The Lemon Index2019 GMC Terrain.
The 2019 GMC Terrain is better than average by owner complaints: 73 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 68, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 23 to 32 mpg combined. The best GMC Terrain year is 2017.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 186 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Terrain year. 2019 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 2K to 58K miles on the car (50 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 3
- transmission & drivetrain 2020
The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
- seats 2019
The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.
- brakes 2018
The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
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 1007 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Preliminary information communicates the possibility of the timing chain tesnioner gasket…
- This Preliminary information communicates the possibility of a crank no start or extended…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Terrain SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Terrain SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2300–3450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.5L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Transmission slips from cold start No. Have not taken to Dealer No. No. Warning lights or messages
2019 GMC Terrain owner · NHTSA complaint 11474320
More owner reports
My 2019 GMC Terrain has 21K miles and noticed a oil or transmission leak this morning. I see recalls for other vehicles but none for mine. Linking from a bolt just as the other recall is for.
NHTSA complaint 11442292
Need the option to disable the auto start feature.
NHTSA complaint 11150222
Quick answers
Is the 2019 GMC Terrain reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 68; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Terrain year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2019 GMC Terrain problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (32%), transmission & drivetrain (32%) and electrical (29%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 GMC Terrain have?
3 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2019 GMC Terrain get?
23 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 GMC Terrain safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 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 2019 GMC Terrain problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 2,900 and 58,500 miles. The middle report was at 19,500 miles, from 50 complaints.
Does the 2019 GMC Terrain have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 32% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2019 GMC Terrain cost in fuel a year?
About $2300 to $3450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 GMC Terrain have?
1.5L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What GMC Terrain year is better than the 2019?
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