Despite being GMC’s smallest SUV, the Terrain packs a punch with its rugged look, premium interiors, tech features, and balanced ride. While its cargo space and engine power can be improved, its fuel efficiency is remarkable for an SUV its size.
What other features make this SUV stand out from its competitors, and what problems do owners commonly encounter? And most importantly, what are the best GMC Terrain year-models? Let’s discuss.
Are GMC Terrains Reliable?
The Terrain is a reliable compact SUV from GMC. Repairpal.com gives the Terrain an average reliability score of 3.5 out of 5, based on ownership costs and repairs. Repair costs for the Terrain match the rest of the segment. Owners can expect few repairs per year, but these repairs are highly likely to be urgent and/or severe.
GMC Terrain owners on JD Power gave the SUV above-average scores, noting its superb quality, reliability, driving experience, and resale value. They also cited seat comfort, rear visibility, tech features, and accessibility as the vehicle’s best qualities.
According to reviews, the downsides are the SUV’s not-so-smooth transmission shifting and cramped trunk/hatch space.
Vehicle reviewers on US News and World Report also gave the Terrain above-average scores. They loved the fuel economy, tech features, comfortable ride, safety ratings, and handling of the SUV. On the flip side, they said that the Terrain was too pricey for its segment, had limited engine power, and insufficient cargo space.
The GMC Terrain has also received generally positive feedback from other owners and reviewers online and in forums. It’s a beefy compact SUV whose style, comfort, and overall performance speak volumes about its quality and reliability.
What Are the Most Common Issues with GMC Terrains?
The GMC Terrain may be sturdy and reliable, but there are a couple of issues that are common in certain model years. If you’re in the market for a used Terrain, here are some of the issues you might encounter:
Stretched Timing Chain / VVT Issues
Terrains with 2.4L and the V6 engines tend to develop timing chain issues and may exhibit symptoms such as rattling from the engine, illuminated check engine light, misfires, rough idling, and stalling. They may store the diagnostic trouble codes P0011, P0016 or P0017.
Affected Model Years:
- 2010
- 2011
Faulty Airbags
Faulty airbags are a serious issue in some GMC Terrain model years. According to reports, the airbags on some units may not deploy in the event of a collision or crash. In these cases, there are usually no signs alerting the driver that there is an issue with the airbags. It’s highly recommended that you include airbag and seatbelt inspection as part of your routine maintenance check.
Affected Model Years:
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
- 2016
- 2017
Electronic Stability Control Malfunction
Some owners of GMC Terrains have reported issues with their SUV’s electronic stability control system, also called StabiliTrak®. These issues may cause the vehicle to stall, jerk, and accelerate poorly. In more extreme cases, the engine might function erratically or even shut down. These problems are often accompanied by a check engine light or StabiliTrak light.
There have been technical service bulletins (TSBs) issued to address these problems, like TSBs #10139278 and #10135242. However, diagnosis and repairs to fix the issue were performed on a case-to-case basis.
Affected Model Years:
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2015
- 2018
HVAC Issues
In model years like 2014, the GMC Terrain is said to exhibit heating, ventilation, and air conditioning issues. According to some reports, cold air would sometimes blow from the vents even with the heater on. Other issues also emerged, and GMC has released several TSBs addressing issues involving water leaks, unusual odors, and HVAC clogs.
Affected Model Years:
- 2014
- 2016
Engine Problems
Another serious and rather widespread issue with Terrains is excessive oil consumption. Early model years of the GMC Terrain with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine from 2010 to 2015 were reported to consume oil excessively so that the driver had to add as much as a quart in between oil changes. Piston rings and valve stem seals seemed to be the cause.
Other owners have reported stalling, poor engine power, and a check engine light as well. Some also reported that their engines completely failed without warning.
One of the possible solutions to these issues is to replace the engine, but this is a costly fix. Before considering engine replacement, ask your local GMC dealer if the repairs can be covered by your standard warranty.
Affected Model Years:
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
Water Pump Noises
Some owners have reported hearing unusual whining sounds coming from the water pump of their 2012 GMC Terrain. This issue is said to be common if you’ve had work done on the water pump, water pump chain, or cylinder head. Not using a water pump sprocket during the service is said to cause the water pump chain tensioner to malfunction.
TSBs #10157015 and #10126983 were released in 2017 to help fix this issue.
Affected Model Years:
- 2012
Transmission Problems
According to some reports, the transmission on certain 2011 Terrain units can prematurely fail. This may be accompanied by symptoms like transmission lag, stalling, and hard-shifting.
Some owners said that they needed to replace their entire transmission to solve the issue, but this is an expensive fix. Others have reported changing their transmissions more than once.
Affected Model Years:
- 2011
Brake Issues
Owners of some recent GMC Terrain model years have reported that their low-speed forward automatic braking system doesn’t work. Others said their brakes have failed.
This appears to be a common issue with the shaft-driven vacuum pump design. In many of these scenarios, the vacuum pump may fail and cause the reluctor wheel to spin independently from the camshaft.
Fortunately, GMC released several TSBs to address a variety of brake issues, including those caused by hydraulic, electric, and wheel speed sensor problems. They even issued a recall in August 2018 for a separate rear brake caliper problem on 2018 and 2019 Terrains, which could potentially reduce braking performance.
Affected Model Years:
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
What Are the Best Model Years for the GMC Terrain?
If you’re buying a GMC Terrain, which model years should you consider? We listed down some of the best ones below, based on owner reviews and reliability scores.
- 2012
- 2013
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2019
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
FAQ
Where is the GMC Terrain made?
The GMC Terrain is manufactured in the General Motors San Luis Potosi plant in Mexico. First-generation Terrains were assembled in Canada at the GM Facility in Ingersoll, Ontario. Second-generation Terrains are manufactured in the San Luis plant. Third-generation Terrains are also expected to be manufactured there.
How long do GMC Terrains last?
As with most vehicles, the GMC Terrain can last up to 200,000 miles or more, with regular maintenance. Generally, the Terrain is a long-lasting vehicle but only if you take care of it properly. If you want to continue enjoying all the great things about your Terrain, stick to the recommended service intervals and use the correct, manufacturer-specified fluids.