VehicleVerdict

2019 GMC Terrain problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2019 GMC Terrain sits mid-pack among Terrain years: 287 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 281, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (66), engine (62), and transmission (49), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

287

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Terrain years?

Terrain NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 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, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Terrain years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 GMC Terrain problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes6623%
Engine6222%
Transmission4917%
Electrical System4315%
Other207%
Driver Assistance145%
Speed Control93%
Lighting52%
Steering41%
Fuel System41%
Suspension31%
Airbags21%
Tires & Wheels21%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Body & Structure10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2019 GMC Terrain have recalls?

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

20V668000TransmissionOctober 29, 2020 · 194,105 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Consequence

Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

19V184000SeatsMarch 7, 2019 · 120 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, the insufficient welds may result in an increased risk of injury for an occupant seated in the rear-right position.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192209550.

18V576000BrakesAugust 30, 2018 · 210,628 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Consequence

A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owned a 2019 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while the wife was driving at approximately 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and it felt stiff. The vehicle failed to decrease in speed and as a result, the driver merged to the shoulder of the road however another vehicle crashed…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 7, 2024 · crash

“My wife was driving the car, about 70 mph on route 84 passing danbury ct. She was traveling in the middle lane, some kind of oil light went on the dashboard, car shut down while traveling 70 mph on the highway, and caught on fire under the hood. She managed to pull over, and got out of the car with…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 27, 2021 · fire

“Drove car approximately 15 miles. Parked car. Car would not turn off. Message- Transmission/Park. Wouldn't Car stayed neutral. Had to call wecker to take dealership. ... Diagnostic Solenoid Valve Body faulty.... 2019 Terrain Miles 91669. Is there recall. Have more reports of issue. Should this…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 19, 2025

“STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON I-75. THE VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD. DRIVER TRYING TO PUSH THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT IT WAS NOT WORKING, AUTO SENSORING HAD TAKEN OVER THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO REARENDED THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF IT PUSHING THAT VEHICLE INTO THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF THAT ONE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 2, 2019 · crash

“Carfax report showed that Air bag deployed in the accident on 3/22/2019. Which is wrong information. The car was repaired through state farm authorize body shop. The effect part was front bumper, grill , left side head ligh and left fender. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 22, 2019 · crash

2019 GMC Terrain — common questions

Is the 2019 GMC Terrain reliable?

It is close to typical for the Terrain: 287 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2019 Terrain problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (66 complaints), engine (62 complaints), transmission (49 complaints).

Does the 2019 GMC Terrain have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 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 2019 GMC Terrain?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 GMC Terrain earned an overall rating of 5 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.