Last updated: 2026-03-04
2025 GMC Terrain Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2025 GMC Terrain scores 78/100 ("Good"). With 0 recalls and 8 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2025 is the first model year of the Third generation (2025).
Recalls
0
Complaints
8
Complaint Rate
1.1
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$558
About avgMajor Repair Risk
17%
NHTSA Rating
N/A
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
Generation & Refresh (US)
2025 is the first model year of the Third generation (2025).
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2025 model year.
- 3rd generation Terrain (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Third generation (2025)
Should You Buy the 2025 GMC Terrain?
The 2025 GMC Terrain scores 78/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.
With 8 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train (2). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2026 GMC Terrain. See also the 2024 GMC Terrain for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- No recalls issued
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- POWER TRAIN issues reported (2 complaints)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Key fob and infotainment system (2 complaints)
Compare 2025 GMC Terrain With
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
Score: 72/100
2025 Honda CR-V
Score: 80/100
2025 Toyota RAV4
Score: 84/100
2025 Nissan Rogue
Score: 84/100
2025 Kia Sportage
Score: 82/100
Common Problem Categories
Other
- POWER TRAIN (2)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
- SERVICE BRAKES (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
- STEERING (1)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
The 2025 GMC Terrain has no recalls on record, which is uncommon and a positive indicator of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
1.1
per 10k soldSegment avg: 4.1
Safety Incidents
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2025 GMC Terrain NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 18.5%
Safety Technologies
GMC Terrain Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$558
vs $521 avg for compact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
17%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2025 GMC Terrain
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Check for transmission fluid leaks and verify fluid levels
- Test shifting into park and drive to ensure proper engagement
- Inspect brake system for stiffness and verify brake control module functionality
- Test key fob functionality for unlocking and starting the vehicle
- Verify infotainment system operation and check for update errors
- Inspect windshield for any visual distortions or defects
- Test steering stability at highway speeds for swaying or control issues
Check Any 2025 GMC Terrain's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2025 Terrain in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific GMC Terrain with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2025 GMC Terrain Common Problems by Component
8 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2025 GMC Terrain report issues related to the power train, with symptoms including the vehicle not properly shifting into park and unexpected rolling, as well as difficulties shifting into drive accompanied by warning lights. One complaint describes a crash occurring when the vehicle began to roll as a passenger exited, resulting in a collision with another vehicle. Another owner describes repeated incidents of the vehicle making noises and failing to shift into drive, linked to low transmission fluid levels and a small hose leak, with these problems occurring at approximately 3,500 to 6,300 miles. The safety implications noted include the risk of collision due to unexpected vehicle movement or stalling in traffic. These patterns suggest potential issues with the transmission system that could pose safety risks, especially at relatively low mileage.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners of the 2025 GMC Terrain report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the key fob and infotainment system. Some owners describe an inability to unlock or start the vehicle using either the primary or secondary key fob, with manual entry attempts also failing. Additionally, complaints frequently mention the infotainment system displaying a blank screen while driving, followed by an error message indicating a failed update that requires dealer intervention. These issues are reported without specific mileage details, and there are no mentions of crashes, fires, or loss of vehicle control related to these electrical failures.
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2025 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 40 MPH on wet roads, the brake pedal was depressed, but the brake pedal was stiff, preventing the vehicle from slowing down as intended. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated during the failure. The accelerator pedal was released, and the vehicle rolled to a stop. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, but the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the brake control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately 7 months and 2 weeks later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,126.
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintTop of roof pops when you shut car door, Leaking either transmission fluid or oil, Left turn signal doesn't stay engaged when turning, Side mirror warning lights randomly go off when no car is around. Car is not shifting correctly when driving
VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaintI just purchased a brand new 2025 Terrain. The entire windshield is defective. The glass is distorted and causing visual impairment. It is VERY unsafe. I have contacted the dealership multiple times and have not yet received a response.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintWhen driving down the interstate the vehicle sways and makes steering challenging. Potential lack of control when hitting bumps on road at highway speeds. Taken to the dealership that sold the vehicle. They confirmed the issue. No warnings lights or notifications at this time.
When Do 2025 GMC Terrain Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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).
2025(this page)
0 recalls · 8 complaints
2024
1 recall · 29 complaints
2023
2 recalls · 21 complaints
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
GMC Terrain Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 GMC Terrain reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 GMC Terrain?
How many recalls does the 2025 GMC Terrain have?
Is the 2025 GMC Terrain expensive to maintain?
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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