The Lemon Index2014 GMC Terrain.
The 2014 GMC Terrain is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 48 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 42, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 2 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 297 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Terrain year. 2014 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 49K to 101K miles on the car (194 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 64K–109K miles
- wipers & visibility complaints mostly came at 67K–94K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 19K–92K miles
Recalls 2
- visibility 2022
The ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode, causing one or both windshield wipers to fail.
- 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.
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 1699 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Gmc/chevrolet/buick: transmission pump needs inspecting due to engine cranking but fails to…
- General motors 2014-2015 chevrolet equinox, gmc terrain equipped with 2.4 l engine: vehicles…
- If a vehicle comes into the dealership with a knock noise, seized engine, lower end squeak or…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- 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, 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
While driving truck with air conditioner on ignition key gets extremely hot. This does not happen if truck is idling. This has been reported to dealership.
2014 GMC Terrain owner · NHTSA complaint 10618956
More owner reports
Nothing works anymore. The sound that controls onstar, seatbelt, blinker, turning signal, chime, and other notifications.
NHTSA complaint 10984207
I was driving my Terrain yesterday, and went to adjust my heater vent and when I bumped my ignition key, it went into the accessory position, shutting off the engine and power steering
NHTSA complaint 10790449
Quick answers
Is the 2014 GMC Terrain reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 42; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Terrain year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2014 GMC Terrain problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (21%), engine (21%) and transmission & drivetrain (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2014 GMC Terrain have?
2 safety recalls (latest: visibility). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2014 GMC Terrain get?
19 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2014 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 2014 GMC Terrain problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 49,500 and 101,000 miles. The middle report was at 79,000 miles, from 194 complaints.
Does the 2014 GMC Terrain have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 15% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2014 GMC Terrain cost in fuel a year?
About $2450 to $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2014 GMC Terrain have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What GMC Terrain year is better than the 2014?
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