The best and worst GMC Terrain years, by the numbers
Short answer: among GMC Terrains old enough to judge (2009–2022), the 2009, 2017 and 2021–2022 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2010–2013 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2022 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2010 GMC Terrain · 47.9 per 10,000 sold (2.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Body control and other modules, typically around 87,345 miles; then timing chain, guides and tensioners.
2011 GMC Terrain · 46.4 per 10,000 sold (2.2× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Oil consumption and leaks, typically around 88,900 miles; then stalling and no-start.
2012 GMC Terrain · 34.4 per 10,000 sold (1.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Oil consumption and leaks, typically around 86,500 miles; then doors, windows, latches, seats and trim.
2013 GMC Terrain · 36.9 per 10,000 sold (1.8× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Oil consumption and leaks, typically around 90,000 miles; then doors, windows, latches, seats and trim.
Years with the fewest complaints
2009 GMC Terrain · 0.0 per 10,000 sold (0.0× this model’s typical year)
2017 GMC Terrain · 15.6 per 10,000 sold (0.7× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Oil consumption and leaks, typically around 100,000 miles.
2021 GMC Terrain · 7.2 per 10,000 sold (0.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Body control and other modules, typically around 78,843 miles.
2022 GMC Terrain · 6.6 per 10,000 sold (0.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Fuel pump and sending unit, typically around 51,000 miles.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical GMC Terrain year: 20.9 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the GMC Terrain?
Among GMC Terrains old enough to judge (2009–2022), the 2010 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 47.9, about 2.3× a typical GMC Terrain year. The 2011–2013 also stand out.
What is the best year for the GMC Terrain?
The 2009 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among GMC Terrains from 2009–2022: 0.0, against 20.9 for a typical year. The 2017 and 2021–2022 are also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2010 GMC Terrain?
The most-reported problem on the 2010 GMC Terrain is body control and other modules, typically around 87,345 miles.
Why aren't the newest GMC Terrain years ranked?
The 2023–2026 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
Looking at a specific GMC Terrain?
See what it’s likely to cost you over the next 3 years from its year and mileage.
Open the cost estimator → Full GMC Terrain reportCompare the GMC Terrain with
Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.