2026 GMC Terrain recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2026 GMC Terrain and 33 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are unknown or other (9), forward collision avoidance (6), electrical system (5). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is about 25 mpg combined.
The 2026 ranks #2 of 15 Terrain model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with fewer complaints than the average year (168). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
Recalls 1
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2026 GMC Terrain. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Equipment · other · owners/service/other manual
Problem: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”
Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 26, 2026.
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 the evening ofXXX, at approximately 6:00 PM, I was driving this Avis rental vehicle on a highway in [XXX] at normal highway speed, below the posted limit, with my foot on the accelerator. The forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking system activated and applied the brakes hard. There was no vehicle, pedestrian, obstacle, or hazard ahead of me, and no vehicle…
a failing telematics module on your 2026 GMC Terrain is causing network corruption, leading to an erratic speedometer and loss of driver assistance systems while driving.
My vehicle is making a squeaky sound/noise when breaking and getting louder. I took it in for service and they couldn’t seem to find the issue. It’s coming from the front end of the vehicle
Safety ratings
2026 GMC TERRAIN SUV N/A AWD
2026 GMC TERRAIN SUV N/A FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2026 GMC Terrain.
Terrain AWD
Auto 8-spd · 4 cyl · 1.5 L · Turbo
Regular
Terrain AWD Denali/AT4
Auto 8-spd · 4 cyl · 1.5 L · Turbo
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2026 GMC Terrain have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2026 GMC Terrain, most recently for equipment · other · owners/service/other manual (02/26/2026). 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 2026 GMC Terrain?
Based on 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are unknown or other (9), forward collision avoidance (6), electrical system (5).
Is the 2026 GMC Terrain safe?
The 2026 GMC Terrain earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2026 a good year for the GMC Terrain?
The 2026 ranks #2 of 15 Terrain model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with fewer complaints than the average year (168). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2026 GMC Terrain get?
The 2026 GMC Terrain is EPA-rated at about 25 mpg combined.
Own a 2026 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.