2021 Gmc Terrain problems
The GMC Terrain is a crossover SUV by American manufacturer General Motors under its GMC marque. Sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Equinox, the first-generation Terrain was built on GM's Theta platform, while the second-generation model is currently built on the Delta platform. The Terrain is the smallest GMC vehicle, slotted below the Acadia. It also indirectly replaced the Pontiac Torrent which was typically sold via the same dealerships prior to General Motors dropping the Pontiac brand.
First generation (2010)
The 2010 Terrain debuted in April 2009 at the New York International Auto Show, introduced as a replacement for the Pontiac Torrent, which ended production after GM shut down the Pontiac brand in 2010. Although the preceding Pontiac Torrent had the same Theta platform, the Torrent was a rebadged version of the original Chevrolet Equinox from 2005 to 2009, while GM decided to differ the look of the Chevrolet Equinox with its 2010 Terrain and still use the Theta platform. Early 2010 models had the GM Mark of Excellence logo applied on the sides of the vehicle.
The Terrain initially came in SLE and SLT trims. For the 2013 model year, a Denali trim was added, featuring additional chrome trim and slightly improved interior quality, the 3.6-liter SIDI V6 that is shared with the 2012 Cadillac SRX, and firmer front struts. The Denali also offers cross-traffic detection, blind-spot warning, and a power passenger seat as options. A low-end SL trim was added for 2015.
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Common 2021 Gmc Terrain problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2021 GMC Terrain, several common problems have been reported:
- HVAC System Problems: Some owners have experienced HVAC system woes in the Terrain, including issues like the heater blowing cold air instead of warm air, water leaks, strange odors, and reduced heating/cooling performance. These problems can impact the comfort and usability of the vehicle's climate control system.
These common problems reported by owners of the 2021 GMC Terrain highlight various issues that can affect the vehicle's performance, safety, and overall driving experience. Addressing these concerns promptly and effectively is crucial to maintaining the optimal functionality and safety of the vehicle.
What is the common problem with the GMC Terrain?
Including the terrain SUV from 2018 to 2019.. The issue is an inadequate coating on the rear brake caliper Pistons.
Are there any recalls on a 2021 GMC Terrain?
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with certain Hankook tires. The tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation.
How many miles will a 2021 GMC Terrain last?
How Long Do GMC Terrains Last? The average lifespan for passenger vehicles is around 200,000 miles. The GMC Terrain life expectancy is above the average at around 300,000 miles. If you drive an average of 15,000 miles per year, you could be driving the same vehicle for 20 years with no major problems.
How long do GMC Terrain engines last?
However, with good care and regular maintenance, a GMC Terrain can provide exceptional longevity and durability. On average, a well-maintained GMC Terrain can last 200,000 miles or more. This can vary depending on usage patterns, but it showcases the vehicle's reliability and quality.
What is the common problem of GMC Terrain?
GMC Terrains can last up to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. Some of the top GMC Terrain problems include malfunctioning air bags, engine issues, and a faulty transmission.
Are there any recalls on a 2021 GMC Terrain?
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with certain Hankook tires. The tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation.
Is the GMC Terrain a reliable car?
The 2024 GMC Terrain has a predicted reliability score of 88 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
How long do GMC Terrain engines last?
However, with good care and regular maintenance, a GMC Terrain can provide exceptional longevity and durability. On average, a well-maintained GMC Terrain can last 200,000 miles or more. This can vary depending on usage patterns, but it showcases the vehicle's reliability and quality.
