Worst 2011 GMC Terrain Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Fuel System
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2011 GMC Terrain.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 178 | 1 | 8 | 89,754 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 71 | — | — | 77,365 mi | |
| Fuel System | 31 | — | — | 91,199 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 28 | — | — | 101,589 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 27 | — | 1 | 87,755 mi | |
| Airbags | 25 | 10 | 1 | 61,597 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 21 | — | — | 73,259 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 17 | — | — | 76,573 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 16 | — | — | 27,336 mi | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 15 | — | — | 18,838 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 15 | 1 | — | 43,708 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 10 | — | — | 32,440 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | 2 | — | 69,829 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | — | — | 130,000 mi | |
| Body Structure | 6 | 3 | 1 | 37,313 mi | |
| Automatic Transmission | 5 | — | — | 4,628 mi | |
| Brakes | 5 | 1 | — | 98,853 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | 1 | — | 48,885 mi | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel Pump | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Latches / Locks | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 GMC Terrain. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2011 GMC Terrain
4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,261,124 vehicles.
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."
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC SRX, CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES. THE DRIVER AND /OR FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR MAY FRACTURE AND SEPARATE NEAR THE SEAT ATTACHMENT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Other GMC Terrain Years
2011 GMC Terrain — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2011 GMC Terrain reliable?
What are common problems with the 2011 GMC Terrain?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 GMC Terrain?
How safe is the 2011 GMC Terrain?
Does the 2011 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2011 GMC Terrain?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full GMC Terrain reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2011 GMC Terrain
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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