GMC Terrain years to avoid
The GMC Terrain years to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2013 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2025 is the cleanest year on record.
4,364
Total complaints
22
Recall campaigns
2010–2026
Years covered
3
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Terrain years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | High complaint rate | 557 | |
| 2012 | High complaint rate | 500 | |
| 2013 | High complaint rate | 485 |
Every Terrain year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 39 | 1 | |
| 2025 | 26 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 74 | 1 | |
| 2023 | 69 | 2 | |
| 2022 | 75 | 2 | |
| 2021 | 53 | 2 | |
| 2020 | 300 | 2 | |
| 2019 | 299 | 3 | |
| 2018 | 328 | 5 | |
| 2017 | 181 | 1 | |
| 2016 | 183 | 2 | |
| 2015 | 384 | 3 | |
| 2014 | 385 | 2 | |
| 2013avoid | 485 | 3 | |
| 2012avoid | 500 | 4 | |
| 2011avoid | 557 | 4 | |
| 2010 | 426 | 3 |
Common questions
What are the worst GMC Terrain years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Terrain years to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2013. The cleanest year on record is 2025.
What is the best year for the GMC Terrain?
By complaint volume, 2025 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Terrain years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the GMC Terrain have?
Across all model years, the Terrain has 22 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 4,364 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.