2016 GMC Terrain Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 7%of 153 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the air bags of the 2016 GMC Terrain, 7% of the 153 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“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“On 10/1/26 I was in an accident where the entire front of the car was pushed in. The air bags did not employ, which resulted in me hitting my ribs on the steering wheel”
NHTSA complaint #11772027, filed 2026-10“consumption of oil! I got my oil changed January 1, 2025. It is now February 1. I have driven less than 500 miles. I had no oil. I have no Leaks or anything wrong. The car just consumes . I have had to have 6 oil changes in the past 3 months. Shop after shop. Has said it just consumes oil and this vehicle is trash. I noticed there was also a lawsuit against it. If you do not put a recall out on my vehicle ASAP, I am going to file a personal lawsuit and sue the hell out of you! For your scam! Somebody better give me a call immediately. Or set me up at my local GMC dealer to fix this issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11640149, filed 2025-02“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“The contact owned a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while making a right turn, a Dodge Ram truck ran through a stop sign causing the contact to crash into the truck head-on. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact's daughter arrived at the scene and transported him to the local hospital to be evaluated for brain, neck, left-hand fingers, swollen right leg, and back pain injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed but the police report number was not available. The vehicle was towed to a salvage junkyard. …”
NHTSA complaint #11593763, filed 2024-06, 57,000 milesAir bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 2 | 4% |
| 2023 | 2 | 5% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 14 | 6% |
| 2017 | 12 | 9% |
| 2016 | 10 | 7% |
| 2015 | 17 | 6% |
| 2014 | 11 | 4% |
| 2013 | 19 | 5% |
| 2012 | 25 | 7% |
| 2011 | 25 | 6% |
| 2010 | 24 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2016 GMC Terrain
49 complaintsEngine
46 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 GMC Terrain
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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