2016 GMC Terrain problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 152 owner complaints on file for the 2016 GMC Terrain, filed between 2016-06-23 and 2026-08-14. The most common problem areas are the engine (46, 30%), visibility/wiper (46, 30%) and power train (11, 7%). Owners reported 9 crashes and 9 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 GMC Terrain complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 46 | 30% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 46 | 30% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 13 | 9% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 11 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 10 | 7% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Air bags | 9 | 6% | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 3% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 2% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Structure | 3 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Visibility | 3 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 46 complaints
- 46 complaints of 152 (30%) name the engine.
- 6 of them also name the power train; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 GMC Terrain covers this system.
Visibility/wiper: 46 complaints
- 46 complaints of 152 (30%) name the visibility/wiper — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 GMC Terrain covers this system.
Power train: 11 complaints
- 11 complaints of 152 (7%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 6 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 GMC Terrain covers this system.
Exterior lighting: 10 complaints
- 10 complaints of 152 (7%) name the exterior lighting — headlights, tail and brake lights and turn signals.
- Owners reported 2 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 GMC Terrain; the recall, campaign 22V137000, says: “A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light.”
Air bags: 9 complaints
- 9 complaints of 152 (6%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 2 of them also name the seat belts; owners reported 5 crashes and 5 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 GMC Terrain covers this system.
Electrical system: 9 complaints
- 9 complaints of 152 (6%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 5 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 GMC Terrain covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2019 | 16 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 22 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 12 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names TERRAIN, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 GMC Terrain recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Terrain?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 GMC Terrain's most common problem areas are the engine (46 of 152 complaints), visibility/wiper (46 of 152 complaints) and power train (11 of 152 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 GMC Terrain have?
NHTSA has 152 owner complaints on file for the 2016 GMC Terrain, including 9 reported crashes.
Is there a recall for the 2016 GMC Terrain's problems?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 GMC Terrain; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.