This page covers 6 recalls, 290 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 GMC Terrain.
20–26 mpg combined
9–11.8 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
The 2010 GMC Terrain draws the most complaints around the engine and drivetrain. On the engine side, owners frequently report stalling while driving, cylinder misfires, and check engine lights coming on, sometimes alongside stability control warning lights. Several owners describe the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly during normal driving, which they say persists even after repairs. The powertrain complaints overlap with these symptoms, often involving warning lights and rough running at highway speeds. The third major complaint area is visibility and wipers, where owners report the front windshield defroster failing when the center console display malfunctions, leaving the glass uncleared in cold conditions. That display failure also tends to knock out the HVAC system at the same time, so heat and defrost go together when it acts up.
290
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 GMC Terrain has 6 recalls, the most serious involving power height-adjustable front seats where a bolt can loosen and fall out, causing the seat to drop suddenly and leaving the driver struggling to see over the wheel or reach the pedals.
On the visibility side, water draining from the windshield cowl area can corrode the wiper transmission link joints over time until the wiper arm separates from its socket, leaving the driver with a non-functioning wiper. The headlights on certain vehicles also reflect excessively bright light above the vehicle, which can create glare for oncoming drivers. A software issue in the center stack can cause the climate controls, defrost, radio, and panel lighting to stop working entirely, which is a concern in cold weather when defogging the windshield is necessary for safe driving. There is also a compliance recall affecting Canadian-market vehicles where the body control module contains a U.S. security data file rather than the Canadian-spec version, though this poses no safety risk.
At a glance
What can fail
The headlight housings reflect light upward and outward, creating excessively bright illumination above the vehicle and outside the driver's view, violating federal lamp safety standards.
What the fix does
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will install headlamp appliques at no charge to correct the light reflection and comply with safety standards.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water drains onto windshield wiper transmission joints, causing corrosion and wear. The wiper link ball can separate from its socket, making wipers stop working and reducing visibility.
What the fix does
Dealers will relocate cowl drain holes and install a wiper module with improved joints.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In areas with road salt, water can drain onto the windshield wiper transmission joint. Over time, salt and moisture cause corrosion and wear, potentially separating the wiper link ball from its socket, disabling the wipers.
What the fix does
Dealers will relocate the windshield cowl drain holes and install a wiper module with redesigned joints.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A bolt securing the power seat height adjuster may loosen and fall out, causing the seat to drop to its lowest position. This could reduce driver visibility and access to controls.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the bolt with a secure fastener.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Software in the Integrated Center Stack can fail, making the heating, air conditioning, defrost, radio controls, and panel lights stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the Integrated Center Stack with a corrected unit.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some Canadian-built vehicles have a U.S. security system data file in the body control module instead of the Canadian version, which doesn't meet Canadian safety standards.
What the fix does
This was corrected during manufacturing starting September 3, 2009. No owner action needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
