Last updated: 2026-03-04
GMC Terrain Reliability by Year
The GMC Terrain averages 72/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
GMC Terrain Reliability Overview
The GMC Terrain, covering model years 2018 to 2026, has an average reliability score of 76/100, categorized as good. Commonly reported issues include power train and electrical system malfunctions, with varying severity across different model years. Owners should consider the medium reliability rating of 3.5/5 and an estimated annual repair cost of $558, which is slightly above the compact SUV average, when evaluating this vehicle for purchase.
Current generation: 3rd gen (2025–present).
Best & Worst GMC Terrain Years
Best GMC Terrain Years to Buy
The best GMC Terrain year is 2025 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (77/100) and 2023 (75/100).
GMC Terrain Years to Avoid
The worst GMC Terrain year is 2018 with a score of 66/100, primarily due to service brakes (48) issues.
See full GMC Terrain years-to-avoid analysis →GMC Terrain Reliability Score Trend
GMC Terrain reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 76/100 compared to 69/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 78/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 GMC Terrain
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 GMC Terrain has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 GMC Terrain.
2025 GMC Terrain
0 recalls · 8 complaints
The 2025 GMC Terrain has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 8 owner complaints on file for the 2025 GMC Terrain. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (2), Electrical System (2), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (1).
2024 GMC Terrain
1 recalls · 29 complaints
The 2024 GMC Terrain has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 29 owner complaints on file for the 2024 GMC Terrain. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (13), Unknown Or Other (4), Electrical System (3).
2023 GMC Terrain
2 recalls · 21 complaints
The 2023 GMC Terrain has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 21 owner complaints on file for the 2023 GMC Terrain. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (5), Fuel Propulsion System (3), Unknown Or Other (2).
2022 GMC Terrain
4 recalls · 65 complaints
The 2022 GMC Terrain has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 65 owner complaints on file for the 2022 GMC Terrain. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Fuel Propulsion System (14), Fuel System, Gasoline (10), Unknown Or Other (8).
2021 GMC Terrain
2 recalls · 28 complaints
The 2021 GMC Terrain has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 28 owner complaints on file for the 2021 GMC Terrain. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (6), Electrical System (5), Unknown Or Other (3).
2020 GMC Terrain
2 recalls · 160 complaints
The 2020 GMC Terrain has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 160 owner complaints on file for the 2020 GMC Terrain. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Service Brakes (39), Power Train (23), Unknown Or Other (20).
2019 GMC Terrain
3 recalls · 163 complaints
The 2019 GMC Terrain has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 163 owner complaints on file for the 2019 GMC Terrain. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (46), Service Brakes (34), Electrical System (22).
2018 GMC Terrain
5 recalls · 201 complaints
The 2018 GMC Terrain has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 201 owner complaints on file for the 2018 GMC Terrain. Severity signals include 13 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Service Brakes (48), Power Train (38), Electrical System (29).
GMC Terrain Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$558
Repair Frequency
0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk
17%
$37 above the compact SUVs average of $521/yr.
Ranked #22 of 26 among compact SUVs.
GMC Terrain Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable GMC Models
Compare all GMC models by reliability
Compare GMC Terrain With Similar SUVs
The GMC Terrain competes with other compact suvs such as Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4.
Chevrolet Equinox reliability
9 years tracked · 1623 complaints
Honda CR-V reliability
9 years tracked · 5017 complaints
Toyota RAV4 reliability
8 years tracked · 2734 complaints
Nissan Rogue reliability
9 years tracked · 2539 complaints
Kia Sportage reliability
9 years tracked · 810 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the GMC Terrain reliable?
- The GMC Terrain has good reliability with an average score of 72/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the GMC Terrain?
- The best year for the GMC Terrain is 2025 with a reliability score of 78/100, rated good. It has 0 recalls and 8 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 GMC Terrain analysis →
- What are the GMC Terrain years to avoid?
- The GMC Terrain years to avoid include 2018 (66/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a GMC Terrain?
- The GMC Terrain has an estimated annual repair cost of $558, which is $37 above the compact SUVs average of $521. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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