This page covers 3 recalls, 31 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 GMC Terrain.
26–27 mpg combined
8.7–9 L/100km
Small 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 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Powertrain and engine complaints dominate what 2021 GMC Terrain owners report. On the transmission side, owners describe solenoid control valve body failures that require full transmission replacement. The engine complaints cluster around a recurring "Engine Power Reduced" warning that triggers limp mode, limiting acceleration and causing rough running at highway speeds. Owners frequently connect this to turbocharger issues, with the underboost fault code appearing alongside the warning. Several owners report the symptoms surfacing around 60,000 miles. Brake complaints make up the next significant group, though the reported symptoms there are less consistent across individual accounts. The turbo-related limp mode pattern is the most repeated engine complaint, with the check engine light sometimes clearing on its own before a dealer or independent shop can diagnose it.
31
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 GMC Terrain has 3 recalls, the most serious involving Hankook tires that can shed their tread while driving, causing loss of vehicle control and raising the risk of a crash.
The remaining recall affects the rear-seat child seat LATCH anchor bars, which may have excess coating on them that prevents a child seat from clicking in properly. A child seat that cannot attach to the anchors may not be secured, which raises the risk of injury in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The four rear LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating that prevents child seats from being properly installed using the anchorage bars.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the anchorage bars and remove or replace the finish coating as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
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 →
At a glance
What can fail
Certain Hankook tires on these vehicles may have insufficient curing agent, which could cause the tread to separate from the tire.
What the fix does
Dealers will check your tire DOT numbers and replace affected tires at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Certain Hankook tires manufactured in May 2021 may have a defect that causes the tread to separate while driving.
What the fix does
GM will mail you instructions to bring your vehicle to a dealer for tire inspection and replacement if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
