 485-4409. He didn't have the part to make the repair on June 6, 2025. His note: Removed engine plastic trim and wiper transmission. socket on wiper transmission popped off. reinstalled. recommend new wiper transmission. There were no prior indications or issues with the wipers not functioning properly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11665624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 GMC Terrain Flushing, MI

VISIBILITY/WIPER

WHILE DRIVING IN A HEAVY RAIN IN A CONSTUCTION ZONE, WIPER QUIT WORKING. Never notified vehicle had a wiper linkage failure issue. Paid for repairs out of pocket and GM won't compensate because a GM Dealer didn't perform repair. See Service Bulletin N192266180-01, thank you!

NHTSA complaint #11662508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 GMC Terrain at 53,500 miles Mentor, OH

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:INTERIOR

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into reverse(R); the rear-view camera screen was not functioning as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The message "Service Rear Camera System" was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,500.

NHTSA complaint #11644884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 GMC Terrain at 12,300 miles Smithtown, NY 1 injured

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that rain water had leaked from the sunroof drainage into the vehicle causing the floor carpets to become saturated with water and mold had developed inside the vehicle. The contact also discovered a pool of water inside the spare tire well. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the sunroof motor and sunroof liner, unclogged the sunroof drainage assembly and replaced the carpets. The contact indicated that later the failure had reoccurred although the sunroof drainage assembly was consistently unclogged each time the vehicle was in for service. The contact had also experienced respiratory illness due to the mold present inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 12,300.

NHTSA complaint #11631628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 GMC Terrain at 149,680 miles Lansing, MI

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH in a snowstorm, the windshield wipers became inoperable. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V165000 (Visibility). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair could not be performed due to a Salvage Title. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that the repair could be covered because the Salvage Title was not related to the windshield wipers; however, the manufacturer called the contact and informed the contact that the repair could no longer be covered due to the Salvage Title. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 149,680.

NHTSA complaint #11630036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 GMC Terrain Lansing, MI

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Wipers stop working In snow storm

NHTSA complaint #11630012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 GMC Terrain at 6,912 miles Fargo, ND

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 70-71 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated. There was a red flashing light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle then accelerated. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated, and the message that the sensor was dirty was displayed. The contact stated that the windshield was clean and clear but utilized the windshield wipers, and the warning light disappeared. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 6,912.

NHTSA complaint #11626382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other GMC Terrain problems