How many electrical complaints does the 2011 GMC Terrain have?

NHTSA lists 36 Electrical System complaints for the 2011 Terrain, which is 9% of the 386 total complaints filed for that model year.

At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2011 Terrain is 90,000 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2011 GMC Terrain's electrical system?

Yes. Recall 22V137000 covers headlight housing reflection issues on 2010-2017 Terrain vehicles, and recall 16V502000 covers an ignition key/park lock lever issue, though that campaign lists 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, not the 2011 Terrain.

Did any electrical complaints involve fire or crashes?

NHTSA data shows 1 fire report tied to the Electrical System complaints for the 2011 Terrain, with 0 crashes and 0 injuries recorded.

How does 2011 compare to other Terrain years for electrical complaints?

The 2011 Terrain's 36 electrical complaints and 9% share are lower than 2010 (53 complaints, 18%), 2014 (48, 16%), and 2015 (50, 17%), making 2011 comparatively less affected within this model.

2011 GMC Terrain Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 36 Electrical System complaints for the 2011 GMC Terrain, 9% of its 386 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 90,000. One fire and zero crashes or injuries were reported in this area, and two related recalls touch the electrical system.

Electrical System complaints: 36; 9% of 386
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 90,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Vehicle stalls or loses power suddenly while driving at speeds around 35-40 mph, sometimes with no warning.
Ignition key gets stuck or will not turn to release, requiring repeated on-off cycling to start or shut off the car.
Corroded battery terminal cable ends cause stalling and require replacement.
Interior electronics fail intermittently, including dash lighting, wipers, defroster, and shift indicator.
Dashboard controls make repeated tapping noises tied to HVAC actuator issues when the radio or climate controls are used.
One reported case describes an electrical fire alongside repeated stalling.

When 2011 GMC Terrain electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 15, 2011, latest Jun 3, 2026.

36 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2011 to Jun 2026; peak Jun 2022 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2011 GMC Terrain

NHTSA 22V137000Mar 8, 2022Electrical System740,581 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
NHTSA 16V502000Jul 5, 2016Electrical System8,367 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition
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. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Electrical System complaints by Terrain model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201053 (18%)
201136 (9%)
201240 (11%)
201331 (9%)
201448 (16%)
201550 (17%)
201618 (12%)
201716 (12%)
201835 (16%)
201941 (22%)
202028 (14%)
20217 (20%)
20227 (12%)
20237 (18%)
20246 (12%)
20254 (31%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does the 2011 GMC Terrain have?: NHTSA lists 36 Electrical System complaints for the 2011 Terrain, which is 9% of the 386 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2011 Terrain is 90,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2011 GMC Terrain's electrical system?: Yes. Recall 22V137000 covers headlight housing reflection issues on 2010-2017 Terrain vehicles, and recall 16V502000 covers an ignition key/park lock lever issue, though that campaign lists 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, not the 2011 Terrain.
Did any electrical complaints involve fire or crashes?: NHTSA data shows 1 fire report tied to the Electrical System complaints for the 2011 Terrain, with 0 crashes and 0 injuries recorded.
How does 2011 compare to other Terrain years for electrical complaints?: The 2011 Terrain's 36 electrical complaints and 9% share are lower than 2010 (53 complaints, 18%), 2014 (48, 16%), and 2015 (50, 17%), making 2011 comparatively less affected within this model.