VehicleVerdict

2023 GMC Terrain problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2023 GMC Terrain is among the quieter years of the Terrain on NHTSA's books: 63 complaints (78% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 19 reports (30% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

63

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Terrain years?

See all Terrain years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 GMC Terrain problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1930%
Engine1321%
Electrical System711%
Other711%
Driver Assistance610%
Transmission58%
Speed Control23%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Steering12%
Body & Structure12%
Airbags12%

Does the 2023 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.

22V929000AirbagsDecember 15, 2022 · 9 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with ventilated front passenger seats. The Occupant Classification System may not properly disable the front passenger air bag when there is a small child or child restraint detected in the seat.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, a front passenger air bag that deploys with a child or infant in the front passenger seat can increase their risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the passenger presence system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 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 N222388911.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

While driving 40-45 mph the engine light came on and 50% loss of power was displayed on screen. Thankfully I wasn’t far from home and was in limp mode for the last 2 miles. The mileage of vehicle is 42,000 miles. The codes are reading low fuel pressure and faulty fuel pump. Any help would be…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 20, 2025

The high pressure fuel pump, the car randomly goes into limp mode and stalls and then when cranking it back up in the middle of 635 it hesitates to start, done this 3 times already

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 2, 2026

At stop light turning right, the car stalled, cut on and cut back off, cut on and back off with about 30 cars behind me. Sputtering. On the dash board it said “Engine power reduced”. I had to be pushed out a main highway by police, and thankfully my [XXX] daughter wasn’t in the back seat. I…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 15, 2025

Car reduced speed and the smell of gas filled the car. Car shut off. Check engine light came on with reduced speed. This is the second time this has happened. Gas leaked onto ground from car. Car stalls immediately while driving and does not allow you to press the gas to keep moving. Almost hit…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 8, 2026

My son was making a left onto a freeway on ramp after traffic cleared and the steering wheel completely locked up resulting in him going over the curb and rolling completely over in a steep ditch. This occurred at a low speed (no more than 25mph), confirmed by the Life369 app. My son's description…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · June 24, 2025 · crash

2023 GMC Terrain — common questions

Is the 2023 GMC Terrain reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 63 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Terrain year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2023 Terrain problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (19 complaints), engine (13 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints).

Does the 2023 GMC Terrain have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 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 2023 GMC Terrain?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 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.