This page covers 2 recalls, 385 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 GMC Terrain.
19–26 mpg combined
9–12.4 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 6 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2011 GMC Terrain owner reports, with excessive oil consumption being the single most recurring theme. Owners frequently describe the engine burning through oil between changes, sometimes dramatically so, with the check engine light coming on and, in more serious cases, engine failure following what started as a ticking or knocking noise. Powertrain complaints are the second-largest group, with owners reporting unexpected stalling, loss of power, and the vehicle shutting off while driving, sometimes accompanied by a warning message before shutdown. Several owners describe the vehicle restarting after a few minutes, suggesting an intermittent fault rather than a clean failure. Wiper and visibility complaints round out the top three, though at a lower volume. The oil consumption pattern is consistent enough that it appears across many independent reports, with some owners discovering engine damage only after the problem had progressed well beyond early warning signs.
385
Total Complaints
11
Crash-Related
8
Fire-Related
13
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 GMC Terrain has 2 recalls, the more serious being a headlight housing defect that can scatter excessively bright light above the road and into the eyes of oncoming drivers, reducing their visibility.
The headlight housings reflect light outside the intended beam pattern, which can create glare for other drivers. The second recall involves the ignition and transmission interlock: the park lock mechanism may allow the ignition key to be removed before the transmission is fully in Park, which can allow the vehicle to roll away while someone is getting out.
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
Dealers will install headlamp appliques at no charge to correct the light reflection and comply with safety standards.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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 →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electronic park lock lever may allow you to remove the ignition key even when the transmission is not in PARK, which can lead to unintended vehicle movement.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the key cylinder lock housing if necessary, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
