VehicleVerdict

2014 GMC Terrain problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2014 GMC Terrain sits mid-pack among Terrain years: 385 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 281, with 2 recalls and 2 closed investigations.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 129 reports (34% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

385

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2014 compare to other Terrain years?

Terrain NHTSA complaints by model year, 2014 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, 2014 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Terrain years to avoid →

What are the most common 2014 GMC Terrain problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine12934%
Visibility & Wipers8923%
Electrical System4111%
Transmission339%
Lighting174%
Other164%
Fuel System154%
Airbags113%
Brakes92%
Body & Structure51%
Steering51%
Driver Assistance31%
Seats31%
Speed Control31%
Seat Belts21%
Tires & Wheels21%
Suspension10%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2014 GMC Terrain have recalls?

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

22V165000Visibility & WipersMarch 17, 2022 · 681,509 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode, causing one or both windshield wipers to fail.

Consequence

Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the wiper module, and repair or replace it as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 21, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212352530.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Moved car to shovel drive way. Went to move it back and my car wouldn’t start. Garage says it is the ECM Garage says GM has a hold on the sale/install on f this part as there is a known issue involving all unit including my vehicle and newer. The only recall currently is for exams for 2018 GMC…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 4, 2022

“Headlights- melted plug causing fire damage on both headlights, replaced with new headlights and bulbs as well as a new wire harness plug. Was driving smelt smoke/wires burning. Wipers- stop preforming during rain storm Southeastern NC on hwy 701 south on 3-24-22. And still does not work. Maybe be…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 24, 2022 · fire

“ABS Brake problem and have tried to get it repaired for over 3 months and cannot seem to be able to get the part and call GM with no help. Can not tell me when or where to buy the part. Nobody seems to be able to get a new part and no help from GM. If there is this many problems that there is no…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 6, 2025

“2014 GMC TERRAIN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN. THE CONSUMER STATED THE WIPERS WERE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED DUE TO A RECALL BEING ISSUED FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 11, 2022

“Headlights- melted plug causing fire damage on both headlights, replaced with new headlights and bulbs as well as a new wire harness plug. Was driving smelt smoke/wires burning. Wipers- stop preforming during rain storm Southeastern NC on hwy 701 south on 3-24-22. And still does not work. Maybe be…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · March 24, 2022 · fire

2014 GMC Terrain — common questions

Is the 2014 GMC Terrain reliable?

It is close to typical for the Terrain: 385 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2014 Terrain problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (129 complaints), visibility & wipers (89 complaints), electrical system (41 complaints).

Does the 2014 GMC Terrain have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2014 GMC Terrain. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2014 GMC Terrain under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 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.

How safe is the 2014 GMC Terrain?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2014 GMC Terrain earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.