Recalls · problems · safety

2012 GMC Terrain: recalls and problems

4 recalls and 370 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

4recalls
370complaints
17crashes reported
5fires reported
19injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine170 · 46%
  • Visibility/Wiper74 · 20%
  • Unknown Or Other40 · 11%
  • Power Train37 · 10%
  • Electrical System31 · 8%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System29 · 8%
  • Air Bags23 · 6%
  • Structure14 · 4%
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)13 · 4%
  • Vehicle Speed Control11 · 3%

What owners report

Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System

My car has started stalling and dying when i slow down, take off or when idling. no power when accelerated, and the smell of exhaust comes into my car. i was making a turn from a red light and my car spit, sputtered, and died right in the middle of the busy intersection. i was almost hit from the rear and another car had to go into on coming traffic to avoid t boning me. i took it to 2 different places to get a diag

Engine

The engine blew. this was already the 2nd engine in the car. oil consumption. metal in the oil. no signs. needs new engine

Engine

The oil is depleting every month from the vehicle. every 2-3 weeks i have to put oil in the vehicle because the oil is being absorbed. is there a recall on this problem.

Power Train,Electrical System,Engine

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

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2012 GMC Terrain SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2012 GMC Terrain SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Terrain. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.