2021 Gmc Terrain car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc Terrain problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Power train problems
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Gmc Terrain vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Gmc Terrain complaints
The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Gmc Terrain.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3GKALMEV5ML
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact owned a 2021 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while the brake pedal was depressed, it was released and the vehicle suddenly accelerated aggressively. The contact attempted to avoid crashing into the vehicle in front and swerved however the front of the vehicle still impacted the vehicle in front. The air bags deployed upon impact. A police report was filed. The contact stated no medical attention was provided, but did suffer bruises from the air bag and seat belt. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-30
- VIN: 3GKALPEV8ML
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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. In reviewing other similar complaints for the 2020 model, it was resolved by changing the brake pads to a different material. Surely GM can find a cure after 3 years since production.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-20
- VIN: 3GKALPEV6ML
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: The car has revved high rpm's since purchase, with multiple attempts to get it resolved . Since then, the steering wheel has jerked out of my hand's multiple times, unexpecting, causing the car to jerk while being stopped. The car has also not budged in the middle of traffic while being in drive and the pedal down to the floor until at least a 10 second delay and when doing so the screen that includes the radio, etc panel has completely blacked out and started twitching
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-29
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3GKALPEV1ML
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I was in a in a 70 miles an hour highway accident and was hit in front driver side door, went up embankment and hit a tree then rolled backwards onto the highway. No airbags deployed.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-06
- VIN: 3GKALTEV1ML
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: When accelerating from a stop between 35-45 mph the steering wheel shakes and you feel a vibration coming from the front wheels. I thought the wheels were loose and were about to come off.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-06
- VIN: 3GKALMEV5ML
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 GMC Terrain. The contact stated upon pressing the Push to Start button, the vehicle failed to start after several attempts, and the battery drained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle restarted after a while. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while at a complete stop at a traffic light. The contact also stated that the vehicle stalled while driving on two separate occasions. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. On one occasion, the vehicle restarted after several attempts and was driven to the dealer; however, on the other occasion, the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle but could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V013000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-09
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 3GKALTEV1ML
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Automatic Emergency brakes have unnecessarily or prematurely activated on 2 separate occasions causing my car to stop very abruptly which has resulted in Neck, Shoulder and back pain. I have been very lucky in the recent past and today that a vehicle was not directly behind me. The seat vibrated first when it sensed the car ahead was breaking. When I started to break, the emergency break kicked in. I did not report this the first time because I thought the car was doing what it was supposed to do. Today was unnecessary. No accident and no police report. I do plan on telling the dealership.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-13
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3GKALTEV7ML
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: I was backing out of a parking spot when I came in contact with a vehicle going east bound in the parking lot the contact was on the rear right side of my vehicle before I could do anything my vehicle sped up and proceeded to go forward jump a curb I had my foot on the brakes when I realized I wasn’t stopping and heading for a garage I turned right trying to avoid the garage but still hit the corner of garage causing damage then vehicle stopped and shut down.The Vehicle is still being repaired the mechanic said there was damage to a box and cable going to transmission but couldn’t say if it was the fault reported to police end insurance but haven’t gotten any response reported it to General Motors but haven’t gotten a response
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-07
- VIN: 3GKALVEV0ML
- Components: SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Just purchased this vehicle has about 64500 miles on it. When accelerating between 40-55 (hard acceleration) my vehicle wobbles really bad, seems like a tire issue. Have had the front end looked at, and tires all balanced and inspected. Noting out of the ordinary. Then all of a sudden my rear view back up camera works, but my back up assist symbols are not showing/working. I checked the settings and they are turned on. To top off the cake, when the weather is cold outside my windshield wiper fluid will not spray from the front windshield or rear, then when it warms up or is parked in a garage it works again. I have made sure the correct wiper fluid is added as well so it does not freeze. But apparently it is getting stuck somewhere......
