Is the 2016 GMC Terrain reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 GMC Terrain is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Terrain?

The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 GMC Terrain have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 GMC Terrain

● Typical for this model

2016 GMC Terrain
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:50:58.132Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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: 153
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Visibility/wiper

Complaints per year

2016: 153 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2010	290
2011	386
2012	364
2013	365
2014	296
2015	299
2016	153
2017	135
2018	222
2019	186
2020	196
2021	36
2022	61
2023	41
2024	53
2025	13
2026	32
2027	1

Known problem areas

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

Visibility/wiper

30% · 46 reports

Engine

30% · 46 reports

Show complaint excerpts

The timing chain snapped and caused the engine to seize on our 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L SLC-1 SUV/Truck.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-14

Power train

7% · 11 reports

Exterior lighting

7% · 10 reports

CRASHINJURY

Air bags

7% · 10 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

On 10/1/26 I was in an accident where the entire front of the car was pushed in. The air bags did not employ, which resulted in me hitting my ribs on the steering…

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-19

The contact owned a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while making a right turn, a Dodge Ram truck ran through a stop sign causing the contact to crash into the truck head-on. The air bags failed to deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-11

The contact owned a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while at a red light, the vehicle was struck from the rear which resulted in the vehicle being pushed forward and crashing into the vehicle in front. None of the air bags deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2021-07-28

Also filed under Seat belts

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

R

2016-07-14Equipment, tires16V449000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles manufactured October 16, 2015. The certification labels may have incorrect tire/rim size and cold tire pressure information.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1050, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782.

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
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

2016 GMC Terrain — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Visibility/wiper: 46 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 46 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 11 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V449000 · Equipment, tires
Recall 22V137000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2016 GMC Terrain reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 GMC Terrain is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Terrain?: The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 GMC Terrain have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.