2012 GMC Terrain recalls and problems
The 2012 GMC Terrain has 4 safety recalls and 364 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 GMC Terrain vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 GMC Terrain recalls
Recall 22V-137: Exterior Lighting
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 16V-502: Electrical System, Power Train
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Recall 14V-447: Seats
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 11V-511: Tires
Problem: General motors (Gm) is recalling certain model year 2012 chevrolet equinox and gmc terrain vehicles, manufactured from july 18, 2011, through september 6, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 138, "tire pressure monitoring system" (Tpms). The tire pressure monitoring system is designed to illuminate the tire pressure warning light when the pressure in a tire is 25% below the recommended cold tire pressure. On these vehicles, the light will not illuminate until the tire pressure is more than 25% below the recommended cold tire pressure.
Risk: Underinflated tires can result in tire overloading and overheating, which could lead to a blowout and possible crash. The resulting crash could cause serious injury. Underinflated tires can also result in premature or irregular wear, poor handling, and poor fuel economy.
Fix: Gm dealers will update the body control module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about november 9, 2011. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
2012 GMC Terrain problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 169 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 74 | |
| Power Train | 37 | |
| Unknown or Other | 37 | |
| Electrical System | 32 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 28 | |
| Air Bags | 25 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 13 | |
| Structure | 12 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 11 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 10 | |
| Seat Belts | 9 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 7
- Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor — 5
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 2
- Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 1
- Structure › Body › Door — 1
- Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 81,534 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 2012 GMC Terrain complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other GMC Terrain years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 GMC Terrain: 22V-137 (exterior lighting), 16V-502 (electrical system, power train), 14V-447 (seats), 11V-511 (tires). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 GMC Terrain?
Owners report engine problems most often (169 reports), followed by visibility/wiper (74). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 81,534 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.