Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 152 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 GMC Terrain, and it carries 2 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 46 | 30% |
| Engine | 34 | 22% |
| Exterior lighting | 9 | 6% |
| Unknown or other | 8 | 5% |
| Air bags | 5 | 3% |
| Power train | 4 | 3% |
| Steering | 4 | 3% |
| Structure | 3 | 2% |
| Visibility | 3 | 2% |
| Power train | 3 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The timing chain snapped and caused the engine to seize on our 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L SLC-1 SUV/Truck. Since this has occurred multiple times on the 2.4L engines in this model from 2012 - 2016, we believe that there shoul
NHTSA complaint: Engine
For an undetermined amount of time- many months for certain, I have been unable to get the key removed from the ignition when the car is shut off and placed in the locked position. I am forced to start and shut off the c
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
My cousin thought I had a trailing arm bushing was bad on the driver's side. The subframe holding the trailing arm rusted out completely. He was able to put his thumb through it with little pressure when trying to see if
NHTSA complaint: Structure
My 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L Ecotec first stalled while idling at a red light in Raleigh, NC. I restarted it and it sounded different, so I drove it home. The next morning it would not start. The failure occurred at approxim
NHTSA complaint: Power train
Windshield wiper mechanism broke while driving in heavy heavy rain near [XXX] . Extremely dangerous situation and almost resulted in a crash but I was able to make my way off of the interstate safely. Huge inconvenience
NHTSA complaint: Visibility/wiper
During heavy rainfall in the mountains at dawn, my windshield wipers suddenly have stopped working. We can manually move the wipers with ease and can hear the motor engaging but both front wipers suddenly stopped. We wer
NHTSA complaint: Visibility/wiper
My vehicle started turning off suddenly when stopped and then when starting to move. I replaced my rear seal. A week later, I have oil in my timing and my engine no longer works. I have had it checked by a shop. No warni
NHTSA complaint: Engine
I check my oil every time I get gas as to ensure that i don't go below the threshold for the oil, as I know these engines have an oil consumption issue. My terrain started having a loud grinding sound after losing power
NHTSA complaint: Engine
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2016 GMC Terrain. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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 to comply with the requirements of Feder
Risk: If the information on the certification labels is incorrect, the operator may install incorrectly sized tires or rims or may improperly inflate the tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-105
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 comply with the requirements of Federal
Risk: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this re
| Reliability raw | 73 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 75 | good |
| Maintenance | 76 | good |
| Depreciation | 61 | average |
| Performance | 59 | average |
| Efficiency | 43 | below average |
| Safety | 80 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 152 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and visibility/wiper is the most reported area with 46 of them (30%). There are 2 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 73/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 75/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2016 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 69/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.