VehicleVerdict

2017 GMC Terrain problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2017 GMC Terrain sits mid-pack among Terrain years: 181 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 283, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 44% of all reports (79 of 181), far ahead of transmission at 23. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

181

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

20

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Terrain years?

Terrain NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 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, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Terrain years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 GMC Terrain problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine7944%
Transmission2313%
Other2011%
Airbags137%
Electrical System127%
Lighting74%
Body & Structure74%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Fuel System42%
Seat Belts42%
Steering21%
Speed Control21%
Brakes21%
Tires & Wheels11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2017 GMC Terrain have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The power steering assembly failed and caught on fire. This then caused the engine to malfunction and no longer work. This happened while driving on the interstate at a speed of approximately 80mph. No prior check engine lights were visible ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 6, 2025 · fire

“My car lost oil while I was driving. I also lost power. I had my car over to a garage and the mechanic diagnosed it was a ruptured rear main seal caused by a frozen PCV system. GM knows about the problem but has not recalled it. It is very expensive to repair. And because the manufacturer knows…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 22, 2025

“I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN DURING A GREEN LIGHT MY CAR WAS IN MOTION. A WHITE VAN WAS SPEEDING TOWARDS ME FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE GOING STRAIGHT AT ME AT HIGH SPEED WITH A RED LIGHT. THEY HIT THE FRONT DRIVERS END OF MY CAR WHICH MADE MY CAR SPIN OUT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE WHOLE FRONT END OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 4, 2020 · crash

“I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN DURING A GREEN LIGHT MY CAR WAS IN MOTION. A WHITE VAN WAS SPEEDING TOWARDS ME FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE GOING STRAIGHT AT ME AT HIGH SPEED WITH A RED LIGHT. THEY HIT THE FRONT DRIVERS END OF MY CAR WHICH MADE MY CAR SPIN OUT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE WHOLE FRONT END OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 4, 2020 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 55 MPH WHEN A DEER RAN OUT AND HIT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY VEHICLE. IT BOUNCED AND ROLLED OFF THE DRIVERS SIDE. I PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. ALL OF THE ELECTRIC COMPONENTS IN THE VEHICLE WERE ON. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE ON, THE HAZARD LIGHTS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 18, 2019 · crash · fire

2017 GMC Terrain — common questions

Is the 2017 GMC Terrain reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 181 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Terrain year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2017 Terrain problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (79 complaints), transmission (23 complaints), other (20 complaints).

Does the 2017 GMC Terrain have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2017 GMC Terrain. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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 2017 GMC Terrain?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 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.