How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Terrain have?

The 2012 GMC Terrain has 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns on record.

How do I check if my 2012 GMC Terrain has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's official recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see open, unrepaired recalls for your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free.

What do owners complain about most on the 2012 GMC Terrain?

Of 500 NHTSA complaints on file, the most-reported component is engine.

2012 GMC Terrain Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2012 GMC Terrain has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 1,197,245 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 500 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 22V137000 2022-03-08 740,581 affected

Defect

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…

Consequence

The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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 16V502000 2016-07-05 8,367 affected

Defect

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…

Consequence

If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

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 14V447000 2014-07-23 414,333 affected

Defect

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…

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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),…

TIRES 11V511000 2011-10-19 33,964 affected

Defect

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…

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Complaints by component

ENGINE

169

132

VISIBILITY/WIPER

POWER TRAIN

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

224

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

AIR BAGS

17114

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

111

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Total complaints500

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“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…”

ENGINE · reported 2026-05-29

“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…”

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · reported 2026-05-29

“Gmc consumer relations subject: structural undercarriage safety defect â€“ 2012 gmc terrain sle vehicle information: year/make/model: 2012 gmc terrain sle vin: [xxx] mileage at purchase: 148,305 date of purchase: [xxx] location: rochester, new york I am filing a complaint regarding a severe…”

POWER TRAIN · reported 2025-09-07

“Gmc consumer relations subject: structural undercarriage safety defect â€“ 2012 gmc terrain sle vehicle information: year/make/model: 2012 gmc terrain sle vin: [xxx] mileage at purchase: 148,305 date of purchase: [xxx] location: rochester, new york I am filing a complaint regarding a severe…”

WHEELS · reported 2025-09-07

“Gmc consumer relations subject: structural undercarriage safety defect â€“ 2012 gmc terrain sle vehicle information: year/make/model: 2012 gmc terrain sle vin: [xxx] mileage at purchase: 148,305 date of purchase: [xxx] location: rochester, new york I am filing a complaint regarding a severe…”

SUSPENSION · reported 2025-09-07

“Liftgate automatically closing and failure to remain open causing a safety hazard for anyone standing at the liftgate.”

UNKNOWN OR OTHER · reported 2025-08-01

“The contact owns a 2012 gmc terrain. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the front driver's side air bag unexpectedly deployed without an impact to the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not…”

AIR BAGS · reported 2025-05-16

“1. The engine suddenly lost power while driving during evening rush hour and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. 2. Because the vehicle could not maintain speed, I was unable to keep up with traffic, creating a serious safety hazard that could have resulted in a major accident. 3. The vehicle…”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · reported 2025-02-12

Defect investigations

Investigation EA19005 Opened 2019-12-13 · closed 2022-11-28

Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative

On December 13, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) upgraded RQ18-002 to an Engineering Analysis (EA19-005) to further assess the MY2010-2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain windshield wiper failures. Due to a prior recall, 16V-582, addressing this issue in the MY2013 subject vehicles, MY2013 was not…

Investigation EA19005 Opened 2019-12-13 · closed 2022-11-28

Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative

Investigation EA19005 Opened 2019-12-13 · closed 2022-11-28

Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative

Investigation PE20009 Opened 2020-06-01 · closed 2022-06-03

Momentary Increased Steering Effort

On June 1, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-009 to investigate instances of a momentary increase in steering effort after the vehicle is driven in a straight line for a period of time due to an issue with the steering gear in model year (MY) 2010 through 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC…

Investigation PE20009 Opened 2020-06-01 · closed 2022-06-03