repaired · 2025 Q1
Child seat: vehicle latch anchor
Risk. The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
2021 GMC TerrainProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 36 owner complaints about the 2021 GMC Terrain, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-339 the manufacturer reports only 79% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 29, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 GMC Terrain has problems
36 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
10Engine
8Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
8Power train
7Electrical system
3Forward collision avoidance
2Engine and engine cooling
2Lane departure
2Suspension
2Fuel system, gasoline
76 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 10 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 2 |
| Power train | 8 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 7 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 3 | 2 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 2 | 1 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 7 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2021 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 · 2023 Q3
Tires
Risk. Tread separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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
2021 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
2021 GMC Terrain safety ratings
2021 GMC Terrain SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (16.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What Terrain owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I have had my check engine light come on for P0299. I've lost power while on the road. Had my turbo replaced and now the same issue is starting again. I'm afraid of my car stalling out again with my child in the car. This is a definite safety issue especially since this is happening again months…
Vehicle Information:Year/Make/Model: 2021 GMC TerrainEngine Type: 1.5L Turbocharged EngineCurrent Mileage: 155,000 miles [1]Description of Safety Defect:I am writing to report a severe, sudden engine and turbocharger failure on my 2021 GMC Terrain that presents an extreme, life-threatening safety…
Vehicle went into reduce engine power mode and check engine light came on. Vehicle has just over 60,000 miles. Code is telling me I need a new turbo and being quoted $1,500-$3,000. I have read so many people having the same issue with needing a new turbo just after 60,000 miles
Own a 2021 Terrain?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.