GMC Terrain: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the GMC Terrain years to approach with the most caution are 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. The strongest years in our data are 2021. Below is every model year we cover (2010–2024), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every GMC Terrain year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2021 Recommended 7 Brake-vacuum-pump failure causes a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power-assisted braking, concentrated on 2018-2020 models; many owners report the failure without warning at speed.; Fuel-pump-module failure causes sudden stalling, loss of propulsion and "Engine Power Reduced" warnings, often at low mileage; most prominent on 2022-2024 models.; The turbocharged engines (1.5L and 2.0L) are sensitive to oil quality and maintenance, with scattered reports of oil consumption, carbon buildup and engine-power-reduced events when service is neglected. Full report ↗
2024 Caution 6 Brake-vacuum-pump failure causes a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power-assisted braking, concentrated on 2018-2020 models; many owners report the failure without warning at speed.; Fuel-pump-module failure causes sudden stalling, loss of propulsion and "Engine Power Reduced" warnings, often at low mileage; most prominent on 2022-2024 models.; The turbocharged engines (1.5L and 2.0L) are sensitive to oil quality and maintenance, with scattered reports of oil consumption, carbon buildup and engine-power-reduced events when service is neglected. Full report ↗
2023 Caution 6 Brake-vacuum-pump failure causes a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power-assisted braking, concentrated on 2018-2020 models; many owners report the failure without warning at speed.; Fuel-pump-module failure causes sudden stalling, loss of propulsion and "Engine Power Reduced" warnings, often at low mileage; most prominent on 2022-2024 models.; The turbocharged engines (1.5L and 2.0L) are sensitive to oil quality and maintenance, with scattered reports of oil consumption, carbon buildup and engine-power-reduced events when service is neglected. Full report ↗
2022 Caution 6 Brake-vacuum-pump failure causes a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power-assisted braking, concentrated on 2018-2020 models; many owners report the failure without warning at speed.; Fuel-pump-module failure causes sudden stalling, loss of propulsion and "Engine Power Reduced" warnings, often at low mileage; most prominent on 2022-2024 models.; The turbocharged engines (1.5L and 2.0L) are sensitive to oil quality and maintenance, with scattered reports of oil consumption, carbon buildup and engine-power-reduced events when service is neglected. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 6 Brake-vacuum-pump failure causes a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power-assisted braking, concentrated on 2018-2020 models; many owners report the failure without warning at speed.; Fuel-pump-module failure causes sudden stalling, loss of propulsion and "Engine Power Reduced" warnings, often at low mileage; most prominent on 2022-2024 models.; The turbocharged engines (1.5L and 2.0L) are sensitive to oil quality and maintenance, with scattered reports of oil consumption, carbon buildup and engine-power-reduced events when service is neglected. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 6 The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is prone to excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings and a poor PCV design, which can starve and stretch the timing chain and lead to stalling or engine failure; GM issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings.; Timing chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L engine, often a downstream effect of low oil from the consumption problem, can trigger check-engine codes, rattle on start-up and, if ignored, catastrophic engine damage.; Windshield wiper and visibility failures recur across the first generation, with wipers stopping mid-operation in rain; a common safety-related complaint especially on 2010-2016 models. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 6 The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is prone to excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings and a poor PCV design, which can starve and stretch the timing chain and lead to stalling or engine failure; GM issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings.; Timing chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L engine, often a downstream effect of low oil from the consumption problem, can trigger check-engine codes, rattle on start-up and, if ignored, catastrophic engine damage.; Windshield wiper and visibility failures recur across the first generation, with wipers stopping mid-operation in rain; a common safety-related complaint especially on 2010-2016 models. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 5 Brake-vacuum-pump failure causes a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power-assisted braking, concentrated on 2018-2020 models; many owners report the failure without warning at speed.; Fuel-pump-module failure causes sudden stalling, loss of propulsion and "Engine Power Reduced" warnings, often at low mileage; most prominent on 2022-2024 models.; The turbocharged engines (1.5L and 2.0L) are sensitive to oil quality and maintenance, with scattered reports of oil consumption, carbon buildup and engine-power-reduced events when service is neglected. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 5 Brake-vacuum-pump failure causes a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power-assisted braking, concentrated on 2018-2020 models; many owners report the failure without warning at speed.; Fuel-pump-module failure causes sudden stalling, loss of propulsion and "Engine Power Reduced" warnings, often at low mileage; most prominent on 2022-2024 models.; The turbocharged engines (1.5L and 2.0L) are sensitive to oil quality and maintenance, with scattered reports of oil consumption, carbon buildup and engine-power-reduced events when service is neglected. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 5 The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is prone to excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings and a poor PCV design, which can starve and stretch the timing chain and lead to stalling or engine failure; GM issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings.; Timing chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L engine, often a downstream effect of low oil from the consumption problem, can trigger check-engine codes, rattle on start-up and, if ignored, catastrophic engine damage.; Windshield wiper and visibility failures recur across the first generation, with wipers stopping mid-operation in rain; a common safety-related complaint especially on 2010-2016 models. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 5 The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is prone to excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings and a poor PCV design, which can starve and stretch the timing chain and lead to stalling or engine failure; GM issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings.; Timing chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L engine, often a downstream effect of low oil from the consumption problem, can trigger check-engine codes, rattle on start-up and, if ignored, catastrophic engine damage.; Windshield wiper and visibility failures recur across the first generation, with wipers stopping mid-operation in rain; a common safety-related complaint especially on 2010-2016 models. Full report ↗
2013 Avoid 4 The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is prone to excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings and a poor PCV design, which can starve and stretch the timing chain and lead to stalling or engine failure; GM issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings.; Timing chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L engine, often a downstream effect of low oil from the consumption problem, can trigger check-engine codes, rattle on start-up and, if ignored, catastrophic engine damage.; Windshield wiper and visibility failures recur across the first generation, with wipers stopping mid-operation in rain; a common safety-related complaint especially on 2010-2016 models. Full report ↗
2012 Avoid 4 The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is prone to excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings and a poor PCV design, which can starve and stretch the timing chain and lead to stalling or engine failure; GM issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings.; Timing chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L engine, often a downstream effect of low oil from the consumption problem, can trigger check-engine codes, rattle on start-up and, if ignored, catastrophic engine damage.; Windshield wiper and visibility failures recur across the first generation, with wipers stopping mid-operation in rain; a common safety-related complaint especially on 2010-2016 models. Full report ↗
2010 Avoid 4 The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is prone to excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings and a poor PCV design, which can starve and stretch the timing chain and lead to stalling or engine failure; GM issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings.; Timing chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L engine, often a downstream effect of low oil from the consumption problem, can trigger check-engine codes, rattle on start-up and, if ignored, catastrophic engine damage.; Windshield wiper and visibility failures recur across the first generation, with wipers stopping mid-operation in rain; a common safety-related complaint especially on 2010-2016 models. Full report ↗
2011 Avoid 3 The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is prone to excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings and a poor PCV design, which can starve and stretch the timing chain and lead to stalling or engine failure; GM issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings.; Timing chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L engine, often a downstream effect of low oil from the consumption problem, can trigger check-engine codes, rattle on start-up and, if ignored, catastrophic engine damage.; Windshield wiper and visibility failures recur across the first generation, with wipers stopping mid-operation in rain; a common safety-related complaint especially on 2010-2016 models. Full report ↗

