2010 GMC Terrain
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 290 |
| 2011 | 386 |
| 2012 | 364 |
| 2013 | 364 |
| 2014 | 296 |
| 2015 | 297 |
| 2016 | 152 |
| 2017 | 133 |
| 2018 | 218 |
| 2019 | 181 |
| 2020 | 192 |
| 2021 | 34 |
| 2022 | 56 |
| 2023 | 37 |
| 2024 | 48 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 26 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
37% of complaints: engine — 107 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE - SLOWS DOWN AND SPEED UP AND JOLT AS IT ACCELERATE IN SPEED. HEATED SEATS - A MONTH AFTER PURCHASE THEY STOPPED WORKED OIL PUMP - THE FILTER GETS CLOGGED WITH METAL SHAVING AND WOULD NOT ALLOW THE OIL TO GET TO THE ENGINE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180802
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ON 10/17/2013 MY WIFE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT OUR LOCAL WALGREEN'S PHARMACY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131030
Also filed under FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
18% of complaints: power train — 51 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive) and chain/belt.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The transmission stoped working after the second shift.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231109
17% of complaints: electrical system — 48 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended; however, the contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231124
14% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 40 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
Wipers stop working
NHTSA ODI report, 20240128
8% of complaints: air bags — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY ABOUT 50MPH A CAR TURNED LEFT IN FRONT OF US. WE T-BONED THE CAR. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SHOT OFF TO THE LEFT. THIS WAS A 2010 TERRAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20101127
I PURCHASED A 2010 GMC TERRAIN FROM ROSSI DEALERSHIP .I HAD THE TRUCK FOR A DAY AND THE SERVICE AIRBAG CAME ON IN THE DASH. I CALLED ONSTAR AND THEY SAID TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100204
SAFETY TIMELINE
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE COMPUTER MODULE IN THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GM
Campaign 09V489000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014.
Campaign 14V447000 — check if this car was fixed
Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure
Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative
Momentary Increased Steering Effort
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.
Remedy: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.
Campaign 22V137000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2010 GMC Terrain — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (107 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (51 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (48 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V489000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V447000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V137000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2010 GMC Terrain reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 GMC Terrain is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2010 GMC Terrain?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 GMC Terrain have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.