VehicleVerdict

2012 GMC Terrain electrical system problems

The 2012 GMC Terrain has 45 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 9% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

45

Electrical System complaints

9%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Related recalls

16V502000Electrical SystemJuly 5, 2016 · 8,367 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

What owners report

ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR TURNING, THE ENGINE WILL DIE. FRONT END ACCIDENT GOING 55+ MPH ON A COUNTRY ROAD, HIT A VERY LARGE DIP, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, SEAT BELTS DID LOCK UP.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 6, 2015 · crash

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2012 GMC Terrain have?

NHTSA has 45 complaints about the 2012 GMC Terrain electrical system — 9% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2012 GMC Terrain electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 16V502000.

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.