2010 GMC Terrain Problems
Compared with other GMC Terrain years
Typical for this model
59/100 1.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.2× that of a typical GMC Terrain year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 34 of its 290 complaints were filed by the end of 2012.
- Most reported problem: Excessive oil consumption and piston ring wear (74 complaints, median 77,000 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2012, 2013
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 290filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 73,925miles, 234 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 26 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 32 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 GMC Terrain (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2010 GMC Terrain most often describe excessive engine oil consumption, often traced by shops to worn piston rings, along with episodes of reduced engine power accompanied by "Service StabiliTrak" and check engine lights. Windshield wiper and HVAC/defroster failures, transmission problems, and timing chain wear also appear repeatedly. Many of these reports come in between roughly 50,000 and 130,000 miles, and some complaints note that repair coverage or recall eligibility had already expired.
- Engine
Reduced engine power with StabiliTrak and check engine
- 67 complaints (23%)
- median 73,740 mi at 6.3 yrs old (55 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,125 (median of 15 quotes)
- filed 2010–2026
Complaints describe the vehicle suddenly limiting speed, often with "Reduced Engine Power" and "Service StabiliTrak" messages and the check engine and traction control lights on. Some owners were told the throttle body or a throttle/pedal sensor was at fault, and a few report the dealer could not reproduce the condition or found no stored codes. Several had the vehicle restart normally after being shut off. Typically reported between about 40,000 and 100,000 miles, at highway and city speeds alike.
What to check: Ask whether the throttle body or pedal sensor has been replaced and whether any stored codes or reduced-power events were diagnosed; a scan tool check for pending codes is worthwhile.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving the vehicle on the highway and all of a sudden it slowed down to about 20 MPH without any warning. I looked down and saw the traction control light and check engine light on. In the middle of the dashboard it said engine speed reduced. I backed down an entrance ramp to get onto a local road. After 1 hour the car was restarted and seemed ok. Not long after it happened again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10554133, filed 2013-11, 77,138 miles“Driving on highway, 65 MPH. Without warning the cars display said service stabilitrak and engine power reduced and immediately lost power. Cars coming up behind me fast, had to pull over, no power. Almost wrecked / died. Dealer says can't recreate issue and cleared codes. I'm afraid it will happen again.”
NHTSA complaint #10663741, filed 2014-12, 72,000 miles - Engine
Excessive oil consumption and piston ring wear
- 74 complaints (26%)
- median 77,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (55 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,150 (median of 8 quotes)
- filed 2011–2026
Owners describe adding oil frequently between changes, sometimes every few days, and shops reportedly diagnosing worn or broken piston rings, low compression, or coolant mixing with oil. Some complaints say the engine was replaced or rebuilt as a result, while others say the oil was simply topped up. A few owners mention being told about a piston ring repair program but finding their vehicle over the mileage limit. Reported from very low mileage up past 130,000 miles, with most reports between roughly 60,000 and 120,000 miles.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for a fuel or exhaust smell in the oil; ask for oil change records and whether any oil consumption diagnosis or engine work has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have this Gmc vehicle, it has oil consumption issues which also affects the pistons, timing chain and the performance and drivability of the vehicle, there was a recall of sorts on this make and model up to so many miles. I never saw anything mailed or sent to me about this. Recently I have had problems with it staling out when driving and pulling into highways. I took it in to a Gmc dealership and had them work with me to get Gmc to fix the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11075282, filed 2018-02, 130,000 miles“The problem(s) that I have had or currently have with my vehicle are as follows: 1. Vehicle hesitates 2. Jolts forward 3. Stutters 4. Excessive oil consumption 5. The car has been undrivable since 01/27/20”
NHTSA complaint #11320520, filed 2020-04, 68,118 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
No heat and defroster/HVAC control failure
- 40 complaints (14%)
- median 72,000 mi at 5.3 yrs old (32 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2025
Complaints describe the heater blowing only cold air, the defroster not clearing the windshield, and the center display or radio intermittently going dead. In some cases turning the vehicle off and on again restored heat temporarily, and owners were told the fault was a software or control-panel problem the dealer could not reproduce. Several owners connect the symptoms to a defroster/controls recall but say their vehicle was not included. Reported from about 19,000 miles up to 114,000 miles, often in cold or wet weather when defrosting is needed.
