Problems · NHTSA complaints

2016 GMC Terrain problems

Owners filed 153 complaints about the 2016 GMC Terrain with NHTSA between Jun 2016 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (46).

Complaints
153
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
10
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
10
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine46
  2. Visibility/wiper46
  3. Power train11
  4. Air bags10
  5. Exterior lighting10
  6. Electrical system9
  7. Steering6
  8. Service brakes5
  9. Vehicle speed control4
  10. Structure3
  11. Visibility3
  12. Fuel/propulsion system3
  13. Seat belts3
  14. Wheels3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20163
20173
20189
201916
202017
202122
202223
202317
202414
202516
202613

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

46 reports
“The timing chain snapped and caused the engine to seize on our 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L SLC-1 SUV/Truck. Since this has occurred multiple times on the 2.4L engines in this model from 2012 - 2016, we believe that there should be a recall as this issue could cause a major accident if the timing chain snaps or breaks while traveling. It had 101000 miles on it when we bought it used from Klein Automotive, on April 12, 2024. We have only had it for 2 years and 4 months and kept it in good repair. We took it in for its oil change, brought it home, went to dinner 4 days after and the very next day it wouldn't start. We thought it was most likely the starter/solenoid, but the mechanic said those were both fine and that's when we got the bad news that the motor was shot because the timing chain broke which caused some engine rods to break. The GMC dealer, in Marinette, WI, we brought our used 2016 GMC Terrain to, told us that the timing chain stretched and broke the rods in the engine and therefore both the timing chain and engine need to be replaced. The check engine light was turning on all of the time, and we were told that it was because it needed the 88 fuels (medium…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 14, 2026EngineODI 11756995

Visibility/wiper

46 reports
“Windshield wiper mechanism broke while driving in heavy heavy rain near [XXX] . Extremely dangerous situation and almost resulted in a crash but I was able to make my way off of the interstate safely. Huge inconvenience because we had to wait out the rain!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 17, 2026Visibility/wiperODI 11738415

Power train

11 reports
“My 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L Ecotec first stalled while idling at a red light in Raleigh, NC. I restarted it and it sounded different, so I drove it home. The next morning it would not start. The failure occurred at approximately 69,939 miles with no meaningful warning. The dealer’s diagnostic report states there were no current relevant codes and no relevant codes in history. The dealer documented major timing-system failure: timing chain tensioner failure, timing chain guide failure, a timing chain guide bolt pulled out of the cylinder head, aluminum contamination in the cylinder head/oiling system, and engine replacement recommended. The vehicle was found unsafe to operate. This vehicle regularly transported my family, including my children. If the stall/no-start failure had occurred at highway speed, while merging, or in heavier traffic, it could have created a serious crash risk. The oil was maintained outside the dealership network and had been serviced before failure. I also topped off the oil shortly before this occurred. The 2.4L Ecotec engine family is known for oil-consumption issues, yet this vehicle gave me no direct warning that oil consumption had…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 5, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11742386

Air bags

10 reports6 crashes
“On 10/1/26 I was in an accident where the entire front of the car was pushed in. The air bags did not employ, which resulted in me hitting my ribs on the steering wheel”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2026Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11772027

Exterior lighting

10 reports2 crashes1 related recall
“Back right tail light filling with water when it rains. Affecting electrical wires and water dripping into back cargo. No cracks or damage found on tail light.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 26, 2024Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or otherODI 11610903

Electrical system

9 reports
“Thermostat/coolant sensor malfunctioning causing engine fan to constantly run as if the engine is over heating. Some engine exhaust door/flap is stuck open or closed causing check engine light to come on. And or the actuators doors are broken causing windows to fog and obstruct view. Not sure what would cause this issue but I have had to have work done on my vehicle twice for this issue within 3 years.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 31, 2023Electrical system, EngineODI 11514747
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.