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GMC TerrainModel year report

2011 GMC Terrain Problems

Compared with other GMC Terrain years

More complaints than typical for this model

83/100 2.1× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014

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
386filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
79,000miles, 296 complaints with mileage
Recalls
4campaigns 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
4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
EPA fuel economy
20 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl · flex-fuel FWD · 17 city / 24 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2011 GMC Terrain (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2011 GMC Terrain most often describe engine problems tied to excessive oil use, which in many complaints progressed to timing chain damage or engine replacement. Transmission failures and sudden stalling or loss of power are also frequently reported, and a separate group of complaints describes windshield wipers stopping in the up position or detaching during rain. Most reports in the sample arrive between roughly 70,000 and 150,000 miles.

  1. Engine

    Excessive oil consumption and timing chain wear

    • 103 complaints (27%)
    • median 92,000 mi at 8.2 yrs old (76 state mileage)
    • 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $5,000 (median of 7 quotes)
    • filed 2011–2025

    Owners describe adding oil frequently, sometimes several quarts between changes, with the check engine light on and knocking or clicking from the engine at startup or low speed. Several complaints state that the timing chain, cam or internal parts wore because oil ran low, and that a mechanic recommended an engine replacement. According to the complaints, dealers often described the oil use as normal or declined coverage; some owners mention a class action settlement about oil consumption but say their vehicle fell outside it. Mostly reported between about 70,000 and 150,000 miles, with a few as early as 72,000 and others past 170,000.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check the oil level and look for a fuel or burnt smell, and ask for oil change records and any engine or timing chain work. A service bulletin describes replacing the intake manifold and oil cooler lines when an engine is replaced after severe internal damage.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Diagnosed with oil consumption problem, p0014 code for check engine light, showing 10 degrees on scanner, recommended timing chain alignment, my car shut off while driving it, Gmc has class action lawsuit, told me my VIN was eligible for it, but will not let me submit a claim, I have owned this car for a year, constant oil changes about every 2 months.”

    NHTSA complaint #11360517, filed 2020-09, 130,000 miles

    “The vehicle is out of the window on the oil consumption lawsuit; however it has been burning oil since I have had it and I kept taking it in and they didn't mention anything about a problem said it was normal. By the time I found out about the lawsuit I was out of that period. Can I get the vehicle repaired, I am putting oil in constantly”

    NHTSA complaint #11372949, filed 2020-11, 130,000 miles
  2. Engine

    Stalling or sudden loss of power while driving

    • 110 complaints (28%)
    • median 83,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (91 state mileage)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $3,250 (median of 8 quotes)
    • filed 2011–2024

    Complaints describe the vehicle cutting out at intersections, on highway on-ramps or at stop signs, sometimes with reduced engine power or stability control warnings and sometimes with no warning light at all. Several owners report repeated stalls that return after sensors or modules were replaced, and some had the vehicle towed. Mechanics in the complaints variously pointed to the throttle body, fuel pressure sensor, high pressure fuel pump, VVT solenoid or internal engine damage. Typically reported between about 68,000 and 170,000 miles, at both low speeds and highway speeds.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the vehicle has stalled and whether any diagnostic trouble codes were stored or cleared. A service bulletin describes a diagnostic tip for a stall with code P0191 or P0172 involving the high pressure fuel pump.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The vehicle going through oil like made and stalling in the middle of intersections or pulling onto a road. This has caused other people to almost hit me or go off the road to avoid an accident. I will start out into an intersection get in the middle and it dies. Turning onto a different road this happens also in motion going at normal speeds for the road.”

    NHTSA complaint #11324051, filed 2020-05, 164,000 miles

    “Car randomly shuts off while driving it doesn't matter if I am on the highway or driving through the city, also engine power reduced mode. Throws random codes even after codes have been serviced. We have been dealing with this issue for close to 2 years with no resolve. After further investigation we have found there are multiple complaints of this exact issue.”

    NHTSA complaint #11397978, filed 2021-02, 135,000 miles
  3. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission will not engage or slips out of gear

    • 20 complaints (5%)
    • median 72,000 mi at 5.6 yrs old (18 state mileage)
    • filed 2011–2022

    Owners report the transmission hesitating, jerking or slipping while driving, then failing to go into any gear, including reverse. Some describe surging before the failure and being unable to exceed low speed afterward; others had the transmission control module replaced. Complaints note that dealers sometimes could not reproduce the problem or flushed the fluid without resolving it. A few mention the transmission overheating on the highway. Most often reported between about 71,000 and 140,000 miles, occasionally higher.

    What to check: Test reverse and each forward gear from a stop, and ask for transmission fluid service history or any TCM replacement. Note whether the vehicle surges or hesitates during a test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Only 87000 miles and the transmission went out, car started to surge while driving, after parking it wouldn't go into reverse. Then when trying to see if it would still drive forward, wouldn't go faster than 20 miles an hour, just started revving wouldn't engage in a gear.”

    NHTSA complaint #11366482, filed 2020-10, 87,000 miles

    “Transmission will not engage in any gear, has gone completely nonfunctional. I have researched the problem and notice that every complaint is the same regrading the transmission. Same mileage as others and this problem occurs, there needs to be a recall on this matter.”

    NHTSA complaint #11307372, filed 2020-02, 140,000 miles
  4. Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)

    Windshield wipers stop in the up position or detach

    • 23 complaints (6%)
    • median 103,500 mi at 8.3 yrs old (20 state mileage)
    • filed 2014–2023

    Complaints describe the wipers freezing in the raised position or quitting entirely while driving in heavy rain, leaving little forward view. The wiper motor can still be heard running in some cases, while in others the driver side arm detaches and strikes the mirror. Owners report replacing the wiper transmission or blade assemblies, and in some cases the problem returned. Reported from roughly 44,000 miles upward, mostly between 77,000 and 141,000 miles, and specifically during rain or ice storms.

