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.

2011 GMC Terrain

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2011 GMC Terrain
BUILT 2026-10-10

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: 386
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2011: 386 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2010	290
2011	386
2012	364
2013	364
2014	296
2015	298
2016	152
2017	135
2018	220
2019	184
2020	196
2021	36
2022	60
2023	40
2024	52
2025	13
2026	32

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

46% · 178 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

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, 2018-03-11

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, 2013-09-03

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, 2023-10-12

Power train

20% · 76 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Transmission and control arms

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-07

Also filed under Suspension

Tl*the contact owns a 2011 GMC Terrain. While driving approximately 15 MPH and shifting from first to second gear the vehicle jerked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice and the technician performed updates to the electrical system.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-12-01

Fuel/propulsion system

8% · 31 reports

Electrical system

8% · 29 reports

Most commonly citing speedometer/odometer and 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIRE

Visibility/wiper

7% · 28 reports

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2011Complaint volume 386 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2011-01-18Seat belts10V623000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-12-26Seats14V447000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-10-14Electrical system, power train16V502000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2018-11-02Recall queryClosed 2019-12-19 Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure
I
2019-12-13Engineering analysisClosed 2022-11-28 Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative
I
2020-06-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 2022-06-03 Momentary Increased Steering Effort
R

2022-09-08Exterior lighting22V137000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2011 GMC Terrain — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 178 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 76 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 31 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 10V623000 · Seat belts
Recall 14V447000 · Seats
Recall 16V502000 · Electrical system, power train
Recall 22V137000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.