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Air bagsPart report

2012 GMC Terrain Air bags Problems

Complaints
25about this part
Share
7%of 364 total for the year
Median mileage
99,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the air bags of the 2012 GMC Terrain, 7% of the 364 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,000 miles. 17 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“While driving, there is a random ding. No idiot lights come on this has been going on for over a month. Today I happened to look up and the passenger airbag light was flashing. As if stating there was someone in the seat. The only way to stop it is to have the passenger seat belt buckled while driving. This only happens while driving. It is very disturbing because I am not sure if I am in an accident if my passenger will be safe.”

NHTSA complaint #11270319, filed 2019-10, 136,024 miles

“I was traveling about 75mph when a deer ran infront of me, I wasn't able to stop completely and hit the deer on my right front side of my vehicle.. The smell of smoke came from my vehicle and my service airbags indicator came on.. No airbags deployed.. I had my 6 year old son in the car with me!! My car isn't drivable due to the signal being on even though the airbags didn't deploy.”

NHTSA complaint #10924918, filed 2016-11, 102,000 miles

“My service bag light came on about 1 month ago. When I took it to the dealer to check it out. They said my year is not in the recall list. They also said none of the air bags will work until it gets fixed. I am living on a limited income and cannot afford to fix the air bags. Every year before and after of Gmc Terrain have been recalled. I don't understand why my 2012 has not been recalled. With this being a manufactured problem I believe Gmc should pay to fix the air bags. I am afraid to take my grandchildren with me to the store.”

NHTSA complaint #11204386, filed 2019-04, 73,200 miles

“On feb 10, 2020 I was involved in a side impact crash when a large truck failed to stop at a red light. I took the vehicle in for repairs as the front quarter panel and wheel were damaged. The collision shop called today and stated that all four of my impact sensors are dead . He said I was very lucky because there is no way I would've known that my airbags wouldn't have deployed and I very likely would've been seriously injured or killed. There was no warning light on the dash, and no code. They found it by accident on a more intensive diagnostic. …”

NHTSA complaint #11309913, filed 2020-02, 137,000 miles

“I inadvertently veered off side roadway, (va highway 220) colliding with a tree/roadside shrubs, etc (was knocked unconscious as forehead hit steering wheel on initial impact). Airbags did not deploy allowing me to sustain a head injury that knocked me unconscious... Forehead was gashed with significant bleeding. I was transported by ambulance in unconscious state. Damage to vehicle is in excess of $8,000 so far as vehicle still in repair shop with massive front end damage that affects steering linkage, etc. …”

NHTSA complaint #10583703, filed 2014-04, 19,895 miles

Related service bulletins

Air bags: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202518%
202424%
202325%
202212%
202113%
202032%
201921%
2018146%
2017129%
2016107%
2015176%
2014114%
2013195%
2012257%
2011256%
2010248%

Other parts of the 2012 GMC Terrain

Engine
169 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
81 complaints
Other or unknown
37 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
37 complaints
Electrical system
32 complaints
Fuel system
29 complaints
Electronic stability control
13 complaints
Body and structure
12 complaints
Vehicle speed control
11 complaints
Exterior lighting
10 complaints
Seat belts
9 complaints
Steering
7 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 GMC Terrain

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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