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-13
- VIN: 3GKALPEV9ML
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Recently I have noticed that the back brakes squeak and sound like they are grinding when backing up. Also every now and then the information screen will go black for a while then turn back on could be a few seconds or several minutes. 23,900 on car
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-26
- VIN: 3gkalpev1ml
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: There is a rattle in the b pillar/roof area. They have attempted to fix it 4 or more times by adding adhesive between layers of metal. The fix that other dealerships have done per reading online involves cutting through metal. This would affect the integrity of the body/ frame of the car.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-17
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns 2021 GMC Terrain. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle and attempting to shift the vehicle to drive, the vehicle inadvertently reversed. The contact depressed the brake pedal. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shift selector was stuck in park(P) position while the instrument panel was displaying that the vehicle was in neutral. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not replicate the failure; however, the vehicle remained under observation at the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-03
- VIN: 3gkalmev8ml
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: While driving my vehicle and talking on the phone, the radio screen went black. Bluetooth or nothing in connection to it was working. After about 2 hours it came back on. I was told to bring to dealership to be checkout, but it came back on. I'm going to take it to the dealership. My vehicle has 13,000 miles on it.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-30
- VIN: 3GKALMEV0ML
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I dropped my son off at school and he mistakenly took my car keys into school with him, and somehow I was able to drive all the way home, 4.5 miles, with no key in the car and no warning to stating the remote wasn't in the car. The issue with this is if I'd driven further, perhaps to another state, or even driven somewhere at night, I would have been stranded once I turned the car off. There was no indication that the remote wasn't in the car, and the car never cut off. I only knew the remote was gone once I arrived home and turned off the ignition. That's when the message displayed that the remote wasn't in the car. I had to call an Uber to go back to my son's school to get the key. This could have been a disaster had I driven further or not had the funds to get back to my son's school. Not to mention if a car thief had someone occupied my car and driven off in it. They could have gotten as far as they wanted (or gas would allow) before the car shut-off as long as they didn't turn off the car. I stopped at stop lights and stop signs and the car just kept going. The issue should be looked into and addressed immediately. This just occurred yesterday. The vehicle has not been inspected and this was the first time anything like that has happened. I normally receive a warning message if my remote isn't in the car even if it's just in the house. This is clearly a defect that needs to be fixed.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-30
- VIN: 3GKALTEV0ML
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: My 2021 gmc terrain with 6000 miles on odometer. When driving up hill or going around corner transmission shudders so bad that it feels like front tires are coming off. I contacted the dealer and gm and was told there is a tsb for this complaint. GM and dealer acknowledged there was a problem but they didn't have a fix or known cause of problem
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-18
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3GKALMEV7ML
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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. AT THE END OF THE STREET i HAD A CHOICE TO CONTINE STRAIGHT AHEAD AND HIT A HOUSE, TURN RIGHT AND CONTINUE DOWN ANOTHER STEEP STREET UNTIL I HIT A HOME AT THE END OF THE STREET OR TRY TO TURNLEFT ANDGO UP HILL. i TURNE LEFT UP THE HILL AND FINALLY GOT STOPPED BEFOR i COULD PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK OR APPLY THE BRAKE I BEGAINTO ROLL BACKWARDS ON THE STEEP INCLINE . i ROLLED BY ANDHIT A CURB, JUMPED INTO THE YARD AND HIT A BUSH,SMALL TREE AND AN ELECTRIC GROUND TRANSFORMER, COMING TO RESET ABOUT 4 FEET OF THE GROUND ON TOP OF THE TRNSFORER.. tHE UTILITY WORKERS SAID THAT I WAS LUCKY NOT TO GET EECTROCUTED. tHIS VEHICLE WASPURCHASED ABOUT 7 DAY PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, THE BRAKES SIMPLY FAILED ADDID NOT WORK AT ALL
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-19
- VIN: 3GKALTEV0ML
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: When driving car starting from a red light/getting on freeway or after making turn from a stop light when accelerating between 45 and 60 car shakes when shifting. Problem is getting worse. Car only has 6000 miles on it. I reported it to local gmc dealer and I was told GM is aware of the problem and they do not have a solution. They mentioned there is a TB out for several models that customers have reported same problem
2021 Gmc Terrain recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2021 Gmc Terrain.
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR
- Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
- Consequence: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232403240.
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with certain Hankook tires. The tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation.