GMC Terrain problems by year

2024 GMC Terrain Caution

Final year of the second generation: a mature, refined and well-equipped compact SUV, but transmission and fuel/propulsion complaints persist, including stalling and loss-of-power reports. Good value used; verify recall and software updates and a clean drivetrain.

  • Brake-vacuum-pump failure causes a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power-assisted braking, concentrated on 2018-2020 models; many owners report the failure without warning at speed.
  • Fuel-pump-module failure causes sudden stalling, loss of propulsion and "Engine Power Reduced" warnings, often at low mileage; most prominent on 2022-2024 models.
  • The turbocharged engines (1.5L and 2.0L) are sensitive to oil quality and maintenance, with scattered reports of oil consumption, carbon buildup and engine-power-reduced events when service is neglected.

2023 GMC Terrain Caution

Late second-gen year with the fuel-pump-module stalling pattern continuing alongside scattered engine and electrical complaints. Comfortable, quiet and loaded with standard safety tech. A sound used buy if the fuel-delivery and software updates are current.

  • Brake-vacuum-pump failure causes a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power-assisted braking, concentrated on 2018-2020 models; many owners report the failure without warning at speed.
  • Fuel-pump-module failure causes sudden stalling, loss of propulsion and "Engine Power Reduced" warnings, often at low mileage; most prominent on 2022-2024 models.
  • The turbocharged engines (1.5L and 2.0L) are sensitive to oil quality and maintenance, with scattered reports of oil consumption, carbon buildup and engine-power-reduced events when service is neglected.

2022 GMC Terrain Caution

Facelifted second-gen Terrain, well-equipped and refined, but fuel-pump-module failures emerge this year, causing sudden stalling and "Engine Power Reduced" warnings, sometimes at low mileage. Otherwise mature; confirm the fuel pump has not been a problem.