Recall 09V4890001 related service bulletin
What to check: Test the heater and defroster on a cold start and check that the center display, radio and climate controls respond; ask whether the vehicle was covered by campaign 09V489000 or had HVAC software updates.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This problem is in winter mostly, as I was driving my windshield became frosted, I quickly turned on the heat to defrost it,but my heather wouldn't turn on. I pulled to the side to check what happened, my heater wouldn't turn on, it was turned on but only cold air was coming out of it. I turned the car off and on again, still cold air was coming. After turning on and off my car few times the heat came on. I was able to defrost my windshield and continue driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10615054, filed 2014-07, 19,000 miles“While driving down the road in heavy rain and foggy conditions put the defrost on and suddenly the instrumentation panel went completely black this is a digital instrument panel and it was in the middle of the night there for leaving the driver with inability to ascertain speed and other needed information found in the instrument panel also leaving the interior of the car completely black it's also interfere with the headlights which blink on and off.”
NHTSA complaint #10946673, filed 2017-01, 132,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Rough or delayed shifting and transmission failure
- 45 complaints (16%)
- median 74,050 mi at 6.8 yrs old (36 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,900 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2010–2023
Owners describe harsh or delayed shifts, hesitation when accelerating, and occasions where the vehicle would not move despite the engine running. Some were told a transmission flush and reset was needed, while others report a dealer diagnosing a failed transmission requiring replacement. A few mention an overheating transmission message preceding the loss of power. Mostly reported between about 48,000 and 100,000 miles, including at low speeds and on the highway.
What to check: Drive at low and highway speeds and note any clunk, delay, or shudder on acceleration; ask for transmission service records and whether fluid changes were done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We were almost rear end when travelling down the highway the car just stops moving with engine running. The driver who almost hit us and other drivers got out to assist us in getting my car off the highway. We travel alot in this car what if we were on interstate we would probably been killed. Thank god that did not happen. The dealer had the car over a week trying to find the problem first they said it was a crank shaft sensor now they are saying it's the plates in the transmission. The cost between $3150 and $4000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10762505, filed 2015-09, 87,000 miles“2010 Gmc Terrain I bought off a dealership lot in march 2019 not knowing all the reported issues! Being a single mother I thought I was buying a fairly priced,gas eff. Reliable car.from day 1 I have had countless oil changes, my tire pressure warning light will not turn off after replacing stems,tires nothing turns the light off! It lacks pick up speed and rough gear changes. While driving and coming to a stop it would hesitate and chug like it was going to die. I returned to dealership where I bought it from replaced the timing chain. …”
NHTSA complaint #11408432, filed 2021-04, 132,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield wipers stop working in rain
- 28 complaints (10%)
- median 104,695 mi at 8.8 yrs old (26 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2024
Owners describe the wipers quitting mid-stroke, often in heavy rain, with the arms able to be moved by hand because the linkage has separated from the motor. Some say a dealer replaced the wiper motor or transmission assembly, and one mentions a special coverage program for the linkage with limited time and mileage. Others report the same failure without coverage. Mostly reported between about 68,000 and 124,000 miles, usually during rain while driving at speed.
What to check: Run the wipers at every speed and check that the arms move together without play; ask whether the wiper linkage or motor has been replaced and under what coverage.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When driving on the interstate in a heavy downpour of rain, the windshield wipers failed. I almost got into an accident when trying to pull off the highway. The wipers will swipe when manually moved. I believe that the arm has become disconnected from the motor. I've seen a lot of complaints about the wipers. It seems there should be a recall issued.”
NHTSA complaint #10824214, filed 2016-02, 110,000 miles“Front windshield wipers stopped working. The wiper arm assembly became disconnected from the wiper motor so that the wipers stopped moving back and forth. There was immediate loss of visibility due to the heavy rain. The disconnected wiper arms could be moved back and forth over the windshield by hand (staying in tandem with each other) and that is how I know they disconnected from the motor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10575798, filed 2014-03, 95,000 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection focused on oil consumption, stored engine and transmission codes, wiper linkage and HVAC operation would be worthwhile on this model year. Ask for maintenance records and check whether any related recalls or programs were completed, since several complaints involve repairs made after coverage expired.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 290 consumer complaints for the 2010 GMC Terrain. 234 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 73,925 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 12 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1,653 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 GMC Terrain model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 59 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine107 37%
- Electrical system48 17%
- Air bags24 8.3%
- Electronic stability control21 7.2%
- Other or unknown18 6.2%
- Vehicle speed control17 5.9%
- Fuel system16 5.5%
- Steering12 4.1%
Also reported: Engine cooling (10), Body and structure (10), Brakes (8), Exterior lighting (8), Tires (5), Seat belts (3), Seats (3), Suspension (3), Equipment (2), Interior lighting (1), Lane departure (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “Takata recall so far at 140,000 miles on my 2010 Terrain I have had to put a new engine in, all 3 catalytic converters and now a power steering pump and rack. I could have bought a brand new car by now. No recalls on any of these??? There should be. The engine just stopped on the highway and once replaced then the steering became tight and barely made it to the shop”
NHTSA complaint #10947390, filed 2017-01, 140,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “While driving on highway during heavy downpour at night with rush hour traffic, the wipers suddenly stopped mid motion. I immediately blindly pulled over to the side of the road. I could hear the wiper motor, but the wipers weren't working. Had vehicle towed home where I took apart cowl and wiper assy and noticed the wiper linkage was disconnected from the wiper transmission and motor. I will replace linkage assy as ball connector to transmission has failed.”
