2021 GMC Terrain Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 22%of 36 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,843miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the brakes of the 2021 GMC Terrain, 22% of the 36 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,843 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.
“Formal Safety Complaint – 2021 GMC Terrain Brake Failure Vehicle: 2021 GMC Terrain Incident Location: Garden State Parkway (NJ) Speed: Approximately 65 mph Incident Description While driving northbound at highway speed, I attempted to change lanes and apply my brakes. When I pressed the brake pedal, it became completely rigid (rock hard) and failed to function. I had no ability to slow the vehicle using normal braking. …”
NHTSA complaint #11747608, filed 2026-07“I was going to my sons home which is located on a steep dowhill street with several turns, one of ther almost 90 degrees.as I started to desend the hill and gain speed, I depressed the foot brake. It did not respond at all. As I continued to gain speed and coming up on the sharp curve, I continued to pump and apply brake . The brakes did not work. I continued to gain speed and go around 2 other turns. …”
NHTSA complaint #11431951, filed 2021-09“When car has been unused for a period of time, the right rear brake makes noise when the car is moved. This happend in either forward or reverse. Even after driving for a short period of time, the noise is still evident. Under warrenty, I asked the dealership to resolve. They indicate this is an ongoing investigation by GM. I purchased the car new in July 2021. This problem has persisted since purchase. I have reported it multiple times to the dealer but they pass it off as GMs problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11600138, filed 2024-07“Driving on the Garden state parkway on Sunday night June 28, 2026 I proceed to cross over the ratitan bridge. There was traffic as I was going down the bridge at 70 miles an hour. When I applied the brakes the car would not stop. I had two 6 years old in the backseat. I applied 2 feet to the brake pedal and it was like a rock and the car would not slow down. I thought I was going to crash. I had to steer and lane change several times to avoid hitting other cars. This has something to do with the driving assist braking system. I was scared to death. If this isn’t a safety concern nothing is. …”
NHTSA complaint #11747599, filed 2026-07“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure had occurred intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving approximately 15-20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond for approximately 1 minute. The vehicle was taken to the Nissan dealer it was purchased several times. …”
NHTSA complaint #11687881, filed 2025-09, 78,843 milesRelated 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.
- 11009102Oct 24, 2024This preliminary information addresses a brake noise concern engineering is investigating at this time.
- 11004762Jun 29, 2024This service bulletin provides diagnostic/repair information to correct customer concerns of a Crank No Start or Extended Crank, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated or…
- 11000550May 3, 2024This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.
- 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 2021 GMC Terrain
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsForward collision avoidance
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsLane departure
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 GMC Terrain
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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