2016 GMC Terrain Problems
Compared with other GMC Terrain years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
19/100 0.5× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.5× that of a typical GMC Terrain year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 15 of its 153 complaints were filed by the end of 2018.
- Most reported problem: Windshield wipers stop working mid-stroke (44 complaints, median 60,624 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 153filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 51,000miles, 63 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 26 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 31 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 GMC Terrain (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2016 GMC Terrain most often describe windshield wiper failures, typically the wipers stopping mid-stroke in heavy rain, and engine oil consumption that in some cases leads to engine replacement. Complaints also cover the transmission dropping into a reduced-power or limp mode, air bags that did not deploy in a crash, and headlight glare at night. Reports span a wide mileage range, with wiper complaints appearing as early as the 20,000s and engine complaints often higher.
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield wipers stop working mid-stroke
- 44 complaints (29%)
- median 60,624 mi at 4.5 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe wipers that quit without warning while driving in rain, snow or highway spray, often stopping upright or mid-wipe and sometimes leaving the blades blocking part of the view. Several say the motor, wiper module or wiper transmission was diagnosed as failed; a few note a cracking sound or a popped linkage before the failure. Complaints also mention that the wipers sometimes work again after a restart and then fail repeatedly. Reported from roughly 20,000 to 150,000 miles, most often during rain or snow at highway speed.
What to check: Cycle the wipers through all speeds and both intermittent settings and listen for clicking or grinding from the linkage. Ask whether the wiper motor, module or transmission has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When driving 65mph in an intense rainstorm, windshield wipers suddenly stopped in the up position, almost causing an accident. I had to quickly turn on my 4 ways and try to find the side of the road to pull over (without being able to see out of my windshield) on a very busy roadway. This is while 7 months pregnant with another baby in the car. The motor runs but the wipers are completely dead so I know it isn't a fuse. This could have been very serious!”
NHTSA complaint #11219936, filed 2019-06, 49,242 miles“I was driving down the highway (with my children) during a torrential downpour, when my wipers suddenly stopped working. I had extreme difficulty seeing to be able to maneuver my car to a safe place without wrecking. It was very scary for all of us.(not to mention tornado sirens going off at this time.) since then I have replaced the fuse and the relay and they still do not work, so I think it may be the motor. This car isn't old enough to have problems like this. …”
NHTSA complaint #11323342, filed 2020-05, 89,000 miles - Engine
Excessive oil consumption and engine noise
- 33 complaints (22%)
- median 72,965 mi at 4.6 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners report the oil level dropping to nearly empty between oil changes, sometimes needing a quart every 1,000 miles, with no visible leak in some cases. Several say a knocking or clicking noise developed and a shop diagnosed a failed rear main seal, blocked PCV valve, damaged bearings or a seized engine requiring replacement. Some complaints link low oil to a reduced-power message and a stalled vehicle. Typically described between about 15,000 and 120,000 miles, with several reports in the 60,000-100,000 mile range.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for a fuel or exhaust smell on the dipstick, and ask for oil-change records showing how much oil was added between services. Listen for knocking at cold start.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased this car with 12,000-15000 miles still relatively new (v6). Every time its time to get my oil change, there is 0 oil left. My car burns all the oil before the next oil change every time. I consistently got my oil changed on time, my most recent oil change was yesterday at 58k miles. Before its even time to get my oil changed I'm forced to buy an extra quart of oil because its bone dry empty. There is also a knocking sound. …”
NHTSA complaint #11400040, filed 2021-03, 15,000 miles“I was driving to work this day then all of a sudden I heard a noise. Something like a fan. I thought it was the wind so I let the window down and listened because their were no lights on my dashboard. Then all of a sudden every light came on and it said reducing speed. I continued down the road...came to a red light and wasn't able to move after that. I had to get the vehicle towed to my home. I was in maywood and had to go all the way back to lynwood. Not before waiting 87 mins before the tow truck came in 6 degree weather. …”
NHTSA complaint #11306149, filed 2020-01, 97,000 miles - Engine
Reduced power, stabilitrak message, limp mode
- 20 complaints (13%)
- median 72,000 mi at 4.3 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe the stabilitrak or traction control light and check engine light coming on, followed by a message that engine power is reduced and the vehicle dropping to low speed or slipping out of gear. Some say the vehicle restarts normally after a few minutes, others report it would not restart. Complaints mention dealers unable to duplicate the problem or replacing parts with mixed results. Mostly reported between about 48,000 and 98,000 miles, often while driving at speed.