NHTSA complaint #11066756, filed 2018-02, 73,850 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Driving on the highway my car would not go. Car sensor prevented my car from moving because the wheel bearings went out on the used car I just purchased. The timing belt is also loose and the motor can seize up at any moment. My all wheel drive stopped working as well because of this. I had to put on my flashers and try to make it to an area where I could get off the highway. I called a tow truck. I have copies they will not download here, but available if needed.”
NHTSA complaint #11383675, filed 2020-12, 159,000 milesElectrical system: “Center instrument panel controls and displays fail to function on periodic occasion. Panel illumination flickers on and off. This occurs while vehicle is in motion. There is recall for this particular issue but my local GM dealership says our VIN is not listed in this recall. Id#09v489000”
NHTSA complaint #10958012, filed 2017-03, 121,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
33% of the 234 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 41,119 and 100,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 GMC Terrain. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrain · sedan FWD/4WD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 17.4% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2010 GMC Terrain version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrain AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Terrain AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Terrain FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Terrain FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 22V137000Mar 8, 2022Exterior lighting › HeadlightsCovers: GMC Terrain 2010–2017
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…
- 14V447000Jul 23, 2014Seats › Front assembly › Power adjustCovers: GMC Terrain 2010–2012, Chevrolet Equinox 2010–2012, Cadillac SRX 2010–2012 +3 more
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…
- 09V489000Dec 23, 2009Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac systemCovers: GMC Terrain 2010, Chevrolet Equinox 2010
General motors is recalling certain model year 2010 chevrolet equinox and gmc terrain vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 103, "windshield defrosting and defogging systems and with federal motor…
Recall details for the 2010 GMC Terrain → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,653 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11032947May 19, 2026Other or unknown. This document provides the technician with a diagnostic tip if the vehicle stalls and set diagnostic trouble code P0191 and may also set P0172. The diagnostic tip has the technician inspect the high…
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
Other model years of the GMC Terrain
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 33 | 3,000 | 1 | — | 27 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 13 | 1,126 | 0 | — | 27 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 53 | 8,383 | 1 | 5 | 26 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 41 | 25,500 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 11 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 60 | 49,000 | 2 | 5 | 27 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 36 | 57,422 | 2 | 5 | 27 | 2 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 197 | 47,734 | 2 | 5 | 27 | 58 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 187 | 19,500 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 69 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 226 | 18,750 | 5 | 4–5 | 28 | 87 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 135 | 48,850 | 1 | 4 | 25 | 9 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 153 | 51,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 19 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2015 | 299 | 65,000 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 297 | 79,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 365 | 77,550 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 364 | 81,320 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 58 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 386 | 79,000 | 4 | 4 | 20 | 83 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 290 | 73,925 | 3 | — | 26 | 59 · Typical | Falling |
All GMC Terrain model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2010 GMC Terrain?
Owners of the 2010 GMC Terrain most often describe excessive engine oil consumption, often traced by shops to worn piston rings, along with episodes of reduced engine power accompanied by "Service StabiliTrak" and check engine lights. The issues reported most often: Reduced engine power with StabiliTrak and check engine; Excessive oil consumption and piston ring wear; No heat and defroster/HVAC control failure.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 GMC Terrain have?
NHTSA recorded 290 consumer complaints for the 2010 GMC Terrain as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2010 GMC Terrain is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 107 complaints (37% of the total), followed by visibility with 54.
Has the 2010 GMC Terrain been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 GMC Terrain get?
The EPA rates the 2010 GMC Terrain (Terrain FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 22 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2010 GMC Terrain reported?
Among the 234 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 73,925 miles and the middle half falls between 41,119 and 100,000 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.