The Lemon Index2016 GMC Terrain.
The 2016 GMC Terrain is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 31 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 32, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about wipers & visibility, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 18 to 26 mpg combined. The best GMC Terrain year is 2017.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 152 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Terrain year. 2016 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 32K to 89K miles on the car (63 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 39K–94K miles
- wipers & visibility complaints mostly came at 49K–94K miles
Recalls 2
- 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.
- equipment 2016
The certification labels may have incorrect tire/rim size and cold tire pressure information.
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 1232 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- If a vehicle comes into the dealership with a knock noise, seized engine, lower end squeak or…
- This informational bulletin provides information internal engine noise or damage after oil…
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 $2450–3550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2016 GMC Terrain reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.1× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 32; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Terrain year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2016 GMC Terrain problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (23%), engine (19%) and electrical (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 GMC Terrain have?
2 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 2016 GMC Terrain get?
18 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 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 2016 GMC Terrain problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 32,500 and 89,000 miles. The middle report was at 51,000 miles, from 63 complaints.
Does the 2016 GMC Terrain have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 GMC Terrain cost in fuel a year?
About $2450 to $3550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 GMC Terrain have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What GMC Terrain year is better than the 2016?
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