2012 GMC Terrain Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 40 Electrical System complaints for the 2012 GMC Terrain, 11% of that year's 364 total complaints. Two fires and one crash were reported in this area, with a median failure mileage of 70,000. Two related recalls exist, both covering electrical components.
- Electrical System complaints
- 40
- 11% of 364
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 70,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Vehicle stalls or shuts off while driving, sometimes with the center console going completely black and loss of control.
- Ignition key sticks or fails to turn in the switch, sometimes requiring the ignition cylinder to be towed and replaced.
- Radio turns on by itself even when the vehicle is off, described by a dealer as a known flashing fault.
- Traction control and stability trac warning lights illuminate along with a sudden stall at low speed.
- Headlights leave dark areas above the beam pattern and provide limited illumination on downhill grades.
- Air conditioning leaks inside the cabin and heater fails to work, with no clear cause found by an independent mechanic.
When 2012 GMC Terrain electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 2, 2012, latest Nov 16, 2025.
Electrical System recalls for the 2012 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.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are electrical problems on the 2012 GMC Terrain?
- NHTSA shows 40 Electrical System complaints for the 2012 Terrain, which is 11% of the 364 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2012 GMC Terrain?
- Yes, two related recalls exist: campaign 22V137000 for headlight housings that can reflect excessively bright light, and campaign 16V502000 covering electronic park lock components on other GM models sharing the electrical system component category.
- At what mileage do 2012 Terrain electrical failures typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2012 Terrain is 70,000 miles.
- Did any electrical complaints involve fires or crashes?
- NHTSA data for this area on the 2012 Terrain lists 2 fires and 1 crash among the 40 complaints, with 0 injuries reported.