2012 GMC Terrain Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 10%of 364 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,114miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 GMC Terrain, 10% of the 364 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,114 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Transfer case went at 67k just bought it used at 63k. I had no warranty only 60 day from used dealer I bought it from. Ruined my passenger side axel also when transfer case went $1137 was the bill. 500 for used case 16k 170 for axel 30 for fluid rest in labor. Should be a recall car sounded awful back up and in drive loss a bit of power when driving. Also.”
NHTSA complaint #11266555, filed 2019-10, 67,000 miles“Pcv system froze...air cleaner has water in it// rear main seal pushed out due to excessive crankcase pressure. #14882 special coverage adjustment covers exact issue however my VIN is not included. Requesting my VIN be added to #14882 special adjustment as it applies to my exact make/model/year and issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11066892, filed 2018-02, 84,321 miles“On jan 1st it was 3f out my wife wormed up her Terrain we drove it approximately 12 miles when we started to smell something burning. Next came the engine knocking really bad. We stopped the Terrain and had it towed to the dealership found out the rear main seal blew with such force that the oil covered the muffler. This happened from the pcv being plugged and/or frozen from the cold weather. …”
NHTSA complaint #11061429, filed 2018-01, 71,760 miles“While driving the vehicle, I experienced strong knocking vibrations and sounds seemingly coming through the floorboard. As I continued driving for about 5 miles trying to get home, the knocking became more pronounced and my steering was affected. I also began noticing an extremely strong odor necessitating lowering windows to breathe. I notified my dealership and took the vehicle in for diagnosis the very next morning without driving it after arriving to my garage. I was told the awd had completely deteriorated. …”
NHTSA complaint #11073770, filed 2018-02, 87,000 miles“I also have a 2012 Gmc Terrain that has an oil consumption issue that has caused complete engine failure. Approximately 2.5 weeks ago the car wouldnt start. Engine would turn over but not start. I thought that it might be the fuel pump. Had it towed to my mechanic since it has 87k miles and out of warranty. So I went to check the status of the car and the first thing I was told was there was no oil when they checked it. They added 4 quarts before trying to diagnose the problem. Mind you the oil was changed 3k miles ago and oil life monitor said it had 54% life left. …”
NHTSA complaint #11153179, filed 2018-11, 87,228 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 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…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 15% |
| 2025 | 4 | 31% |
| 2024 | 23 | 43% |
| 2023 | 8 | 20% |
| 2022 | 8 | 13% |
| 2021 | 8 | 22% |
| 2020 | 28 | 14% |
| 2019 | 53 | 28% |
| 2018 | 42 | 19% |
| 2017 | 24 | 18% |
| 2016 | 11 | 7% |
| 2015 | 21 | 7% |
| 2014 | 33 | 11% |
| 2013 | 44 | 12% |
| 2012 | 37 | 10% |
| 2011 | 76 | 20% |
| 2010 | 51 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2012 GMC Terrain
169 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
81 complaintsOther or unknown
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 complaintsSteering
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 GMC Terrain
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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