Is the 2012 GMC Terrain reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 GMC Terrain is rated "worse than typical".

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.

2012 GMC Terrain

◆ Worse than typical

2012 GMC Terrain
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 364
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2012: 364 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% · 169 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show 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, 2017-11-05

Also filed under Electrical system

?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, 2012-07-18

Also filed under Structure and suspension

Visibility/wiper

20% · 74 reports

Power train

10% · 37 reports

FIRE

Show 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, 2024-01-24

Also filed under Exterior lighting

Electrical system

9% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing switch and 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASHFIRE

Fuel/propulsion system

8% · 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 →

R

2011-11-09Tires11V511000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
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2012Complaint volume 364 complaints filed for this model year.
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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
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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

2012 GMC Terrain — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 169 reports on file for this year.
Visibility/wiper: 74 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 37 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 11V511000 · Tires
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 2012 GMC Terrain reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 GMC Terrain is rated "worse than typical".
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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.