2021 GMC Terrain Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2021 GMC Terrain has a Complaint Index of 13, one of the lowest among 16 model years, earning a Best verdict. It has 35 complaints, 2 recalls, and no do-not-drive recalls, with engine issues the top concern.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 13/100
- #14 of 16 Terrain years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 35
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 26.5
- 25 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2021 GMC Terrain problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine11 (31%)
- Brakes8 (23%)
- Transmission & Powertrain8 (23%)
- Electrical System7 (20%)
- Fuel System4 (11%)
- Other4 (11%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (9%)
- Lane Departure2 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (6%)
- Airbags1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brakes reportedly fail to respond during downhill or panic-stop situations, sometimes leading to a crash.
- Owners describe the vehicle suddenly accelerating on its own after the brake pedal is released, in one case causing a collision.
- Transmission shudders or shakes when accelerating between 45 and 60 mph or when climbing hills, with dealers reportedly unable to offer a fix.
- Some owners say the gear shift selector got stuck in park while the instrument panel showed a different gear.
- Electrical glitches include the infotainment screen going black temporarily and a vehicle being drivable without the key fob present.
- One owner reported airbags did not deploy in a high-speed highway crash.
2021 GMC Terrain recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V339000May 11, 2023Other668,187 vehicles
Child seat:vehicle latch anchor
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Risk: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. 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 N232403240.
- NHTSA 21V612000Aug 5, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires9,597 vehicles
Tires
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with certain Hankook tires. The tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation.
Risk: Tread separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tire DOT numbers, and replace any affected tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782; and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212343560.
2021 GMC Terrain fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 26.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,450
- 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.
2021 compared with other Terrain years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 GMC Terrain reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Terrain ranks among the better years for this model, with a Complaint Index of 13 and a Best verdict, compared to years like 2011 and 2012 which score much higher.
- What problems does the 2021 GMC Terrain have?
- NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Terrain most often cite the engine (31% of complaints), followed by brakes and transmission/powertrain issues (23% each), and electrical system problems (20%).
- Does the 2021 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Terrain: one for Hankook tires that may lack sufficient curative agent, and one for rear-seat LATCH anchorage bars with excessive powder coating. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- How many complaints does the 2021 GMC Terrain have?
- NHTSA lists 35 complaints for the 2021 Terrain, including 4 crashes and 4 injuries, with no reported fires or deaths.
- What is the median mileage for engine problems in the 2021 Terrain?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 78,843 miles for engine-related complaints on the 2021 Terrain.