2012 GMC Terrain recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 GMC Terrain and 370 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (170), visibility/wiper (74), unknown or other (40). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 19–26 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2012 ranks #14 of 15 Terrain model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with more complaints than the average year (168). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 GMC Terrain. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Exterior lighting · headlights
Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.
Electrical system · ignition
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Seats · front assembly · power adjust
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. 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.
Risk: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
Tires · pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Problem: 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 motor vehicle safety standard number 138, "tire pressure monitoring system" (tpms). The tire pressure monitoring system is designed to illuminate the tire pressure warning light when the pressure in a tire is 25% below the recommended cold tire pressure. On these vehicles, the light will not illuminate until the tire pressure is more than 25% below the recommended cold tire pressure.
Risk: Underinflated tires can result in tire overloading and overheating, which could lead to a blowout and possible crash. The resulting crash could cause serious injury. Underinflated tires can also result in premature or irregular wear, poor handling, and poor fuel economy.
Fix: Gm dealers will update the body control module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about november 9, 2011. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
My car has started stalling and dying when i slow down, take off or when idling. No power when accelerated, and the smell of exhaust comes into my car. I was making a turn from a red light and my car spit, sputtered, and died right in the middle of the busy intersection. I was almost hit from the rear and another car had to go into on coming traffic to avoid T boning me. I too…
The engine blew. This was already the 2nd engine in the car. Oil consumption. Metal in the oil. No signs. Needs new engine
The oil is depleting every month from the vehicle. Every 2-3 weeks I have to put oil in the vehicle because the oil is being absorbed. Is there a recall on this problem.
Safety ratings
2012 GMC Terrain SUV AWD
2012 GMC Terrain SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 GMC Terrain.
Terrain AWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · SIDI; FFV
Gasoline or E85
Terrain AWD
Auto 6-spd · 6 cyl · 3.0 L · SIDI; FFV
Gasoline or E85
Terrain FWD
Auto 6-spd · 6 cyl · 3.0 L · SIDI
Regular
Terrain FWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · SIDI; FFV
Gasoline or E85
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Terrain have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 GMC Terrain, most recently for exterior lighting · headlights (03/08/2022). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Terrain?
Based on 370 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (170), visibility/wiper (74), unknown or other (40).
Is the 2012 GMC Terrain safe?
The 2012 GMC Terrain earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2012 a good year for the GMC Terrain?
The 2012 ranks #14 of 15 Terrain model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with more complaints than the average year (168). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2012 GMC Terrain get?
EPA ratings for the 2012 GMC Terrain range from 19 to 26 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2012 GMC Terrain in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: TERRAIN, Terrain.