repaired · 2024 Q2
Exterior lighting: headlights
Risk. The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
2011 GMC TerrainProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 386 owner complaints about the 2011 GMC Terrain, most often about the engine. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-137 the manufacturer reports only 32% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 3, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2011 GMC Terrain has problems
386 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
178Engine9 crash/fire/injury
76Power train1 crash/fire/injury
31Fuel/propulsion system
29Electrical system
28Visibility/wiper
25Air bags
22Engine and engine cooling
21Electronic stability control (ESC)
18Vehicle speed control
9615 other systems10 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 178 | 9 |
| Power train | 76 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 31 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 29 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 28 | 0 |
| Air bags | 25 | 10 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 22 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 21 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 18 | 0 |
| 15 other systems | 96 | 10 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2011 GMC Terrain recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Electrical system: 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.
repaired · 2016 Q1
Front assembly: 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…
no report yet
Front: buckle assembly
Risk. THE SAFETY BELT SYSTEM MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT(S) AS DESIGNED AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
86kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 132 engine complaints. 62% were reported before 100,000 miles.
9under 30k miles82under 100k miles50100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2011 vs. every other Terrain year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Terrain median. How we score
'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2011 GMC Terrain safety ratings
2011 GMC Terrain SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
- Rollover: 4 stars (17.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2011 GMC Terrain, and the recalls they led to.
- Front Wiper Transmission InoperativeLed to recall 22V-165
- Momentary Increased Steering EffortNo recall
- Windshield Wiper Transmission FailureNo recall
In owners' words
What Terrain owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
We have 2011 GMC Terrain. We bought it used so we have only had it a couple years. We noticed it seemed to be using a little more oil but then we were told to keep watch on it. My husband did. Then one day while I was driving it I thought I had heard a faint clicking noise. I said that car isn’t…
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact pulled over to the right side of the roadway and waited for towing assistance. The contact stated that an independent mechanic…
SUV gets a slow down warning and it stops shuts off, it’s happened several times now I’m scared!!you wait few minutes it turns back on, mechanic said this a complain about this vehicle all the time, it has not been repaired I’m disabled with no money, I was on the highway and thank God I was on the…
Own a 2011 Terrain?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.