2012 GMC Terrain Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 81about this part
- Share
- 22%of 364 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,915miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 81 complaints about the visibility of the 2012 GMC Terrain, 22% of the 364 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,915 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving in the rain in atlanta out of town our windshield wiper blades stopped working. I am referring to our front windshield wiper blades stopped working in a storm while we were out of town. We bought rainx and made it home safely, thank god. We took it to the dealership the next day and they charged me to replace the wiper motor .”
NHTSA complaint #11258931, filed 2019-09, 135,000 miles“Front windshield wipers immediately stopped operation while in use on february 20, 2019. I took the car on february 21, 2019 to our local mechanic's shop which recommended total replacement of the wiper transmission assembly even though only a bushing was damaged. I agreed and had the wiper transmission replaced. I attach a copy of that invoice. Total paid was $376.75”
NHTSA complaint #11183761, filed 2019-03, 75,775 miles“While driving straight on a highway in the rain, the windshield wipers stopped working. Investigation revealed that the wiper transmission had come apart and needed to be replaced. This first occurred in june 2016 when my vehicle had 71048 miles on it. The same issue occurred a second time in august 2018 with 111446 miles on my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11154186, filed 2018-11, 71,048 miles“Windshield wipers stopped working while driving (on highway) in the rain resulting in compromised visibility. I tried turning the wipers off while driving and eventually restarted the car to see if that would help. The wipers remained stuck in a vertical position despite these efforts. Eventually, I manually slid the wipers into the down position.”
NHTSA complaint #11014259, filed 2017-08, 125,000 miles“1.) my windows will not defrost. When I'm driving on a curvy highway to and from work at night it dogs up so bad that I can't see anything in front of me. I've almost gotten in a dozen car accident because of this issue. 2.) car smells like mold is coming out of vent 3.) my car makes a terrible sound when I accelerate from 0-30mph.”
NHTSA complaint #10945721, filed 2017-01, 81,107 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11006511Jul 31, 2024This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 10247780Sep 26, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General…
- 10232660Mar 7, 2023Special Coverage. On certain 2010-2012 model year and 2016-2017 model year Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, the ball joints in the front windshield wiper modules of…
- 10232283Feb 17, 2023This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 10230697Dec 15, 2022This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 4 | 2% |
| 2019 | 3 | 2% |
| 2018 | 5 | 2% |
| 2017 | 4 | 3% |
| 2016 | 49 | 32% |
| 2015 | 120 | 40% |
| 2014 | 89 | 30% |
| 2013 | 54 | 15% |
| 2012 | 81 | 22% |
| 2011 | 35 | 9% |
| 2010 | 54 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2012 GMC Terrain
169 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 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 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