2017 GMC Terrain Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
27/100
#12 most-complained of 16 Terrain years
The 2017 GMC Terrain ranks 12th out of 16 model years, with a Complaint Index of 27 and a "Good" verdict relative to other Terrain years. It logged 133 complaints, 1 recall, and no deaths, with Engine issues making up 59% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 133
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 11 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 28 hwy
Top 2017 GMC Terrain problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine79 (59%)
- Transmission & Powertrain23 (17%)
- Other22 (17%)
- Electrical System16 (12%)
- Airbags12 (9%)
- Structure & Body7 (5%)
- Fuel System4 (3%)
- Seat Belts4 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (3%)
- Brakes3 (2%)
What owners report
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in crashes with a deer or another vehicle, even with significant front-end damage and a strong odor after impact.
- Owners describe airbag warning lights and OnStar crash notifications activating without any actual airbag deployment.
- Some owners report the power steering assembly failing and catching fire, followed by the engine losing power while driving at highway speed.
- Blind spot alert systems reportedly activate falsely during rain when no other vehicles are nearby, with no diagnostic codes present for dealers to trace.
- Headlights, including high and low beams, were described as too dim to see clearly at night, especially in rain.
- Infotainment and electrical functions such as the radio, backup camera, and Bluetooth reportedly stopped working together after startup.
2017 GMC Terrain recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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.
2017 GMC Terrain fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2017 compared with other Terrain years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 GMC Terrain reliable?
- Compared to other Terrain model years, the 2017 gets a "Good" verdict, ranking 12th worst out of 16 years with a Complaint Index of 27, well below the worst year's index of 100.
- What problems does the 2017 GMC Terrain have?
- NHTSA complaints show Engine issues account for 59% of the 133 complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 17% and Electrical System at 12%. Median mileage at Engine-related failure was 82,500 miles.
- Does the 2017 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall for the 2017 Terrain, covering headlight housings that could create excessive glare above the vehicle; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2017 Terrain compare to other years?
- The 2017 Terrain's Complaint Index of 27 is much lower than the 2011 model's index of 100 and the 2010-2013 years generally rated "Avoid," but higher than the 2021-2025 years rated "Best."