Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 GMC Terrain problems

Owners filed 36 complaints about the 2021 GMC Terrain with NHTSA between Jul 2021 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is engine (10).

Complaints
36
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine10
  2. Service brakes8
  3. Power train8
  4. Electrical system7
  5. Forward collision avoidance3
  6. Engine and engine cooling2
  7. Fuel/propulsion system2
  8. Lane departure2
  9. Suspension2
  10. Fuel system, gasoline2
  11. Child seat1
  12. Steering1
  13. Air bags1
  14. Vehicle speed control1

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
20214
20224
20235
20244
20259
202610

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

10 reports
“I have had my check engine light come on for P0299. I've lost power while on the road. Had my turbo replaced and now the same issue is starting again. I'm afraid of my car stalling out again with my child in the car. This is a definite safety issue especially since this is happening again months after getting the new turbo put in.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026EngineODI 11767928

Service brakes

8 reports2 crashes
“Driving on the Garden state parkway on Sunday night June 28, 2026 I proceed to cross over the ratitan bridge. There was traffic as I was going down the bridge at 70 miles an hour. When I applied the brakes the car would not stop. I had two 6 years old in the backseat. I applied 2 feet to the brake pedal and it was like a rock and the car would not slow down. I thought I was going to crash. I had to steer and lane change several times to avoid hitting other cars. This has something to do with the driving assist braking system. I was scared to death. If this isn’t a safety concern nothing is. This should be a recall for GMC to fix because it’s an accident waiting to happen.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 1, 2026Service brakesODI 11747599

Power train

8 reports
“Automatic transmission solenoid control valve body got stuck open and ruined the whole transmission. This has been a reoccurring problem with these vehicles. Image is from a code read. Issue was confirmed by Gastorf Chevrolet, and an independent transmission shop.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 29, 2026Power trainODI 11734629

Electrical system

7 reports
“Driving my vehicle with no warnings, messages, or symptoms on adaptive cruise control Sunday [XXX] on [XXX] in Michigan. I changed lanes into the right lane when the vehicle abruptly, without notification, and with force, caused braking that unexpectedly and dangerously slowed the vehicle then released braking before doing the same a moment later. Vehicle was pulled off the road onto the shoulder without an accident, thankfully nobody was behind because they would not have been able to stop in time before hitting my vehicle and I assume the brake lights weren't activated since I did not press the brake pedal either time the vehicle was abruptly slowed causing audible noise of traction loss due to skidding. Vehicle engine would function but parking brake remained active leaving vehicle unable to change gears and transmission warning showed on instrument panel. Vehicle towed to a Chevrolet dealer in Grayling, Michigan where it remains and would be available for inspection. Dealer shows transmission as the cause and in need of replacement. Vehicle has been maintained at GM shops since original ownership.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 1, 2025Electrical system, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11670483

Forward collision avoidance

3 reports1 crash
“Automatic Emergency brakes have unnecessarily or prematurely activated on 2 separate occasions causing my car to stop very abruptly which has resulted in Neck, Shoulder and back pain. I have been very lucky in the recent past and today that a vehicle was not directly behind me. The seat vibrated first when it sensed the car ahead was breaking. When I started to break, the emergency break kicked in. I did not report this the first time because I thought the car was doing what it was supposed to do. Today was unnecessary. No accident and no police report. I do plan on telling the dealership.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 9, 2023Forward collision avoidanceODI 11537561

Engine and engine cooling

2 reports
“Vehicle went into reduce engine power mode and check engine light came on. Vehicle has just over 60,000 miles. Code is telling me I need a new turbo and being quoted 1,500-3,000. I have read so many people having the same issue with needing a new turbo just after 60,000 miles”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 16, 2026Engine, Engine and engine coolingODI 11724745
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.