    What to check: Run the wipers on low and high and watch that both arms return fully to rest, and check the arms for corrosion or looseness at the pivot. Ask whether the wiper motor or linkage has been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Last summer (july 2019) our wipers stopped in the up position during a heavy thunderstorm on the highway while we traveling over 60 MPH. It was very scary and we are lucky we did not crash. We replaced the wiper blade transmission. Now during an ice storm the blades quit again. I find that there are several complaints regarding issues with the wiper blades and that canada has a recall on them due to the safety issue. Why do we not have recall for this in the us?”

    NHTSA complaint #11298825, filed 2020-01, 170,000 miles

    “Was driving about 35 MPH on back roads in pouring rain with wipers on high, when the wipers stopped in the up position. No other cars where on the roads, and was only about 2 miles from my house, so made it home, but very slowly. Can hear wiper motor working, but wiper blade arms do not move, like they have become unattached from wiper motor.”

    NHTSA complaint #11355661, filed 2020-09, 77,600 miles

Buying note. Have a mechanic check oil consumption and timing chain condition before purchase, since that is the most frequent theme in these complaints, and test the transmission through all gears and the wipers at full speed. Ask for service records showing whether engine, transmission or wiper work has already been done.

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 386 consumer complaints for the 2011 GMC Terrain. 296 of the complaints include a mileage, and 28% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 79,000 miles. Of all complaints, 11 involved a crash, 8 a fire, 24 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 1,757 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 83 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than 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.

Also reported: Steering (15), Body and structure (11), Seats (10), Brakes (7), Exterior lighting (7), Seat belts (7), Suspension (5), Equipment (3), Tires (3), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Wheels (1).

Example complaints

Engine: “On a highway way home and says reduced engine power like 3 days after getting transmission replaced had to get it towed I had my kids with me and mechanic told me it's the engine it had no oil in it when it did have oil before that happened it didn't show leaking or nothing now I'm out of my money under 86,000 miles yet 2011 Terrain”

NHTSA complaint #11388916, filed 2021-01, 83,000 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “I purchased the vehicle it ran great. Within a couple of weeks, it started stalling when I go to take off in the middle of intersections or pulling out onto a road. It will run fine I stop it idles ok and when I touch the gas pedal it will start out into the road and then just die. It goes though oil like mad.”

NHTSA complaint #11324048, filed 2020-05, 164,000 miles

Fuel system: “My car will stop while im driving and I didnt get the proper dignostics of why it was doing that, they just told me to switch my gas to premium. & then my check engine light came on . But now my engine power is in reduced and I dont unerdstand why either. I havent had this truck for a year and its been giving me problems since I got it.”

NHTSA complaint #11172571, filed 2019-01, 75 miles

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “During a driving rain, going 65 MPH on the highway, when I put my wipers on high, they stopped working altogether. I had been in the passing lane, had to avoid crashing, and get over 2 lanes and get myself to the nearest exit. A white knuckle experience, to say the least. We had to replace the entire wiper motor at our expense and inconvenience.”

NHTSA complaint #11149768, filed 2018-11, 98,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

28% of the 296 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 44,000 and 108,975 miles.

14%0–105%10–259%25–5017%50–7522%75–10026%100–1506%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (296 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 79,000 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.

’11’14’1757’20’23’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 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.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Terrain · SUV AWD★★★★☆5 / 4554 · 17.4% risk
Terrain · SUV FWD★★★★☆5 / 4554 · 19.1% risk

Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2011 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).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Terrain AWD2.4L 4-cyl6-speed automatic202823$2,900
Terrain AWD3.0L 6-cyl6-speed automatic162319$3,550
Terrain FWD2.4L 4-cyl6-speed automatic223126$2,600
Terrain FWD3.0L 6-cyl6-speed automatic162319$3,550
Terrain AWD3.0L 6-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic162319$3,550
Terrain FWD3.0L 6-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic172420$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

Recall details for the 2011 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. 1,757 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 1,757 bulletins →

Other model years of the GMC Terrain

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2026333,0001—27Too new to compareToo new
2025131,1260—27—Too new
2024538,3831526Too new to compareToo new
20234125,500252611 · FewerToo new
20226049,00025270 · FewerRising
20213657,42225272 · FewerRising
202019747,734252758 · TypicalRising
201918719,500352869 · MoreRising
201822618,75054–52887 · MoreRising
201713548,85014259 · FewerRising
201615351,000242619 · FewerStable
201529965,000342648 · TypicalFalling
201429779,000242639 · TypicalFalling
201336577,550342652 · TypicalFalling
201236481,320442658 · TypicalFalling
201138679,000442083 · MoreFalling
201029073,9253—2659 · TypicalFalling

All GMC Terrain model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 GMC Terrain?

Owners of the 2011 GMC Terrain most often describe engine problems tied to excessive oil use, which in many complaints progressed to timing chain damage or engine replacement. The issues reported most often: Excessive oil consumption and timing chain wear; Stalling or sudden loss of power while driving; Transmission will not engage or slips out of gear.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011 GMC Terrain have?

NHTSA recorded 386 consumer complaints for the 2011 GMC Terrain as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2011 GMC Terrain is reported most often?

Engine is named most often, in 178 complaints (46% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 76.

Has the 2011 GMC Terrain been recalled?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2011 GMC Terrain do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2011 GMC Terrain 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

What gas mileage does the 2011 GMC Terrain get?

The EPA rates the 2011 GMC Terrain (Terrain FWD, 3.0L 6-cyl · flex-fuel) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2011 GMC Terrain reported?

Among the 296 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 79,000 miles and the middle half falls between 44,000 and 108,975 miles; 28% 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.