VehicleVerdict

2016 GMC Terrain problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 GMC Terrain sits mid-pack among Terrain years: 180 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 281, with 2 recalls and 2 closed investigations. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

Visibility & Wipers leads the complaint categories with 49 reports (27% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

180

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Terrain years?

Terrain NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Terrain years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 GMC Terrain problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers4927%
Engine4525%
Other127%
Transmission116%
Electrical System116%
Lighting106%
Airbags95%
Brakes63%
Steering63%
Speed Control42%
Seat Belts32%
Tires & Wheels32%
Fuel System32%
Body & Structure21%
Driver Assistance21%
Seats21%
Suspension11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2016 GMC Terrain have recalls?

2 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.

16V449000OtherJune 21, 2016 · 17 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles manufactured October 16, 2015. The certification labels may have incorrect tire/rim size and cold tire pressure information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

If the information on the certification labels is incorrect, the operator may install incorrectly sized tires or rims or may improperly inflate the tires, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1050, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 46600.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Windshield wiper mechanism broke while driving in heavy heavy rain near [XXX] . Extremely dangerous situation and almost resulted in a crash but I was able to make my way off of the interstate safely. Huge inconvenience because we had to wait out the rain! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 17, 2026

“At approximately 75000 miles the car began leaking oil. Took it in to gym certified dealer. Was told the pcv froze causing a pressure build up, and blew out the rear main seal. They stated this engine has this as a common occurrence. Searching online this appears to be true. Many years prior to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 17, 2022

“CONSTANTLY DIES. TOOK IT TO A SHOP TO SEE WHAT OR WHY. ITS THE INTAKE VALVE TIMING SOLENOID. WAS TOLD COULD REPLACE THE PART BUT IT NEVER REALLY FIXES THE PROBLEM HAVE TO TAKE ALL THE HEADS OFF AND CLEAN THE GUMMED UP OIL. I HAVE REGULAR OIL CHANGES. I EVEN GET IT TAKEN IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE BEFORE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 15, 2018

“LESS THAN 62,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS GONE OUT. AFTER SEARCHING TO ORDER THE PARTS, I NOTICED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS COME UP ACROSS NUMEROUS WEBSITES WHERE OWNERS STATE THAT THEIR VEHICLES TRANSMISSION HAS DIED AROUND 60,000 MILES. THIS TELLS ME GMC IS AT LEAST AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND SHOULD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 18, 2020

“THE DIGITAL CLOCK DOES NOT KEEP ACCURATE TIME, EVEN WHEN IT IS RESET. EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS STARTED THE CLOCK IS SEVERAL HOURS OFF. THE DEALER THAT SOLD US THE VEHICLE CLAIMS THIS IS DUE TO THE FACT WE DO NOT HAVE AN ONSTAR SUBSCRIPTION. I CONTACTED BOTH GM AND ONSTAR, AND BOTH STATED THE CLOCK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 1, 2016

2016 GMC Terrain — common questions

Is the 2016 GMC Terrain reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 180 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Terrain year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2016 Terrain problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (49 complaints), engine (45 complaints), other (12 complaints).

Does the 2016 GMC Terrain have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 GMC Terrain. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 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 2016 GMC Terrain?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 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.