2012 GMC Terrain Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 1%of 364 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2012 GMC Terrain, 1% of the 364 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Tl * the contact owns a 2012 Gmc Terrain. The contact was driving 5 MPH when the vehicle stalled and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 3,600.”
NHTSA complaint #10438162, filed 2011-12, 3,600 miles“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 114,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11544181, filed 2023-09, 114,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated after driving approximately 25 MPH and then stopping, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the engine power reduced warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with an unstated failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11461568, filed 2022-04, 125,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH the vehicle was consuming engine oil. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed it. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the manifold on the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11453456, filed 2022-02, 92,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Gmc Terrain. While driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from the engine and the vehicle started to decelerate. The contact coasted into a parking lot and noticed an oil odor around the vehicle. The contact noticed that the vehicle was leaking oil all over the parking lot. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the pcv valve was frozen and was not circulating caused by excessive pressure leaking out oil. The intake manifold and cam cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10945079, filed 2017-01, 11,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10250505Feb 7, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10250503Feb 7, 2024This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249037Jan 11, 2024This informational bulletin advises the tech to validate if oil is leaking into the cooling system and to test and verify were to leak is coming from before replacing all the…
- 10247524Dec 13, 2023This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of Coolant and/or Oil Leak, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminatedâ.
- 10247192Dec 8, 2023This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 10246483Nov 29, 2023This service bulletin provides diagnostic aid information/procedures to perform inspections to determine if the engine needs to be replaced as opposed to just internal parts for…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 2 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 6% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 7 | 2% |
| 2013 | 11 | 3% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 22 | 6% |
| 2010 | 10 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2012 GMC Terrain
169 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
81 complaintsOther or unknown
37 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
37 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsElectronic stability control
13 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 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