NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 370 owner complaints for the 2012 GMC Terrain. Most complaints involve engine (170) and visibility/wiper (74). The EPA rates it 19–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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."
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."
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Terrain model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 295 |
| 2011 | 397 |
| 2012 | 370 |
| 2013 | 370 |
| 2014 | 302 |
| 2015 | 317 |
| 2016 | 153 |
| 2017 | 135 |
| 2018 | 226 |
| 2019 | 187 |
| 2020 | 197 |
| 2021 | 36 |
| 2022 | 88 |
| 2023 | 41 |
| 2024 | 55 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 33 |
| 2027 | 1 |
“My car has started stalling and dying when i slow down, take off or when idling. No power when accelerated, and the smell of exhaust comes into my car. I was making a turn from a red light and my car spit, sputtered, and died right in the middle of the busy intersection. I was almost hit from the rear and another car had to go into on coming traffic to avoid T boning me. I took it to 2 different places to get a diagnosis reading and both places said it was a catalyst problem, and I was told that there was a recall about that because of engine oil clogging it up. My car has been using more oil than usual here lately and im guessing thats why. Now, im afraid to drive anywhere because I don't feel like it safe and the fact that my car doesn't run good enough to drive. I was told by more than 1 person that knows mechanics, that its a issue with the catalyst and that it had a recall on it but I never received one. This is a very concerning safety issue, and one that needs immediate attention before someone gets badly hurt (or worse) because of a bad car part . My car is literally just a lawn ornament now until I can get this issue resolved. I need my car to make a…”
“I was driving while it was raining. The wipers stopped working. The driverside wiper jumped partially off the windshield. I had my mechanic inspect it. The fuses, relay, and wiper motor are operational. The bushing on the wiper transmission failed. I found the following recall. Special Coverage Adjustment N192266181 Wiper Transmission Arm Linkage Failure – USA Only Release Date: July 2022. However, my VIN does not have this as an applicable recall.”
“1. The engine suddenly lost power while driving during evening rush hour and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. 2. Because the vehicle could not maintain speed, I was unable to keep up with traffic, creating a serious safety hazard that could have resulted in a major accident. 3. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center for diagnosis. 4. During the incident, the “Engine Power Reduced” warning indicator illuminated just before the loss of power occurred. 5. As the vehicle slowed and came to a complete stop at an intersection, it remained unresponsive. When the traffic light turned green, the vehicle would not accelerate at all.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrain FWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 26 | $2,450 | 342 |
| Terrain FWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 26 | $2,450 | 342 |
| Terrain AWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Terrain AWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Terrain FWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Terrain FWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI; FFV · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Terrain AWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI; FFV · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| Terrain AWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 370 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (170), visibility/wiper (74), power train (37). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2012 GMC Terrain at 19–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2012 GMC Terrain 4 out of 5 stars overall.