2017 GMC Terrain
This year had at least 30% fewer 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.
- Complaints
- 135
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2017
None on file
59% of complaints
Complaints per year
2017: 135 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.
Engine
59% · 79 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The power steering assembly failed and caught on fire. This then caused the engine to malfunction and no longer work. This happened while driving on the interstate at a speed of approximately 80mph. No prior check engine lights were…
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-11-10
Also filed under Steering
Timing Chain driving, clanging noise while driving on I-475 expressway near Perrysburg exit
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-07
I bought this 2017 used on XXX I have had to put 1 quart of oil in the car every 500 miles. Because it burns oil like crazy. And now at this point, the transmission has just quit. I believe they call it the drive train.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-28
Also filed under Power train
Power train
18% · 24 reportsAir bags
10% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing front passenger and driver.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving 9PM on a city st rd, coming up on a mile light that was red. The roads were dry on a 5 lane rd. There was 1 car ahead of my car with their brake lights on .
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-17
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 GMC Terrain. While driving 32 MPH, the contact's vehicle struck a parked vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-05
Electrical system
7% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
Blind side alert activates when it is raining and there are no cars nearby. This only occurs when raining. No codes are thrown so dealer service won't troubleshoot.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-06-21
Exterior lighting
5% · 7 reportsSafety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2017 GMC Terrain — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 79 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 24 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 13 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 22V137000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2017 GMC Terrain reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 GMC Terrain is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 GMC Terrain?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2017 GMC Terrain have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.