KnownCarProblems2012 GMC Terrain Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 364 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 GMC Terrain, most often about the engine (48% of complaints, typically around 87,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Terrain model year since 2000 and has 4 recalls.
Most common 2012 GMC Terrain problems
Engine
173 complaints · 48%Half of these problems showed up before 87,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system.
I have had nothing but problems with my oil consumption on my vehicle, when I first got the vehicle, it started making some noises and I didn't know what it was , until I took it in to have it looked at, it was low on oil, so I had to pay for the oil change and the fee to have it looked at, for oil consumption test, I…
My 2012 GMC Terrain 2.4l is having an issue with excessive oil consumption. I am constantly having to check my oil and it gets to 1 qt or more low between my 5k oil changes. I've seen multiple complaints with this. Because of this I have a check engine light on indicating my catalytic converter may be bad. Ive had the…
Visibility and wipers
81 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 89,000 miles. Parts named most often: windshield wiper/washer, defroster/defogger/hvac system, sun/moon roof assembly.
On 11/13/2018 on a highway in heavy rain the windshield wipers just stopped. Investigation revealed a failure of the windshield wiper transmission linkage which I discovered to be a common problem. This is being repaired at the dealership today 11/15/2018. Fortunately there were no injuries or collision as my trip was…
Wipers stopped working on me twice and both times I was driving during heavy rain. Although I could not see, luckily I was able to pull over each times the occurrence happened. I was so scared because I went from visibility to non in seconds and to pull over in an area unfamiliar to me the first time. I have been to…
Transmission
37 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 87,000 miles.
Pcv system froze...air cleaner has water in it// rear main seal pushed out due to excessive crankcase pressure. #14882 special coverage adjustment covers exact issue however my VIN is not included. Requesting my VIN be added to #14882 special adjustment as it applies to my exact make/model/year and issue.
While driving a short distance on a city street I heard a thud followed by a grinding noise and lack of power. Vehicle was towed to a trusted mechanic that I have known and used for years. Diagnosed with a crack in the transfer case. Mechanic had difficulty finding a part and was informed by someone at the GMC dealer…
Other or unspecified
37 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 63,500 miles.
To whom it may concern: please note that I have observed my vehicle a profound amount of water entering the vehicle somewhere within, at, or in vicinity of the front passenger side of the vehicle and driver's side (front). This occurs during rain-fall. My vehicle began displaying an odor and showing white-yellowish…
While driving during heavy rain at 50 MPH my windshield wipers stalled right in front of my view. The motor was obviously still functioning because I could hear it but wipers were not moving. Had to pull over to keep from being involved in accident due to obstructed view and rain on windshield...this needs to…
Electrical
32 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 77,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, 12v/24v/48v battery.
I have had this car for less than a year, bought from a dealer, and I have checked the background to which there have not been any type of accident or damage from what was provided to me. It randomly started shaking uncontrollably and shutting off while I was driving. Now mind you, as a pregnant woman driving on the…
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. Aaa arrived at the contact's residence and replaced the battery. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the plugs and other unknown parts were replaced however, the failure recurred. The contact replaced the…
Fuel system
29 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 98,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.
As I was driving down the road at 55 MPH hour my SUV began to shake extremely and was throttling at very high RPM's and the SUV thrash to sudden halt and continued to shake and idle very high and loud. I tried to hit the gas to get myself off the road as I was on a 2 lane highway with my 4 year old son in the car, and…
My Terrain is stalling really bad some days and sometimes no problems at all. It does it more when going into reverse, I have to keep giving gas to get backed up. It has also died on me when I slow to a stop like at a light. This is really frustrating!!
Air bags
25 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 99,000 miles.
On various occasions when slowing down or turning, the engine will die. Front end accident going 55+ MPH on a country road, hit a very large dip, airbags did not deploy, seat belts did lock up.
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. While driving 55 MPH, the contact struck a deer. The driver's side air bag failed to deploy. The contact stated that the impact was on the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the service air bag warning indicator was illuminated. A police report was not filed and…
Stability control
13 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 61,500 miles.
My 2012 GMC Terrain has been stalling for a few days now the stabilltrack sensor was replaced this year the engine light comes on and off. And my radio sometimes cuts off on it's own but now my key keeps getting stuck in the ignition switch and the car keeps stalling but when I get a jump it starts with no problem but…
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. While driving at approximately 25 MPH, the traction control and the stability trac warning lights illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2012 GMC Terrain recalls
Lights: headlights
Risk: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed september 8, 2022. Owners may contact gmc customer service at 1-800-462-8782. Gm's number for this recall is n222363740.
Full defect summary
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."
Electrical: ignition
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in park, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on october 14, 2016. Owners may contact chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, buick 1-800-521-7300, and gmc 1-800-462-8782. Gm's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Full defect summary
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."
Seats: power adjust
Risk: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on september 11, 2014. The recall began on december 26, 2014. Owners may contact gm customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (buick), 1-800-458-8006 (cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (gmc). Gm's number for this recall is 14271.
Full defect summary
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.
Wheels and tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Risk: Underinflated tires can result in tire overloading and overheating, which could lead to a blowout and possible crash. The resulting crash could cause serious injury. Underinflated tires can also result in premature or irregular wear, poor handling, and poor fuel economy.
Fix: Gm dealers will update the body control module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about november 9, 2011. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Momentary increased steering effort
Summary
On june 1, 2020, the office of defects investigations (odi) opened pe20-009 to investigate instances of a momentary increase in steering effort after the vehicle is driven in a straight line for a period of time due to an issue with the steering gear in model year (my) 2010 through 2012 chevrolet equinox and gmc terrain suvs.if the electric power steering system fails to operate as intended, the driver will experience momentary increased effort when attempting to turn the steering wheel from the straight-ahead position. For this condition to occur, the driver would need to have traveled in a straight line at a sustained high speed, without turning the steering wheel, for approximately 30 min
Front wiper transmission inoperative
Summary
On december 13, 2019, the office of defects investigation (odi) upgraded rq18-002 to an engineering analysis (ea19-005) to further assess the my2010-2016 chevrolet equinox and gmc terrain windshield wiper failures. Due to a prior recall, 16v-582, addressing this issue in the my2013 subject vehicles, my2013 was not included in the analysis. To date, odi had received 998 complaints with allegations of the front windshield wiper failing in adverse whether conditions, while the vehicle was in motion.general motors (gm) initiated safety recall 16v-582 on august 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper failure in the model year (my) 2013 chevrolet equinox and gmc terrain. Failures were attributed to wa
Windshield wiper transmission failure
Summary
On november 2, 2018, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a recall query (rq18-002) to assess the scope of recall 16v-582.general motors (gm) initiated safety recall 16v-582 on august 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper failure in the model year (my) 2013 chevrolet equinox and gmc terrain. Failures were attributed to water and debris intrusion into the windshield wiper assembly ball joints, leading to excessive wear and eventual detachment of the affected ball joint with an attendant loss of windshield wiper function. The recall remedy addressed these conditions with the installation of an improved windshield wiper motor/transmission assembly and the relocation of a drain hole on
Questions about the 2012 GMC Terrain
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Terrain?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (173 complaints, typically around 87,000 miles); visibility and wipers (81 complaints, typically around 89,000 miles); transmission (37 complaints, typically around 87,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Terrain have?
- 4 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 8, 2022 (lights). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2012 a bad year for the GMC Terrain?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Terrain model year since 2000, with 364 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.