2012 GMC Terrain Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 2%of 364 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 2012 GMC Terrain, 2% of the 364 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,800 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.
“Purchased 2012 Gmc Terrain in june 2012. Shortly after purchase I noticed the steering is very stiff and makes grinding sound when turning steering wheel. Had to dealer since and they said it was due to the tires pressure. They said they put in correct tire pressure and said it should correct problem. It didn't so I took back to dealer and they test drove it and said they noticed also how stiff the steering is. Was told that other models same year and mode steering were stiff. Did nothing at that time and told to keep driving and see if it corrects itself. It hasn't. …”
NHTSA complaint #10466485, filed 2012-07“The contact owns a 2012 Gmc Terrain. While driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel locked without warning. The contact mentioned that excessive force was required to control the steering wheel. The failure recurred numerous times. The dealer was unable to locate a failure code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10663350, filed 2014-12, 1,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Gmc Terrain. While operating the vehicle and making a right turn, the steering wheel cover suddenly loosened and separated from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to phillips buick (hwy 441-27, fruitland park, fl) who indicated that the metal ring used to secure the cover was loose and the entire steering wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 47,600.”
NHTSA complaint #11162250, filed 2018-12, 47,600 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…
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 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