2021 GMC Terrain
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 9 of 34 complaints (26%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Brakes include more reported injuries (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 195 in 2020 to 34 in 2021.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | vs. 2021 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,250–3,350 | 2,300–3,350 | 2,300–2,400 | 2,300–2,400 | 2,400 | |
| Combined MPG | 23–32 | 23–27 | 26–27 | 26–27 | 26 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 21–28 / 26–39 | 21–26 / 26–30 | 25 / 28–30 | 25 / 28–30 | 24 / 28–29 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 317–386 | 325–386 | 329–342 | 330–342 | 338–347 | |
| Complaints filed | 182 | 195 | 34 | 85 | 38 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 7 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 2 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 12 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Terrain have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2021 GMC Terrain?
Engine: 9 of 34 NHTSA complaints (26%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2021 GMC Terrain get?
EPA rates it 26–27 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 GMC Terrain?
EPA estimates $2,300–$2,400 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 9-spd | 4 | 1.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 25 mpg | 30 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | $2,300 (low) | 329 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 9-spd | 4 | 1.5L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 25 mpg | 28 mpg (low) | 26 mpg (low) | $2,400 (high) | 342 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 8 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR · Campaign 23V339000 · May 11, 2023
Defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Consequence: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232403240.
TIRES; TIRES:TREAD/BELT · Campaign 21V612000 · Aug 5, 2021
Defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with certain Hankook tires. The tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation.
Consequence: Tread separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tire DOT numbers, and replace any affected tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782; and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212343560.