2011 GMC Terrain Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 4%of 386 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,992miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the steering of the 2011 GMC Terrain, 4% of the 386 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,992 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving back home from the store friday night and my wheels start squeaking and increasingly became hard to then the wheel whenever I turned. When I got home tried to park the wheels locked up and I couldn't turn the wheels anymore. Diver the car again monday it was fine until I was my way home again the wheels locked up, car wouldn't accelerate part 2nd gear, then I wasn't able to reverse and my engineer light came on. I just bought the car 5 months ago from a dealership. No I don't have a warranty and there is 86927 miles on it. No accidents whatsoever. …”
NHTSA complaint #11361943, filed 2020-09, 86,927 miles“I had purhased a 2011 Gmc terrian and have gotten three letters saying don't bring in to dealer until the problems happen one side -impact circuit cause-airbag-readiness light illuminate and the service air bag message to display. Gmc extened the protection for 10 years or 120,000 miles. The second that was sent the steering same protection and the third letter for oil consumption which it is doing now. This not safe for my wife and me or the any other passengers. What is your addvismentfor me.”
NHTSA complaint #10787759, filed 2015-11, 75,000 miles“I just bought this vehicle. I have owned it less than three months and it has less than 5,000 miles and needs the rack and pinion replaced. Luckily I heard an unfamiliar noise while turning to the left mostly and mentioned it during service. The technician says that the problem was that it made a noise. If the only problem is that it made a noise, why does the rack and pinion need to be replaced, and why is it not considered a safety issue?”
NHTSA complaint #10423078, filed 2011-09, 4,732 miles“I purchased the vehicle (car) in feb. 2011. Attempted to start the car the other day and the yellow engine displayed in the speedo area. Waited one day tried again and the car started but I received a message in the red area of the dash indicating the power steering need service. Thinking I could add fluid I checked the owners manual and learned the car had electric power steering. Car started yesterday 11 oct., drove the car to walmart and returned home. No problems. Attempted to start this am 12 oct. Same thing happened as before. …”
NHTSA complaint #10781413, filed 2015-10, 37,800 miles“Power steering makes binding noise when turning steering wheel. Dealer has replaced power steering pump, greased strut shafts, replaced power steering hoses, replaced steering gear and bled lines. This has involved three trips to the dealer and leaving the vehicle. Dealer has been very helpful with a loaner car. But GM continues to ignore problem and sandbags, hoping I'll give up. I'm afraid steering could fail at speed and cause serious accident, my wife is hesitant to drive the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10455713, filed 2012-04, 2,858 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017868Apr 11, 2025This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low…
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10235561Apr 4, 2023This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 10233331Mar 8, 2023This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low…
- 10222777Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 9% |
| 2025 | 3 | 23% |
| 2024 | 2 | 4% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 7 | 3% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 4% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 2% |
| 2013 | 15 | 4% |
| 2012 | 7 | 2% |
| 2011 | 15 | 4% |
| 2010 | 12 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2011 GMC Terrain
178 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
76 complaintsFuel system
48 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
35 complaintsOther or unknown
34 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsElectronic stability control
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsSeats
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 GMC Terrain
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology