2019 GMC Terrain Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
47/100
#9 most-complained of 16 Terrain years
The 2019 GMC Terrain has a complaint index of 47, ranking 9th worst out of 16 model years, with a Good verdict relative to other Terrain years. NHTSA lists 185 complaints, 3 recalls, and no deaths for this year.
- Complaints
- 185
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 7 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 12 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 27
- 25 city / 29 hwy
Top 2019 GMC Terrain problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes77 (42%)
- Engine76 (41%)
- Transmission & Powertrain51 (28%)
- Electrical System41 (22%)
- Other21 (11%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras13 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (3%)
- Fuel System4 (2%)
- Steering4 (2%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (2%)
What owners report
- Brakes reportedly failed to respond in stop-and-go traffic, with automated braking systems apparently taking over and causing a rear-end collision.
- Owners describe the backup camera failing to detect obstacles while reversing at low speed, leading to a collision with a stationary object.
- A burning chemical odor was reported coming through the vents when the air conditioning was activated, causing headaches for occupants.
- One owner reported an oil warning light appearing while driving at highway speed, followed by the engine shutting down and catching fire under the hood at 14,000 miles.
- Drivers reported the brake pedal feeling stiff and the vehicle failing to slow down at highway speed, resulting in a collision.
- Owners describe rear differential binding that led to a loss of control and an accident.
2019 GMC Terrain recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V668000Oct 29, 2020Transmission & Powertrain194,105 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
- NHTSA 19V184000Mar 7, 2019Structure & Body120 vehicles
Seats
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the insufficient welds may result in an increased risk of injury for an occupant seated in the rear-right position.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192209550.
- NHTSA 18V576000Aug 30, 2018Brakes210,628 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
2019 GMC Terrain fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 27 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- 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.
2019 compared with other Terrain years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 GMC Terrain reliable?
- Relative to other Terrain model years, 2019 rates Good, with a complaint index of 47 and rank 9th worst out of 16 years tracked by NHTSA.
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 GMC Terrain?
- NHTSA complaint data shows Brakes as the top problem area, accounting for 42% of complaints, followed by Engine at 41% and Transmission & Powertrain at 28%.
- Does the 2019 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 GMC Terrain, covering the transmission start-stop accumulator, a rear seat head-restraint bracket weld issue, and a brake system bleed remedy. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- At what mileage do problems typically show up on the 2019 Terrain?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 20,000 miles at failure overall, with brake complaints reported at a median of 41,000 miles and engine and transmission complaints at a median of 14,000 miles.
- How does the 2019 Terrain compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 47, the 2019 Terrain ranks better than earlier years like 2011 (complaint index 100) but worse than newer years like 2021 (complaint index 0) and 2022 (complaint index 7).