The Lemon Index2012 GMC Terrain.
The 2012 GMC Terrain is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 38 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 36, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 19 to 26 mpg combined. The best GMC Terrain year is 2017.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 364 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Terrain year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 56K to 105K miles on the car (258 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 62K–110K miles
- wipers & visibility complaints mostly came at 66K–110K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 64K–101K miles
Recalls 4
- lights 2022
A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light.
- electrical 2016
As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta.
- seats 2014
In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
Show all 4 recalls
- tires 2011
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 18, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTO…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems GMC told dealers about
GMC sent dealers 1842 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The front or rear door may not open from the inside or outside handle, the door will not…
- Door lock actuators inoperative - passive entry and/or button press
- On some trucks and passenger vehicles, accessory power outlets (apo) and trailer lighting are
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedMomentary increased steering effort2020–2022
- ClosedFront wiper transmission inoperative2019–2022
- ClosedWindshield wiper transmission failure2018–2019
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Terrain SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Terrain SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2450–3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
2012 GMC Terrain. Consumer states the passenger seats air bag system and construction make the vehicle uncomfortable and initially unsafe for his wife
2012 GMC Terrain owner · NHTSA complaint 10448734
More owner reports
Car crash at 45 mph. Front in damage and air bag did not deploy. Seatbelts did not lock up.
NHTSA complaint 10722057
Quick answers
Is the 2012 GMC Terrain reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 36; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Terrain year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2012 GMC Terrain problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (24%), body structure (16%) and electrical (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Terrain have?
4 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 GMC Terrain get?
19 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 GMC Terrain safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 GMC Terrain problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 56,800 and 105,700 miles. The middle report was at 81,300 miles, from 258 complaints.
Does the 2012 GMC Terrain have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 GMC Terrain cost in fuel a year?
About $2450 to $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 GMC Terrain have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What GMC Terrain year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2017, 2021 and 2016.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works