- Consequence: Tread separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tire DOT numbers, and replace any affected tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782; and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212343560.
Negative 2021 Gmc Terrain car reviews
Positive 2021 Gmc Terrain car reviews
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So glad to hear that you're enjoying everything so far, even though it's only week two!
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I really appreciate the Terrain, especially the memory seat. However, I have to say that the rear view camera is not my favorite. In fact, it's the worst one I've had in my last 4 SUVs, and I get a new one every year. I've also tried the Buick Encore GS, Jeep, and Chevy Equinox.
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Hi there! I noticed that you mentioned a small gas tank. Have you considered upgrading to a larger one? It might save you some trips to the gas station!
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This vehicle was on the showroom floor and it contained most of the accessories we wanted. We were even given the backseat VDR for free, although we had to pay for the installation cost. Overall, we are very happy with the vehicle we chose. It has the style, make, and model that we wanted, and we were able to get it at the Edmunds projected price.
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I really appreciate my 2021 GMC Terrain. The ride is fantastic and it has a great SUV feel to it. I would definitely purchase another one in a heartbeat.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Gmc Terrain problems:
2021 GMC Terrain Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Jan 8, 2024 ... What Common Problems Does the 2021 GMC Terrain Have? Common problems found on the 2021 GMC Terrain include delayed gear changes, stereo system ...
2021 GMC Terrain Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Noises And Leaks · Transmission Minor · Engine Major · Transmission Major · Steering And Suspension · Brakes · Climate System.
Service Issues | GMC Terrain Forum
Known GMC Terrain Issues · mfvancop · Mar 29, 2023. 4 ... May 26, 2021. 0. 2K. May 26, 2021. by MacroAlan ... Recall Alert: 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and 2012 GMC ...
2021 GMC Terrain Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2021 GMC Terrain? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2021 GMC Terrain Problems, Issues, Complaints - Is Your Car A ...
So far, consumer complaints to NHTSA about the 2021 GMC Terrain total 6. There has been 1 recall that affects tire tread that may separate and result in a loss ...
Other years of Gmc Terrain
Are you having problems with your 2021 Gmc Terrain?
Adonis Borer 2024-11-19
After buying, I put the back windows down for some fresh air and experienced what is called the helicopter effect. It was so noisy that my ear drums hurt and the doors and vehicle shook so badly that I thought the doors were going to come off. Unfortunately, this only happens at high speeds on the highway. If I had to make the decision again, I would not buy this vehicle.
Lesley Boyle 2024-10-03
Replaced the axle to address the whining noise between 20-28 MPGM, but unfortunately, the issue persists. While it may not be as loud, there is currently no known fix. However, we can still confidently assure you that this issue will not affect the performance of your vehicle. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will work to ensure that your next vehicle meets your expectations.
Ryley Fahey 2024-09-21
I am sorry to hear about the issues you have experienced with your 2020 Terrian. It sounds like you have had a frustrating experience with the car, especially with the rear window wiper, the sunroof, and the shifting. It must have been disappointing to have to take it to the shop five times. I hope that GM can resolve the issues for you soon. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Herminio Nienow 2024-09-05
The seats are highly uncomfortable and the vehicle performs poorly on slick roads. Additionally, the computer system can be unreliable and may leave you stranded. It is not recommended to purchase a Terrain.
Diego Ortiz 2024-09-03
The drive train feels underpowered when trying to maintain speeds between 35 to 45 mph while following traffic on NH roads. The transmission tends to grind, giving the impression of being in a high gear while going too slow. However, I found that selecting the best gear in L mode helps to reduce the grinding significantly. When driving at higher speeds on the highway, the car runs fine. Although I was disappointed with the grinding issue, everything else works well and it is a nice car. I paid a high price for this car and got an extra warranty, but unfortunately, I am not satisfied with its performance. Despite this, I appreciate the car's features and will consider other options before trading it in.