Is the 2019 GMC Terrain reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 GMC Terrain is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2019 GMC Terrain?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2019 GMC Terrain have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2019 GMC Terrain

● Typical for this model

2019 GMC Terrain
RENDERED 2026-11-01T16:59:32.409Z

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: 186
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

2019: 186 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.

Service brakes

39% · 73 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2019 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while the wife was driving at approximately 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and it felt stiff.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-21

The carâs brakes hardened on the highway, posing a life-threatening danger, right before the engine died. Following a tow to the dealershipâs service center, an initial inspection revealed a broken vacuum pump and broken camshaft.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-18

While driving my 2019 GMC Terrain on local roads, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete failure of the braking system.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-09

Also filed under Engine

Engine

38% · 70 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

I bought a car from Boone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership in North Carolina on [XXX] and by [XXX] my engine was out before I purchase my car I made sure they serviced my vehicle at a GMC Dealership and there's a warranty on the service of my...

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-22

Power train

28% · 52 reports

Electrical system

21% · 39 reports

FIREINJURY

Vehicle speed control

5% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

R

2018-10-11Service brakes, hydraulic18V576000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu...

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-04-15Seats19V184000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-12-15Power train20V668000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer...

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2019 GMC Terrain — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 73 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 70 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 52 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 18V576000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 19V184000 · Seats
Recall 20V668000 · Power train

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2019 GMC Terrain reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 GMC Terrain is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2019 GMC Terrain?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 GMC Terrain have?: 3 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.