The Lemon Index2021 GMC Terrain.
The 2021 GMC Terrain is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 17 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 29, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 26 to 27 mpg combined. The best GMC Terrain year is 2017.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 36 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Terrain year. 2021 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.
Recalls 2
- child seat 2023
The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars.
- tires 2021
The tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation.
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 697 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This informational bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and…
- Service Update
- This preliminary information discusses the possibility and repair of water entering a…
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 AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Terrain SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2400–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
When accelerating from a stop between 35-45 mph the steering wheel shakes and you feel a vibration coming from the front wheels. I thought the wheels were loose and were about to come off.
2021 GMC Terrain owner · NHTSA complaint 11548782
Quick answers
Is the 2021 GMC Terrain reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 29; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Terrain year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2021 GMC Terrain problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (29%), transmission & drivetrain (24%) and brakes (24%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Terrain have?
2 safety recalls (latest: child seat). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 GMC Terrain get?
26 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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.
Does the 2021 GMC Terrain have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 24% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 GMC Terrain cost in fuel a year?
About $2400 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 GMC Terrain have?
1.5L 4-cyl.
What GMC Terrain year is better than the 2021?
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