2010 GMC Terrain recalls and problems

The 2010 GMC Terrain has 3 safety recalls and 290 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
290
Crashes / fires
10 / 0
Injuries / deaths
12 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2010 GMC Terrain vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2010 GMC Terrain recalls

Recall 22V-137: Exterior Lighting

Reported Mar 8, 2022 · 740,581 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.

Recall 14V-447: Seats

Reported Jul 23, 2014 · 414,333 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.

Risk: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.

Recall 09V-489: Visibility

Reported Dec 23, 2009 · 59,031 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: General motors is recalling certain model year 2010 chevrolet equinox and gmc terrain vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 103, "windshield defrosting and defogging systems and with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 101, controls and displays". The software in the center instrument panel can cause the heating, air conditioning, defrost, and radio controls, as well as the panel illumination to become inoperative.

Risk: Driving without a functioning defrost system can decrease your visibility under certain driving conditions and could result in a crash without warning.

Fix: Dealers will replace the computer module in the center instrument panel free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during january 2010. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463 or at www.gmownercenter.com.

2010 GMC Terrain problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine107
Power Train51
Electrical System48
Visibility/Wiper40
Air Bags24
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)21
Vehicle Speed Control17
Unknown or Other16
Visibility14
Fuel/Propulsion System14
Engine and Engine Cooling12
Steering12

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 8
  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 2
  • Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 1
  • Power Train › Axle Assembly — 1
  • Power Train › Driveline — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 74,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2010 GMC Terrain complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Jun 10, 2026
I am reporting an auto dealership and its finance company for contract fraud, electronic profile manipulation, and using illegal repossession threats to cover it up. During my vehicle purchase, the dealership used deceptive bait-and-switch tactics. They altered my final contract numbers without my consent, hid account ledgers, and changed how my down payment was applied. Crucially, they entered falsified financial metrics and manipulated personal tracking data within the electronic underwriting systems and lending networks to force a loan approval that never should have happened. The business…
Engine · reported Apr 21, 2026
I bought this car and the mileage said 120K, but the title says when it was tagged 157K. the car has been tampered with and the some of the lights for the car on the dash are missing, such as the check engine light. Also, it misses so bad that it will die at times
Visibility · at 114,000 miles · reported Dec 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the center console display intermittently malfunctioned and became inoperable. During the failure, the HVAC system was no longer blowing hot air, and the front windshield could not be defrosted, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. Additionally, the radio had become inoperable, and the audible clicking from the turn signal was muted. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA…
Engine · at 120,000 miles · reported Dec 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service stabili-trak and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to O’Reilly Auto Parts, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that there was no compression in cylinder #3. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was…
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Nov 25, 2024
Reduce spreed unknown if related to fuel pressure regulator since repaired twice told could be to service bulletin. Warning lights keeps appearing while driving at a speed of 40 to 50 mph.

Other GMC Terrain years

Compare all GMC Terrain years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 GMC Terrain have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2010 GMC Terrain: 22V-137 (exterior lighting), 14V-447 (seats), 09V-489 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2010 GMC Terrain?

Owners report engine problems most often (107 reports), followed by power train (51). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 74,000 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.