  • Brake-vacuum-pump failure causes a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power-assisted braking, concentrated on 2018-2020 models; many owners report the failure without warning at speed.
  • Fuel-pump-module failure causes sudden stalling, loss of propulsion and "Engine Power Reduced" warnings, often at low mileage; most prominent on 2022-2024 models.
  • The turbocharged engines (1.5L and 2.0L) are sensitive to oil quality and maintenance, with scattered reports of oil consumption, carbon buildup and engine-power-reduced events when service is neglected.

2021 GMC Terrain Recommended

The most trouble-free Terrain year by complaint volume, with no dominant defect cluster, standard modern safety tech and a mature 1.5L/2.0L turbo drivetrain. Comfortable, quiet and good value used. A reasonable buy with normal maintenance and a clean history.

  • Brake-vacuum-pump failure causes a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power-assisted braking, concentrated on 2018-2020 models; many owners report the failure without warning at speed.
  • Fuel-pump-module failure causes sudden stalling, loss of propulsion and "Engine Power Reduced" warnings, often at low mileage; most prominent on 2022-2024 models.
  • The turbocharged engines (1.5L and 2.0L) are sensitive to oil quality and maintenance, with scattered reports of oil consumption, carbon buildup and engine-power-reduced events when service is neglected.

2020 GMC Terrain Caution

A refreshed year that made driver-assist safety tech (automatic emergency braking, lane-keep, forward-collision alert) standard and is widely rated one of the better Terrains, though brake-vacuum-pump complaints still appear. A solid, well-equipped used pick with records.

  • Brake-vacuum-pump failure causes a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power-assisted braking, concentrated on 2018-2020 models; many owners report the failure without warning at speed.
  • Fuel-pump-module failure causes sudden stalling, loss of propulsion and "Engine Power Reduced" warnings, often at low mileage; most prominent on 2022-2024 models.
  • The turbocharged engines (1.5L and 2.0L) are sensitive to oil quality and maintenance, with scattered reports of oil consumption, carbon buildup and engine-power-reduced events when service is neglected.

2019 GMC Terrain Caution

Second year of the redesign with the same brake-vacuum-pump failure pattern and scattered engine/transmission complaints. Pleasant ride and quiet cabin; the 1.5L turbo is adequate, the 2.0L turbo stronger. Verify the brake booster/pump has been addressed.

  • Brake-vacuum-pump failure causes a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power-assisted braking, concentrated on 2018-2020 models; many owners report the failure without warning at speed.
  • Fuel-pump-module failure causes sudden stalling, loss of propulsion and "Engine Power Reduced" warnings, often at low mileage; most prominent on 2022-2024 models.
  • The turbocharged engines (1.5L and 2.0L) are sensitive to oil quality and maintenance, with scattered reports of oil consumption, carbon buildup and engine-power-reduced events when service is neglected.

2018 GMC Terrain Caution

All-new second generation: smaller, turbocharged and more refined, but the launch year carries the most second-gen complaints, led by brake-vacuum-pump failures that cause a hard pedal and loss of power-assist, plus early turbo teething. Confirm any brake-system repairs.

  • Brake-vacuum-pump failure causes a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power-assisted braking, concentrated on 2018-2020 models; many owners report the failure without warning at speed.
  • Fuel-pump-module failure causes sudden stalling, loss of propulsion and "Engine Power Reduced" warnings, often at low mileage; most prominent on 2022-2024 models.
  • The turbocharged engines (1.5L and 2.0L) are sensitive to oil quality and maintenance, with scattered reports of oil consumption, carbon buildup and engine-power-reduced events when service is neglected.

2017 GMC Terrain Caution

Final first-generation Terrain and one of the more sorted years, but the 2.4L can still consume oil (PCV/rear-main-seal cold-weather complaints appear). Comfortable and well-equipped. Favor a documented V6 or a four-cylinder with a clean oil-consumption record.

  • The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is prone to excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings and a poor PCV design, which can starve and stretch the timing chain and lead to stalling or engine failure; GM issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings.
  • Timing chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L engine, often a downstream effect of low oil from the consumption problem, can trigger check-engine codes, rattle on start-up and, if ignored, catastrophic engine damage.
  • Windshield wiper and visibility failures recur across the first generation, with wipers stopping mid-operation in rain; a common safety-related complaint especially on 2010-2016 models.

2016 GMC Terrain Caution

Among the better first-gen years after a styling refresh, with noticeably fewer engine complaints though wiper failures persist. A roomy, upscale-feeling compact SUV; the 3.6L V6 is the more trouble-free engine. A well-maintained example is a reasonable used buy.

