2016 GMC Terrain Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 GMC Terrain.

20152017
Complaints
174
Crashes
12
Fires
0
Injuries
12
Fatalities
Recalls
2

Worst 2016 GMC Terrain Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#144 complaints

Wipers & Visibility

Avg mileage:73,049 mi
#242 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:64,659 mi
#310 complaints

Headlight/Taillight Failures

Avg mileage:88,000 mi
Crash-related:2
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 GMC Terrain.

Wipers & Visibility
44
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
73,049
Engine Problems
42
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
64,659
Headlight/Taillight Failures
10
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
88,000
Transmission / Drivetrain
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
43,690
Airbags
9
complaints
Crashes
5
Fires
Avg Miles
55,400
Electrical Faults
9
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
48,760
Steering Defects
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
28,023
Brakes
5
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
32,000
Unintended Acceleration
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
3
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches / Locks
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Parking-Brake Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 GMC Terrain. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2016 GMC Terrain

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~740,598 vehicles.

22V137000Exterior Lighting:headlights
~740,581 affected

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."

16V449000Equipment:other:labels · Tires
~17 affected

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles manufactured October 16, 2015. The certification labels may have incorrect tire/rim size and cold tire pressure information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Other GMC Terrain Years

2016 GMC Terrain — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2016 GMC Terrain reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2016 GMC Terrain has 174 NHTSA complaints, 12 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Wipers & Visibility with 44 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2016 GMC Terrain?
Top reported problems: Wipers & Visibility (44 complaints, avg 73,049 mi); Engine Problems (42 complaints, avg 64,659 mi); Headlight/Taillight Failures (10 complaints, avg 88,000 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 GMC Terrain?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 63,054 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2016 GMC Terrain?
NHTSA complaints for the 2016 GMC Terrain include 12 crash-related reports, 0 fire reports, 12 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2016 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 740,598 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2016 GMC Terrain?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

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.

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