Worst 2012 GMC Terrain Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Wipers & Visibility
Transmission / Drivetrain
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 GMC Terrain.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 168 | 1 | 3 | 96,845 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 74 | — | — | 121,175 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 37 | — | 2 | 79,615 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 30 | 1 | 1 | 76,826 mi | |
| Fuel System | 27 | — | — | 82,943 mi | |
| Airbags | 25 | 17 | 1 | 80,522 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 13 | — | — | 63,147 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 11 | 1 | 1 | 70,238 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 10 | — | 1 | 29,992 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 9 | 2 | 1 | 91,128 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 7 | — | — | 42,400 mi | |
| Body Structure | 7 | 3 | — | 65,870 mi | |
| Brakes | 5 | 1 | — | 70,985 mi | |
| Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor | 5 | — | — | 97,960 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | 48,436 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Backup Camera | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Switch | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel Pump | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 GMC Terrain. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2012 GMC Terrain
4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,197,245 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 (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 18, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM" (TPMS). THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO ILLUMINATE THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WHEN THE PRESSURE IN A TIRE IS 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE. ON THESE VEHICLES, THE LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE UNTIL THE TIRE PRESSURE IS MORE THAN 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE.
Other GMC Terrain Years
2012 GMC Terrain — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 GMC Terrain reliable?
What are common problems with the 2012 GMC Terrain?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 GMC Terrain?
How safe is the 2012 GMC Terrain?
Does the 2012 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2012 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 2012 GMC Terrain
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