2012 GMC Terrain: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 364 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (38% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Mar 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 364 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the front driver's side air bag unexpectedly deployed without an impact to the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 148,116.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2025
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2025
“It appears the timing chain is bad. The vehicle only has 84000 miles and currently the engine turns off and you just coast to a stop in the middle of driving.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2024
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but a diagnostic test was not performed. The contact was informed that the engine control module and the camshaft actuator solenoid were replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 191,843.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2024
“hello i'm writing you today in concern of my 2012 chevy terrian i have had all the recalls done on this car and still have problems with the motor this car has a new timing chain in it and still uses oil the recall for the o2 sensors i have had fixed now the light is back on and now the complete system is bad from my understanding this is a well known problem with these cars when you spend that kind of money on a vehicle you wouldn't think there would be the same problem that was just fixed i'm writing you now my engine light is on again and it's the o2 sensor that i had just replaced under the recall i don't feel i should have to pay to have this known problem fixed now.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2024
“I have excessive oil consumption. I noticed the issue after getting my 3000-mile oil change. The technician said I only had 1 quart of oil, which I thought was extremely low. Every 2000 miles, my oil dipstick reports abnormally low oil levels. I am concerned that when I go on an extended road trip, I will have engine issues that will leave me and my family stranded on the side of the road. The GM technician started tracking my oil consumption. He said he was doing that to prove to GM that they owe me a new engine. I didn't understand what he meant until I saw a lawsuit my vehicle was part of.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2024
“I have a 2012 GMC Terrain!! I am the 2nd owner of this vehicle purchased in 2014-2015 there is an engine oil consumption issue with this vehicle that I have to add 2 quarts of oil every week!!! I have not been notified of any recalls or any information from GM in regards to the issue!!! Took it to dealer to have it checked and got told it'll cost me over 5000 for the repairs!!! Is GM or will GM take care of this issue”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2024
“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway, and the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer nor an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2024
“My 4 cyl. AWD GMC Terrain has had excessive oil use which caused premature failure of the timing chain, loss of power/compression, blown engine, damage to exhaust manifold, cellinoids, and melted the catalytic converter. Its was a road safety, poor emissions due to failed catalytic converter. Headlights are too bright for oncoming traffic at night. Another road & safety hazard. Auto warranty is refusing to cover parts listed above caused by the timing chain and excessive oil consumption problems.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2023
“The engine blew. This was already the 2nd engine in the car. Oil consumption. Metal in the oil. No signs. Needs new engine”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2023
When filing, owners marked a crash in 17 of these complaints and injuries in 19 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 18, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM" (TPMS). THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO ILLUMINATE THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WHEN THE PRESSURE IN A TIRE IS 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE. ON THESE VEHICLES, THE LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE UNTIL THE TIRE PRESSURE IS MORE THAN 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE.
Remedy: GM DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 9, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
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."
Remedy: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.
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."
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2012 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Terrain by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 GMC Terrain reliable?
NHTSA has 364 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 GMC Terrain. The most complained-about area is engine (38% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 GMC Terrain problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 82,050 miles or less.
Does the 2012 GMC Terrain have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.