2012 GMC Terrain Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 37 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2012 GMC Terrain, about 10% of that year's 364 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 87,114 miles. No related recalls are listed for this area. Two fires were reported, but no crashes or injuries.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 37
- 10% of 364
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 87,114 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report the transmission slipping and failing to respond after rapid deceleration, then jerking hard when acceleration finally engages.
- Some describe transmission not shifting correctly alongside stability trac and traction control warning lights, sometimes returning to the dealer more than ten times without a fix.
- Several owners report excessive engine oil consumption tied to timing chain wear, which in some cases led to loss of compression and full engine failure.
- Multiple complaints describe the engine stalling or losing power at various speeds, sometimes recurring after dealer repairs.
- Some owners report the timing chain or timing belt jumping or stretching, producing loud rattling or knocking noises and rough running.
- One complaint describes a rear main seal pushed out from excessive crankcase pressure, linked to a special coverage adjustment that did not include their VIN.
When 2012 GMC Terrain transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 28, 2013, latest Nov 16, 2025.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2012 GMC Terrain
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Terrain model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2012 GMC Terrain have?
- NHTSA lists 37 complaints in this area for the 2012 model year, about 10% of the 364 total complaints filed for that year.
- Is there a recall for the 2012 GMC Terrain transmission or engine?
- No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2012 Terrain.
- At what mileage do these transmission and powertrain problems usually appear?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this area is 87,114 miles.
- Are these problems dangerous?
- NHTSA data shows 2 fires reported in this area for the 2012 Terrain, with no crashes and no injuries recorded.
- Is the 2012 GMC Terrain worse than other years for this problem?
- The 2011 Terrain had more complaints in this area (76, 20% share) than the 2012 model (37 complaints, 10% share), though several other years also report this issue.