2016 GMC Terrain Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 153 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the brakes of the 2016 GMC Terrain, 4% of the 153 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 miles. 2 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.
“When brakes are applied the vehicle takes extremely long time to properly stop. Brakes feel soft and fade when applied and I have nearly struck vehicles from the rear several times when attempting to stop. I took the vehicle to an independent mechanic but, no obvious defect were found by the mechanic. I fear that the brakes are not properly functioning in this vehicle and it is a factory defect.”
NHTSA complaint #11255664, filed 2019-09, 28,000 miles“I had a temporary brake failure at 25mph with a hard brake. I had a car pull out in front of me and I had to hard brake. The brake pedal was soft and went all the way to the floor with no braking until it was all the way to the floor and it finally worked with a sudden stop/jolt. When this happened it made a low sort of almost vibration sound. I did not feel a vibration in the brake pedal though. The brakes worked well before that and after that. If the brake would have not suddenly grabbed when the pedal was to the floor I would have hit the car. I was going about 25mph. …”
NHTSA complaint #11196198, filed 2019-04, 36,000 miles“The engine light comes on, then service stabiltrak light comes on. It starts by making it difficult to accelerate at a red stop light when it changes green. When turning a corner, because there is no quick acceleration, it has caused near miss accidents. As time goes on it becomes worse. I have lost power on the expressway and have to pull over. I have brought this car in several times and GMC has not made any repairs. It is scary when a semi is rolling behind you and you can't accelerate to get out of the way. This is a safety issue. I have received no help from GMC.”
NHTSA complaint #11435686, filed 2021-10“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in a driveway on a hill, the contact heard an abnormal snap and the vehicle started to roll down the hill through the neighbor’s yard, and then into the woods. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,780.”
NHTSA complaint #11489336, filed 2022-10, 66,780 miles“Husband was traveling under 25 MPH up hill and two vehicles ahead of him abruptly stopped for unknown reason which resulted in the vehicle in front doing the same causing my husband having to hard brake. As he tried to stop the vehicle the brakes wouldn't respond and car kept rolling resulting in an accident. The ABS controller failed”
NHTSA complaint #11290250, filed 2019-12Related service bulletins
- 11017173Mar 21, 2025This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
- 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.
- 11011779Dec 6, 2024This preliminary information discusses potential for a code C0010.5A to store in the brake controller which appears to be setting falsely or is induced by the customer.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This 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.
- 10253061Mar 4, 2024This Preliminary information communicates that when removing the fuel line jumper hose care should be taken to be sure the line is reinstalled correctly to avoid a no/low fuel…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 12% |
| 2025 | 3 | 23% |
| 2024 | 3 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 8 | 22% |
| 2020 | 72 | 37% |
| 2019 | 72 | 39% |
| 2018 | 83 | 37% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 4% |
| 2015 | 9 | 3% |
| 2014 | 9 | 3% |
| 2013 | 7 | 2% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 2% |
| 2010 | 8 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2016 GMC Terrain
49 complaintsEngine
46 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 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 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