What to check: Ask whether the throttle body, pedal assembly or electronic brake control module has been replaced, and have a scan tool check for stored codes before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I tried to start my car and it wouldn't start. This happened on a sunday so I had to go to a place that was open. I had my car towed there and come to find out it was the solenoid. I had to get that replaced and also a fuel pump. This was the first problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11303053, filed 2020-01, 72,000 miles“When driving the stabiltrak service light will come on and the engine light. The car will loss acceleration immediately then seems wont go out of 2nd gear. I stop turn off car a few minutes and it will start again and the engine light will go out after while. Last time the car would not start again. It finally did after 20 minutes or so. And light went out layer. Took it to dealer once and they could not duplicate problem. This is worrying me.”
NHTSA complaint #11405940, filed 2021-04, 98,000 miles - Air bags
Air bags did not deploy in a collision
- 7 complaints (5%)
- median 46,000 mi at 5.8 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2026
Complaints describe crashes where the air bags did not deploy, including rear-end, side and head-on impacts, with occupants reporting injuries such as bruising and hitting the steering wheel. Some owners also report a flashing air bag warning light or a reset-airbag message afterward. Several say the cause was never diagnosed or the vehicle was not repaired. Reported across a wide mileage range, from very low mileage up to about 130,000 miles, at both low and moderate crash speeds.
What to check: Confirm the air bag warning light is off at start-up and that the vehicle has not been in an unrepaired collision; a pre-purchase inspection can check stored air bag codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We own a 2016 Gmc Terrain. My wife rear ended a ford expeditions. This low speed impact caused almost 17000 dollars of damage and the seat belt or air bags never went off. I would like to know if this is normal or is GM covering up faulty safety equipment.”
NHTSA complaint #10916114, filed 2016-10, 2,000 miles“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, a second vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle. During the crash, the vehicle sustained severe damage to the front passenger side, but no air bags inside the cabin of the vehicle deployed. The driver of the other vehicle reported no injuries, and the air bags in her vehicle did deploy. …”
NHTSA complaint #11705536, filed 2025-12, 129,000 miles
Buying note. Check wiper operation and oil consumption history closely, since those are the two most frequent themes in owner complaints for this model year, and confirm any open recalls have been completed. A pre-purchase inspection that scans for stored engine and stability-control codes is worth the cost.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 153 consumer complaints for the 2016 GMC Terrain. 63 of the complaints include a mileage, and 48% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 51,000 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 10 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 1,232 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 GMC Terrain model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 19 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine46 30%
- Other or unknown13 8.5%
- Transmission and drivetrain11 7.2%
- Air bags10 6.5%
- Exterior lighting10 6.5%
- Electrical system9 5.9%
- Brakes6 3.9%
- Steering6 3.9%
- Vehicle speed control4 2.6%
Also reported: Fuel system (3), Seat belts (3), Body and structure (3), Wheels (3), Electronic stability control (2), Seats (2), Forward collision avoidance (1), Lane departure (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “On january 25, 2021, my 16-year-old daughter was driving my Terrain down the main road in our town, it was dark and it was starting to rain. She turned on the windshield wipers and after making one pass they stopped in the upright position. This scared her to death, she was able to pull over and call me and wait till the rain stopped but had either one of us been driving on the highway at 70mph this could have ended differently. This is very dangerous and needs to be addressed.”
