MYRModel Year Report

2011 GMC Terrain

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2011 GMC Terrain
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had more than double the complaints of 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, GMC Terrain Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2011 highlighted. 2010: 290 complaints 2010 2011: 386 complaints 2011 2012: 364 complaints 2013: 363 complaints 2013 2014: 296 complaints 2015: 295 complaints 2016: 149 complaints 2016 2017: 133 complaints 2018: 212 complaints 2019: 177 complaints 2019 2020: 179 complaints 2021: 33 complaints 2022: 48 complaints 2022 2023: 35 complaints 2024: 45 complaints 2025: 12 complaints 2025 2026: 22 complaints 2026
2011: 386 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2010290
2011386
2012364
2013363
2014296
2015295
2016149
2017133
2018212
2019177
2020179
202133
202248
202335
202445
202512
202622

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 46%

46% of complaints: engine — 178 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER PULLING OFF THE HIGHWAY ONTO A BUSY CITY ROAD. THE CAUSE WAS OIL SPILLING ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST AFTER CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WHEN THE PISTON RODS WENT THROUGH THE SIDE OF THE BLOCK.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180311

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL PIPE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, CAUSING THE REAR CARGO CARRIER BASKET TO CATCH ON FIRE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130903

The contact owns a 2011 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign making a left turn, the vehicle started sputtering. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231012

POWER TRAIN 18%

18% of complaints: power train — 71 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Transmission and control arms

NHTSA ODI report, 20230907

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 31 distinct reports on file.

VISIBILITY/WIPER 7%

7% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 28 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: electrical system — 27 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2011 — complaint volume: 386
R 20110118 — seat belts

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC SRX, CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES. THE DRIVER AND /OR FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR MAY FRACTURE AND SEPARATE NE

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE PASSENGER AND/OR THE DRIVER SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AS NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 18, 2

Campaign 10V623000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20141226 — seats

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

R 20161014 — electrical system, power train

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016.

Campaign 16V502000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20181102 — RQ (closed 20191219)

Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure

I 20191213 — EA (closed 20221128)

Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative

I 20200601 — PE (closed 20220603)

Momentary Increased Steering Effort

R 20220908 — exterior lighting

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

2011 GMC Terrain — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (178 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (71 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (31 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 10V623000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V447000 (seats) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V502000 (electrical system, power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V137000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2021 ▲ 2023 ▲ 2024

WORST YEARS

■ 2012 ■ 2013 ◆ 2014

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2011 GMC Terrain reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 GMC Terrain is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2011 GMC Terrain?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 GMC Terrain have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.