Ford Explorer vs GMC Terrain
For 2009–2022 models, the GMC Terrain has 25.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 55.2 for the Ford Explorer. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2009–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Ford Explorer
55.2 complaints per 10,000 sold
2.2× the GMC Terrain’s rate
- Complaints
- 14,878
- Sold
- 2,696,989
- Recall campaigns
- 72
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 3
Most complaints: 2011, 2013–2014 and 2016. Fewest: 2009 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 82,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 78,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 77,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 88,300 mi
-
Water leaks and seals
Typically around 60,000 mi
GMC Terrain
25.0 complaints per 10,000 sold
55% fewer than the Ford Explorer
- Complaints
- 2,969
- Sold
- 1,188,497
- Recall campaigns
- 18
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2010–2013. Fewest: 2009, 2017 and 2021–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Oil consumption and leaks
Typically around 89,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 75,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 60,158 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 49,750 mi
-
Master cylinder and booster
Typically around 50,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Explorer or the GMC Terrain?
For 2009–2022 models, the GMC Terrain has 25.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ford Explorer has 55.2, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Explorer?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Explorer is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 82,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the GMC Terrain?
The most-reported problem on the GMC Terrain is oil consumption and leaks, typically around 89,000 miles.
Which Ford Explorer and GMC Terrain years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Explorer: 2011, 2013–2014 and 2016; GMC Terrain: 2010–2013.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.