NHTSA complaint #11389913, filed 2021-01, 112,000 milesEngine: “On january 17,2020. I was drive with my son going about 35miles when all of a sudden my stalled out or felt like it did but continue to drive. The check engine light turned on and the dashboard screen stated engine power was reduced and my stability needed to be serviced. Or something like that because it wasn't on to long. Luckily wasn't going to fast and there were no cars behind me. I've researched other complaints and I'm not the only one. This needs to be addressed because if that would to happen on a busy highway. O.m.g.”
NHTSA complaint #11300021, filed 2020-01, 48,500 milesOther or unknown: “Constantly dies. Took it to a shop to see what or why. Its the intake valve timing solenoid. Was told could replace the part but it never really fixes the problem have to take all the heads off and clean the gummed up oil. I have regular oil changes. I even get it taken in for an oil change before my car tells me I need too.”
NHTSA complaint #11162993, filed 2018-12, 44,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “2016 Gmc Terrain will show the check engine, traction control and service stabilitrak lights after gauges jump up and down. Vehicle will then go into neutral and then suddenly slam into 2nd gear. This occurs at high rates of speed on the interstate, as well as, normal roads. The vehicle will then stay in 2nd gear and will not go into another gear when it is placed in manual either. Sometimes, after restarting several times, it will drive normally. Other times, it will not start once it is turned off. I have had it to the garage five times in the last month. …”
NHTSA complaint #11100255, filed 2018-06, 52,800 milesMileage when problems were reported
48% of the 63 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 35,070 and 89,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 GMC Terrain. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrain · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.4% risk |
| Terrain · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2016 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2015: same overall rating; 2017: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2016 GMC Terrain version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrain AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Terrain AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Terrain FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Terrain FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Terrain FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 22V137000Mar 8, 2022Exterior lighting › HeadlightsCovers: GMC Terrain 2010–2017
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. As such, these vehicles fail to…
- 16V449000Jun 21, 2016Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: GMC Terrain 2016, Chevrolet Equinox 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles manufactured October 16, 2015. The certification labels may have incorrect tire/rim size and cold tire pressure information. As such, these vehicles fail…
Recall details for the 2016 GMC Terrain → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,232 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11032947May 19, 2026Other or unknown. This document provides the technician with a diagnostic tip if the vehicle stalls and set diagnostic trouble code P0191 and may also set P0172. The diagnostic tip has the technician inspect the high…
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
Other model years of the GMC Terrain
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 33 | 3,000 | 1 | — | 27 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 13 | 1,126 | 0 | — | 27 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 53 | 8,383 | 1 | 5 | 26 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 41 | 25,500 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 11 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 60 | 49,000 | 2 | 5 | 27 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 36 | 57,422 | 2 | 5 | 27 | 2 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 197 | 47,734 | 2 | 5 | 27 | 58 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 187 | 19,500 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 69 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 226 | 18,750 | 5 | 4–5 | 28 | 87 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 135 | 48,850 | 1 | 4 | 25 | 9 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 153 | 51,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 19 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2015 | 299 | 65,000 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 297 | 79,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 365 | 77,550 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 364 | 81,320 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 58 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 386 | 79,000 | 4 | 4 | 20 | 83 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 290 | 73,925 | 3 | — | 26 | 59 · Typical | Falling |
All GMC Terrain model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Terrain?
Owners of the 2016 GMC Terrain most often describe windshield wiper failures, typically the wipers stopping mid-stroke in heavy rain, and engine oil consumption that in some cases leads to engine replacement. The issues reported most often: Windshield wipers stop working mid-stroke; Excessive oil consumption and engine noise; Reduced power, stabilitrak message, limp mode.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 GMC Terrain have?
NHTSA recorded 153 consumer complaints for the 2016 GMC Terrain as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 GMC Terrain is reported most often?
Visibility is named most often, in 49 complaints (32% of the total), followed by engine with 46.
Has the 2016 GMC Terrain been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2016 GMC Terrain do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2016 GMC Terrain 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2016 GMC Terrain get?
The EPA rates the 2016 GMC Terrain (Terrain FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 22 city and 31 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 GMC Terrain reported?
Among the 63 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 51,000 miles and the middle half falls between 35,070 and 89,000 miles; 48% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.