GMC Terrain 2021 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the GMC Terrain 2021 and 36 complaints filed by owners. It has 68% fewer complaints than the average GMC Terrain from 2016–2025 (112 per year).

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Recalls issued for the GMC Terrain 2021

Child seat anchors
NHTSA campaign 23V339000 · 2023-05-11

What happens

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

Consequence

The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232403240.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 23V339000

Tires
NHTSA campaign 21V612000 · 2021-08-05

What happens

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with certain Hankook tires. The tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation.

Consequence

Tread separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the tire DOT numbers, and replace any affected tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782; and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212343560.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 21V612000

Complaints from other owners

36 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

4 with a crash · 4 injuries

Most reported problems on the GMC Terrain 2021

• Engine: 10 (28% of complaints)
• Brakes: 8 (22% of complaints)
• Powertrain and transmission: 8 (22% of complaints)
• Electrical system: 7 (19% of complaints)
• Forward collision avoidance: 3 (8% of complaints)

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a GMC Terrain 2021

• Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
• Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
• Brake hard somewhere safe: the car shouldn't pull to one side and the pedal shouldn't sink; check rotors and pads.
• On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

GMC Terrain recalls by year

• 2016 : 2 recalls · 152 complaints
• 2017 : 1 recall · 135 complaints
• 2018 : 5 recalls · 224 complaints
• 2019 : 3 recalls · 186 complaints
• 2020 : 2 recalls · 197 complaints
• 2021 : 2 recalls · 36 complaints
• 2022 : 2 recalls · 88 complaints
• 2023 : 2 recalls · 40 complaints
• 2024 : 1 recall · 52 complaints
• 2025 : 0 recalls · 13 complaints

Guides for this check

• What is a car recall and how to get it fixed for free
• Pre-purchase inspection for a used car: what to check
• Questions to ask the seller of a used car

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the GMC Terrain 2021 have?

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the GMC Terrain 2021. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

What is the most common problem with the GMC Terrain 2021?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (10 of 36 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.