VehicleVerdict

2021 GMC Terrain problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2021 GMC Terrain is among the quieter years of the Terrain on NHTSA's books: 50 complaints (82% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (10), transmission (8), and electrical system (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

50

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Terrain years?

See all Terrain years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 GMC Terrain problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1020%
Transmission816%
Electrical System714%
Driver Assistance612%
Brakes510%
Fuel System48%
Other36%
Suspension24%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Child Seat12%
Speed Control12%
Steering12%
Airbags12%

Does the 2021 GMC Terrain have recalls?

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

23V339000Child SeatMay 11, 2023 · 668,187 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

Consequence

The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. 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 N232403240.

21V612000Tires & WheelsAugust 5, 2021 · 9,597 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with certain Hankook tires. The tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation.

Consequence

Tread separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the tire DOT numbers, and replace any affected tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782; and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212343560.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

Vehicle went into reduce engine power mode and check engine light came on. Vehicle has just over 60,000 miles. Code is telling me I need a new turbo and being quoted $1,500-$3,000. I have read so many people having the same issue with needing a new turbo just after 60,000 miles

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 13, 2026

My 2021 gmc terrain with 6000 miles on odometer. When driving up hill or going around corner transmission shudders so bad that it feels like front tires are coming off. I contacted the dealer and gm and was told there is a tsb for this complaint. GM and dealer acknowledged there was a problem but…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 30, 2021

While driving my vehicle and talking on the phone, the radio screen went black. Bluetooth or nothing in connection to it was working. After about 2 hours it came back on. I was told to bring to dealership to be checkout, but it came back on. I'm going to take it to the dealership. My vehicle has…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 3, 2022

I was backing out of a parking spot when I came in contact with a vehicle going east bound in the parking lot the contact was on the rear right side of my vehicle before I could do anything my vehicle sped up and proceeded to go forward jump a curb I had my foot on the brakes when I realized I…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · April 13, 2023 · crash

The contact owned a 2021 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while the brake pedal was depressed, it was released and the vehicle suddenly accelerated aggressively. The contact attempted to avoid crashing into the vehicle in front and swerved however the front of the vehicle still impacted the vehicle…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 3, 2024 · crash

2021 GMC Terrain — common questions

Is the 2021 GMC Terrain reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 50 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Terrain year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2021 Terrain problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), transmission (8 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints).

Does the 2021 GMC Terrain have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 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 2021 GMC Terrain?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 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.