2016 GMC Terrain recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 GMC Terrain and 153 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (46), visibility/wiper (46), unknown or other (13). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 18–26 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2016 ranks #8 of 15 Terrain model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with fewer complaints than the average year (168). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 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.
Equipment · other · labels
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles manufactured October 16, 2015. The certification labels may have incorrect tire/rim size and cold tire pressure information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: If the information on the certification labels is incorrect, the operator may install incorrectly sized tires or rims or may improperly inflate the tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1050, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 46600.
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
On 10/1/26 I was in an accident where the entire front of the car was pushed in. The air bags did not employ, which resulted in me hitting my ribs on the steering wheel
The timing chain snapped and caused the engine to seize on our 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L SLC-1 SUV/Truck. Since this has occurred multiple times on the 2.4L engines in this model from 2012 - 2016, we believe that there should be a recall as this issue could cause a major accident if the timing chain snaps or breaks while traveling. It had 101000 miles on it when we bought it used…
For an undetermined amount of time- many months for certain, I have been unable to get the key removed from the ignition when the car is shut off and placed in the locked position. I am forced to start and shut off the car for multiple times before I am finally able to remove the key. There is no rhyme no reason as to why the key finally decides to come out. This is obviously c…
Safety ratings
2016 GMC Terrain SUV AWD
2016 GMC Terrain SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 GMC Terrain.
Terrain AWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Terrain AWD
Auto 6-spd · 6 cyl · 3.6 L
Regular
Terrain FWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 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 2016 GMC Terrain have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 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 2016 GMC Terrain?
Based on 153 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (46), visibility/wiper (46), unknown or other (13).
Is the 2016 GMC Terrain safe?
The 2016 GMC Terrain earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2016 a good year for the GMC Terrain?
The 2016 ranks #8 of 15 Terrain model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with fewer complaints than the average year (168). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2016 GMC Terrain get?
EPA ratings for the 2016 GMC Terrain range from 18 to 26 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2016 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.