VehicleVerdict

2010 GMC Terrain problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 426 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median Terrain year — the 2010 model ranks #4 of 17 Terrain years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 20 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 119 reports (28% of the total).

426

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

17

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

20

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Terrain years?

Terrain NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted557 complaints2010: 426 complaints2011: 557 complaints2012: 500 complaints2013: 484 complaints2014: 385 complaints2015: 382 complaints2016: 180 complaints2017: 181 complaints2018: 317 complaints2019: 287 complaints2020: 282 complaints2021: 50 complaints2022: 65 complaints2023: 63 complaints2024: 70 complaints2025: 26 complaints2026: 29 complaints
Terrain NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Terrain years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 GMC Terrain problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine11928%
Electrical System7117%
Visibility & Wipers5413%
Transmission5112%
Airbags246%
Speed Control174%
Other174%
Fuel System164%
Steering123%
Body & Structure102%
Lighting92%
Brakes82%
Tires & Wheels61%
Suspension41%
Seats31%
Seat Belts31%
Child Seat10%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2010 GMC Terrain have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V137000LightingMarch 8, 2022 · 740,581 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

14V447000SeatsJuly 23, 2014 · 414,333 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

09V489000Visibility & WipersDecember 23, 2009 · 59,031 units

Defect

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEMS AND WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS". THE SOFTWARE IN THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL CAN CAUSE THE HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, DEFROST, AND RADIO CONTROLS, AS WELL AS THE PANEL ILLUMINATION TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence

DRIVING WITHOUT A FUNCTIONING DEFROST SYSTEM CAN DECREASE YOUR VISIBILITY UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE COMPUTER MODULE IN THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE PROBLEM(S) THAT I HAVE HAD OR CURRENTLY HAVE WITH MY VEHICLE ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. VEHICLE HESITATES 2. JOLTS FORWARD 3. STUTTERS 4. EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION 5. THE CAR HAS BEEN UNDRIVABLE SINCE 01/27/20”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 30, 2015 · crash

“THE PROBLEM(S) THAT I HAVE HAD OR CURRENTLY HAVE WITH MY VEHICLE ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. VEHICLE HESITATES 2. JOLTS FORWARD 3. STUTTERS 4. EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION 5. THE CAR HAS BEEN UNDRIVABLE SINCE 01/27/20”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 30, 2015 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, WITHOUT WARNING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECAME INOPERABLE WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A GUARD RAIL. THERE WAS NO INJURIES. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT. THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · July 21, 2019 · crash

“THE PROBLEM(S) THAT I HAVE HAD OR CURRENTLY HAVE WITH MY VEHICLE ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. VEHICLE HESITATES 2. JOLTS FORWARD 3. STUTTERS 4. EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION 5. THE CAR HAS BEEN UNDRIVABLE SINCE 01/27/20”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 30, 2015 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 5, 2015 · crash

2010 GMC Terrain — common questions

Is the 2010 GMC Terrain reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 426 complaints put the 2010 model at #4 of 17 Terrain years. It is one of the Terrain years to avoid.

What are the most common 2010 Terrain problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (119 complaints), electrical system (71 complaints), visibility & wipers (54 complaints).

Does the 2010 GMC Terrain have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 GMC Terrain. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2010 GMC Terrain under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which GMC Terrain years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Terrain years to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2013, 2010. The cleanest record among Terrain years belongs to 2025.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.