Recalls · problems · safety

2021 GMC Terrain: recalls and problems

2 recalls and 35 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

2recalls
35complaints
4crashes reported
0fires reported
4injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine9 · 26%
  • Service Brakes8 · 23%
  • Power Train8 · 23%
  • Electrical System7 · 20%
  • Unknown Or Other3 · 9%
  • Forward Collision Avoidance3 · 9%
  • Engine And Engine Cooling2 · 6%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System2 · 6%
  • Lane Departure2 · 6%
  • Suspension2 · 6%

What owners report

Engine

Vehicle information:year/make/model: 2021 gmc terrainengine type: 1.5l turbocharged enginecurrent mileage: 155,000 miles [1]description of safety defect:i am writing to report a severe, sudden engine and turbocharger failure on my 2021 gmc terrain that presents an extreme, life-threatening safety hazard. while operating the vehicle in active traffic, the engine began flashing a severe dashboard warning reading "sto

Service Brakes

Vacuum pump failure caused my brakes to lock up and almost caused me to wreck into another vehicle

Service Brakes

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 cha

Service Brakes

Formal safety complaint – 2021 gmc terrain brake failure vehicle: 2021 gmc terrain incident location: garden state parkway (nj) speed: approximately 65 mph incident description while driving northbound at highway speed, i attempted to change lanes and apply my brakes. when i pressed the brake pedal, it became completely rigid (rock hard) and failed to function. i had no ability to slow the vehicle using normal brakin

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

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 GMC Terrain SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2021 GMC Terrain SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

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