Car Defect Radar
Get the report
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated October 26, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.
Confirm 2 recalls before you buy.

Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.

Recalls

2 total · 2 to confirm

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

Safety recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 23V339000 · May 2023

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.

Remedy
Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232403240.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 22V929000 · Dec 2022

In the event of a crash, a front passenger air bag that deploys with a child or infant in the front passenger seat can increase their risk of injury.

Remedy
Dealers will replace the passenger presence system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222388911.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Owner complaints by system

38 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Minor
30

Most reports here involve sudden stalling.

sudden stalling 19fluid leaks 3
A recent report: The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated and failed to properly accelerate. The service transmission and…
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The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated and failed to properly accelerate. The service transmission and service fuel management system messages were displayed, and the check engine warning light was flashing with several other unknown warnings illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and while test-driving the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and an engineer was sent to the dealer to inspect the vehicle. No further information was available. The contact stated that the transmission module was previously replaced, but the failure persisted. The failure mileage was 27,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11754923 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Minor
2

Most reports here involve sudden stalling.

sudden stalling 1software faults 1
A recent report: The infotainment system is not working. It has the "black screen" issue.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11715519 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Worth reading
1

Most reports here involve loss of steering. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

loss of steering 1
A recent report: My son was making a left onto a freeway on ramp after traffic cleared and the steering wheel completely locked up resulting in him going over the curb and rolling completely over in a steep ditch…
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My son was making a left onto a freeway on ramp after traffic cleared and the steering wheel completely locked up resulting in him going over the curb and rolling completely over in a steep ditch. This occurred at a low speed (no more than 25mph), confirmed by the Life369 app. My son's description was that it felt like the wheels were against a wall and the wheel wouldn't turn even though he was using both hands in an attempt to turn. My son said there was no warning lights or any other indication that he noticed, other than the complete locking up of the steering. The resulting rollover into the ditch has totaled the vehicle so it was not inspected by any collision shop. I attempted to check the steering in the tow yard but the vehicle had no power.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11673998 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Minor
1

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying.

airbags not deploying 1
A recent report: Harness for the airbag gave out. Puts the passenger at risk. Confirmed by service members at Rodenroth Motors Inc. in Sault Ste Marie MI. Message said service "Restraint system". There was no…
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Harness for the airbag gave out. Puts the passenger at risk. Confirmed by service members at Rodenroth Motors Inc. in Sault Ste Marie MI. Message said service "Restraint system". There was no official incident date. One day whenever somebody sat in the passenger side the warning would appear.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11761445 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
1

Most reports here involve other issues.

other issues 1
A recent report: The problem with this car that continues is that when driving over 65 miles per hour/ more or less, the driver side door rattles and shakes. It rattle and it looks like if the door wants to detach…
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The problem with this car that continues is that when driving over 65 miles per hour/ more or less, the driver side door rattles and shakes. It rattle and it looks like if the door wants to detach. It only happens on the driver side, not the passenger side. I put my arm on the arm rest, and my arm shakes and that is not ok. I am concern and want to know what can be done about it. I do not feel comfortable driving when this happens and its a new car, it should not have this problem. The problem started right after I purchased the car and I already took it to service it and they said it was the tires not having enough air, but that's not the case, cause it still doing it. I need to take it to service it again Please advise what can be done about it and if they can find what the problem can be. Your assistance is very much appreciated. Thank you.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11548431 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Worth reading
3

Most reports here involve other issues. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

other issues 3
A recent report: No warnings of any kind went off; I wasn’t even going 2 m.p.h. and hit a piece of wood that was right on the edge of the grass next to the road at the park. This is dangerous, especially at a park or…
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No warnings of any kind went off; I wasn’t even going 2 m.p.h. and hit a piece of wood that was right on the edge of the grass next to the road at the park. This is dangerous, especially at a park or other places where smaller children are present if I get that close to something and the none of the sensors go off letting me know there is something/someone that my vehicle could strike if not careful. I have not had it looked at yet, but plan to. No warnings of any kind have went off and it was functioning properly prior to this. There is severe damage to my vehicle

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11608605 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 38 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2023 and 2026, roughly 13 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.

How does it compare with other years? The 2023 has 38 complaints on file, fewer than the 2022 (59) and fewer than the 2024 (49). Of the 17 model years of the GMC Terrain we cover, the 2011 has the most (386). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.