2021 GMC Terrain problems and complaints
Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 GMC Terrain. The most-reported areas: Engine (9), Service Brakes (8), Power Train (8).
Key takeaways
- 35 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 4 involve a crash, 0 a fire, 4 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 9 | 26% |
| Service Brakes | 8 | 23% |
| Power Train | 8 | 23% |
| Electrical System | 7 | 20% |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 | 9% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 3 | 9% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 2 | 6% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | 6% |
| Lane Departure | 2 | 6% |
| Suspension | 2 | 6% |
| Fuel System | 2 | 6% |
| Gasoline | 2 | 6% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 GMC Terrain SUV AWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2021 GMC Terrain SUV FWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Engine - filed 2026-09-11
Vehicle Information:Year/Make/Model: 2021 GMC TerrainEngine Type: 1.5L Turbocharged EngineCurrent Mileage: 155,000 miles [1]Description of Safety Defect:I am writing to report a severe, sudden engine and turbocharger failure on my 2021 GMC Terrain that presents an extreme, life-threatening safety hazard. While operat...
Service Brakes - filed 2026-07-12
Vacuum pump failure caused my brakes to lock up and almost caused me to wreck into another vehicle
Service Brakes - filed 2026-07-01
Driving on the Garden state parkway on Sunday night June 28, 2026 I proceed to cross over the ratitan bridge. There was traffic as I was going down the bridge at 70 miles an hour. When I applied the brakes the car would not stop. I had two 6 years old in the backseat. I applied 2 feet to the brake pedal and it was like...
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More for the 2021 GMC Terrain
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.