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.
2016 GMC TerrainProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 153 owner complaints about the 2016 GMC Terrain, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 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 October 19, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 GMC Terrain has problems
153 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
46Engine
46Visibility/wiper
11Power train
10Exterior lighting
10Air bags
9Electrical system
6Steering
5Service brakes
4Vehicle speed control
2412 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 46 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 46 | 0 |
| Power train | 11 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 10 | 2 |
| Air bags | 10 | 6 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 0 |
| 12 other systems | 24 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2016 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 · 2017 Q4
Other: labels
Risk. If the information on the certification labels is incorrect, the operator may install incorrectly sized tires or rims or may improperly inflate the tires,…
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.
Best & worst years
2016 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
2016 GMC Terrain safety ratings
2016 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: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 GMC Terrain, and the recalls they led to.
- Front Wiper Transmission InoperativeLed to recall 22V-165
- Windshield Wiper Transmission FailureNo recall
In owners' words
What Terrain owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The timing chain snapped and caused the engine to seize on our 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L SLC-1 SUV/Truck. Since this has occurred multiple times on the 2.4L engines in this model from 2012 - 2016, we believe that there should be a recall as this issue could cause a major accident if the timing chain…
My 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L Ecotec first stalled while idling at a red light in Raleigh, NC. I restarted it and it sounded different, so I drove it home. The next morning it would not start. The failure occurred at approximately 69,939 miles with no meaningful warning. The dealer’s diagnostic report…
My vehicle started turning off suddenly when stopped and then when starting to move. I replaced my rear seal. A week later, I have oil in my timing and my engine no longer works. I have had it checked by a shop. No warning was given. I have my oil checked regularly and changed on time. I had a car…
Own a 2016 Terrain?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.