2012 GMC Terrain recalls and problems

4 recalls and 364 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 GMC Terrain.

4
recalls
364
owner complaints
17
complaints mentioning a crash
5
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2012 GMC Terrain recalls

Exterior lighting: headlights

NHTSA campaign 22V137000 · reported March 8, 2022 · General Motors, LLC · 740,581 vehicles potentially affected

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

Electrical system: ignition · Power train: automatic transmission, control module (tcm/PCM/tecm)

NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · reported July 5, 2016 · General Motors LLC · 8,367 vehicles potentially affected

The 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."
The risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.

Seats: front assembly, power adjust

NHTSA campaign 14V447000 · reported July 23, 2014 · General Motors LLC · 414,333 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems

NHTSA campaign 11V511000 · reported October 19, 2011 · GENERAL MOTORS LLC · 33,964 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 2, 2026 · Engine

My car has started stalling and dying when i slow down, take off or when idling. No power when accelerated, and the smell of exhaust comes into my car. I was making a turn from a red light and my car spit, sputtered, and died right in the middle of the busy intersection. I was almost hit from the rear and another car…

Mar 9, 2026 · Engine

The engine blew. This was already the 2nd engine in the car. Oil consumption. Metal in the oil. No signs. Needs new engine

Feb 25, 2026 · Engine

The oil is depleting every month from the vehicle. Every 2-3 weeks I have to put oil in the vehicle because the oil is being absorbed. Is there a recall on this problem.

Nov 16, 2025 · Electrical system

1. The engine suddenly lost power while driving during evening rush hour and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. 2. Because the vehicle could not maintain speed, I was unable to keep up with traffic, creating a serious safety hazard that could have resulted in a major accident. 3. The vehicle has been inspected by…

Oct 15, 2025 · Unknown or other

Liftgate automatically closing and failure to remain open causing a safety hazard for anyone standing at the liftgate.

Terrain model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2010 3290100
2011 4386118
2012 4364175
2013 3365142
2014 229772
2015 329991

Across all years, the 2011 Terrain has the most complaints (386). All GMC Terrain years →

Questions

Does the 2012 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 GMC Terrain, the most recent reported on March 8, 2022 (Exterior lighting: headlights). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Terrain?
Owners have filed 364 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (169 complaints), followed by visibility/wiper (74).
How many 2012 GMC Terrain complaints mention a crash or fire?
17 of 364 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 19 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 2, 2026.