  • The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is prone to excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings and a poor PCV design, which can starve and stretch the timing chain and lead to stalling or engine failure; GM issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings.
  • Timing chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L engine, often a downstream effect of low oil from the consumption problem, can trigger check-engine codes, rattle on start-up and, if ignored, catastrophic engine damage.
  • Windshield wiper and visibility failures recur across the first generation, with wipers stopping mid-operation in rain; a common safety-related complaint especially on 2010-2016 models.

2015 GMC Terrain Caution

Continues the first-gen pattern: engine oil consumption and wiper/visibility failures lead the complaints, though volumes are easing. Comfortable, quiet and well-equipped for its age. Check oil-consumption history and the V6 vs 4-cylinder choice carefully.

  • The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is prone to excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings and a poor PCV design, which can starve and stretch the timing chain and lead to stalling or engine failure; GM issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings.
  • Timing chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L engine, often a downstream effect of low oil from the consumption problem, can trigger check-engine codes, rattle on start-up and, if ignored, catastrophic engine damage.
  • Windshield wiper and visibility failures recur across the first generation, with wipers stopping mid-operation in rain; a common safety-related complaint especially on 2010-2016 models.

2014 GMC Terrain Caution

Later first-gen build with minor engine refinements, but 2.4L oil consumption and recurring windshield-wiper failures still surface in complaints. A V6 example with full service records is the safer pick; verify the four-cylinder is not burning oil before buying.

  • The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is prone to excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings and a poor PCV design, which can starve and stretch the timing chain and lead to stalling or engine failure; GM issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings.
  • Timing chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L engine, often a downstream effect of low oil from the consumption problem, can trigger check-engine codes, rattle on start-up and, if ignored, catastrophic engine damage.
  • Windshield wiper and visibility failures recur across the first generation, with wipers stopping mid-operation in rain; a common safety-related complaint especially on 2010-2016 models.

2013 GMC Terrain Avoid

Engine complaints remain high and major engine repairs can be very costly. The new 3.6L V6 replaced the 3.0L this year and is the more durable choice, but the carryover 2.4L still suffers oil consumption. A used 2013 needs strong engine documentation.

  • The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is prone to excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings and a poor PCV design, which can starve and stretch the timing chain and lead to stalling or engine failure; GM issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings.
  • Timing chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L engine, often a downstream effect of low oil from the consumption problem, can trigger check-engine codes, rattle on start-up and, if ignored, catastrophic engine damage.
  • Windshield wiper and visibility failures recur across the first generation, with wipers stopping mid-operation in rain; a common safety-related complaint especially on 2010-2016 models.

2012 GMC Terrain Avoid

Oil-consumption and timing-chain problems on the 2.4L engine continue to dominate complaints. Mechanically the same risky four-cylinder as 2010-2011; the 3.0L/3.6L V6 avoids the oil issue but costs more to run. Treat any 4-cylinder example with caution.

  • The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is prone to excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings and a poor PCV design, which can starve and stretch the timing chain and lead to stalling or engine failure; GM issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings.
  • Timing chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L engine, often a downstream effect of low oil from the consumption problem, can trigger check-engine codes, rattle on start-up and, if ignored, catastrophic engine damage.
  • Windshield wiper and visibility failures recur across the first generation, with wipers stopping mid-operation in rain; a common safety-related complaint especially on 2010-2016 models.

2011 GMC Terrain Avoid

The worst-rated Terrain year: engine complaints peak, dominated by 2.4L excessive oil consumption that can starve the timing chain and cause stalling or engine failure. Some owners report repeated engine replacements. Avoid unless the oil-consumption fix and a sound engine are proven.

  • The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is prone to excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings and a poor PCV design, which can starve and stretch the timing chain and lead to stalling or engine failure; GM issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings.
  • Timing chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L engine, often a downstream effect of low oil from the consumption problem, can trigger check-engine codes, rattle on start-up and, if ignored, catastrophic engine damage.
  • Windshield wiper and visibility failures recur across the first generation, with wipers stopping mid-operation in rain; a common safety-related complaint especially on 2010-2016 models.

2010 GMC Terrain Avoid

First-year first-gen Terrain. The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder draws heavy oil-consumption and timing-chain complaints, plus early rough-shifting transmission reports. The 3.0L V6 is sturdier but thirsty. Buy only with documented engine work and a long history.

  • The 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder is prone to excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings and a poor PCV design, which can starve and stretch the timing chain and lead to stalling or engine failure; GM issued a service bulletin to replace pistons and rings.
  • Timing chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L engine, often a downstream effect of low oil from the consumption problem, can trigger check-engine codes, rattle on start-up and, if ignored, catastrophic engine damage.
  • Windshield wiper and visibility failures recur across the first generation, with wipers stopping mid-operation in rain; a common safety-related complaint especially on 2010-2016 models.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all GMC models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.