2012 GMC Terrain
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 290 |
| 2011 | 386 |
| 2012 | 364 |
| 2013 | 363 |
| 2014 | 296 |
| 2015 | 295 |
| 2016 | 149 |
| 2017 | 133 |
| 2018 | 212 |
| 2019 | 177 |
| 2020 | 179 |
| 2021 | 33 |
| 2022 | 48 |
| 2023 | 35 |
| 2024 | 45 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 22 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
46% of complaints: engine — 169 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT 50,000 MILES, WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION. COMPUTER DID NOT SHOW WHAT PROBLEM WAS. CAR WOULD CUT OFF IN DRIVE IN IDLE. CAR WOULD SHAKE. MECHANICS PUT IN NEW PARTS AND BATTERY FOR MORE THAN $1200.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171105
?ON APRIL 16TH OUR SON WAS DRIVING ON FAIRVIEW RD. AND TRAVELING THROUGH A GREEN LIGHT WHEN A CAR THAT RAN A RED LIGHT HIT HIM. ?HIS CAR ? A GMC 2012 TERRAIN WAS HIT MULTIPLE TIMES ?
NHTSA ODI report, 20120718
20% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 74 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: power train — 37 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
My 4 cyl. AWD GMC Terrain has had excessive oil use which caused premature failure of the timing chain, loss of power/compression, blown engine, damage to exhaust manifold, cellinoids, and melted the catalytic converter.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240124
8% of complaints: electrical system — 30 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT 50,000 MILES, WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION. COMPUTER DID NOT SHOW WHAT PROBLEM WAS. CAR WOULD CUT OFF IN DRIVE IN IDLE. CAR WOULD SHAKE. MECHANICS PUT IN NEW PARTS AND BATTERY FOR MORE THAN $1200.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171105
8% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 28 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 18, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIRE
Remedy: GM DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 9, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-99
Campaign 11V511000 — 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
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
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
2012 GMC Terrain — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (169 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (74 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V511000 (tires) 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.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 GMC Terrain reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 GMC Terrain is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Terrain?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 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.