Which years should I avoid for the GMC Terrain and Mitsubishi Outlander?

For the Terrain, avoid 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2020. For the Outlander, avoid 2016, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024, based on NHTSA complaints and recalls for each model.

Which model has more complaints overall?

The Terrain has 3,079 total complaints (192 per model year on average) versus 1,148 for the Outlander (57 per model year). These totals are not adjusted for how many of each model were sold.

Which model has more recall campaigns?

The Outlander has 35 total recall campaigns compared to 21 for the Terrain.

Does either model have a best year?

The Terrain has multiple Best years: 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025. The Outlander has only one Best year, 2012.

How do the two compare on fuel economy?

The Terrain averages 24 mpg combined across its lineup, slightly better than the Outlander's 23.9 mpg combined average.

GMC Terrain vs Mitsubishi Outlander: Which Years to Avoid

GMC Terrain owners should avoid 2011-2013 and 2020, while Mitsubishi Outlander owners should avoid 2016, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Terrain logs 3,079 total complaints across 21 recall campaigns versus 1,148 complaints and 35 recalls for the Outlander, though totals aren't sales-normalized.

Head to head

GMC Terrain

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 3,079
Per model year: 192
Recall campaigns: 21
Years to avoid: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2020
Best years: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 24.0
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.5 ★

Mitsubishi Outlander

Model years: 2005–2025 (20)
NHTSA complaints: 1,148
Per model year: 57
Recall campaigns: 35
Years to avoid: 2016, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024
Best years: 2012
Top problem area: Electrical System
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 23.9
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.7 ★

Year by year

Complaint Index is relative within each model (0 = that model’s best year, 100 = its worst). Complaints and recalls are raw counts.

Year	Terrain				Outlander
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2005	—	—	—	—	Good	19	1	21
2006	—	—	—	—	Good	21	1	21
2007	—	—	—	—	Caution	125	9	19.5
2008	—	—	—	—	Caution	58	12	21
2009	—	—	—	—	Caution	46	13	21
2010	Caution	290	3	21.5	Caution	60	10	21.5
2011	Avoid	386	4	19.5	Caution	58	8	23
2012	Avoid	364	4	21.5	Best	22	6	23
2013	Avoid	364	3	21.5	Good	26	5	23
2014	Good	296	2	21.5	Caution	45	4	26
2015	Caution	297	3	23	Good	52	5	26
2016	Good	152	2	23	Avoid	145	8	26
2017	Good	133	1	23	Caution	51	6	26
2018	Caution	220	5	27	Caution	57	6	25.5
2019	Caution	185	3	27	Good	29	5	25.5
2020	Avoid	196	2	25	Avoid	31	3	25.5
2021	Best	35	2	26.5	—	—	—	—
2022	Best	60	2	26.5	Avoid	215	7	26
2023	Best	39	2	26	Avoid	47	2	26
2024	Good	49	1	25.5	Avoid	26	1	26
2025	Best	13	0	26	Good	15	1	26

Complaint Index by year

GMC Terrain

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Mitsubishi Outlander

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Frequently asked questions

Which years should I avoid for the GMC Terrain and Mitsubishi Outlander?: For the Terrain, avoid 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2020. For the Outlander, avoid 2016, 2020, 2022, 2023 and 2024, based on NHTSA complaints and recalls for each model.
Which model has more complaints overall?: The Terrain has 3,079 total complaints (192 per model year on average) versus 1,148 for the Outlander (57 per model year). These totals are not adjusted for how many of each model were sold.
Which model has more recall campaigns?: The Outlander has 35 total recall campaigns compared to 21 for the Terrain.
Does either model have a best year?: The Terrain has multiple Best years: 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025. The Outlander has only one Best year, 2012.
How do the two compare on fuel economy?: The Terrain averages 24 mpg combined across its lineup, slightly better than the Outlander's 23.9 mpg combined average.