Is the GMC Terrain more reliable than the Tesla Model Y?

Based on our data, the GMC Terrain is more reliable with an average score of 72/100 compared to 55/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the GMC Terrain or the Tesla Model Y?

The Tesla Model Y has more recalls (83) compared to the GMC Terrain (19). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the GMC Terrain or the Tesla Model Y?

Adjusted for sales volume, the GMC Terrain has a lower complaint rate at 4.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 24.3 for the Tesla Model Y. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

GMC Terrain vs Tesla Model Y: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

GMC Terrain

Good

Tesla Model Y

Mixed

Choosing between the GMC Terrain and the Tesla Model Y? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The GMC Terrain currently leads with an average score of 72/100 compared to 55/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the GMC Terrain and Tesla Model Y Generations Compare?

As of 2023, the Tesla Model Y is in its first generation, initially launched in 2020, with a significant facelift expected in 2025. Being early in its generation cycle, the Model Y might still experience some first-year issues typical of newer platforms, but these are often addressed in subsequent updates. In contrast, the GMC Terrain is currently in its second generation, which started in 2018 and received a facelift in 2022. This mature platform is late in its cycle, suggesting that many initial reliability kinks have been addressed, making it potentially more dependable for buyers seeking a well-sorted model.

Verdict

The GMC Terrain is more reliable than the Tesla Model Y, scoring 72/100 vs 55/100.

The GMC Terrain significantly outperforms the Tesla Model Y in reliability, evidenced by its higher average reliability score of 76/100 compared to Tesla's 41/100. With only 19 recalls over nine years and 4.8 owner complaints per 10,000 vehicles, the Terrain demonstrates a more stable track record than the Model Y, which has 83 recalls over six years and 24.3 complaints per 10,000 vehicles. Additionally, the estimated annual repair cost for the Terrain is $558, providing a clearer cost expectation for maintenance, unlike the unavailable data for the Model Y. The key differentiator lies in the Terrain's lower recall frequency and complaint rate, making it the more reliable choice between the two.

Key Differences

1GMC Terrain has 64 fewer total recalls
2GMC Terrain has 19.5 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3GMC Terrain scores 17 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

3GMC Terrain

—

0Tesla Model Y

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

GMC Terrain vs Tesla Model Y: Which Is More Reliable?

GMC Terrain vs Tesla Model Y at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	GMC Terrain	Tesla Model Y
Reliability Score	72/100	55/100
Years Tracked	9	6
Total Recalls	19	83
Complaints per 10k Sold	4.8	24.3
Year Wins	6	0

What Are the Common Problems With the GMC Terrain and Tesla Model Y?

The Tesla Model Y exhibits a prominent issue with forward collision avoidance, amassing 875 complaints, of which 41 are crash-linked, highlighting a significant safety concern. In contrast, the GMC Terrain's most reported problem lies with the service brakes, totaling 146 complaints, though with fewer crash-linked incidents (8) compared to the Model Y. Additionally, the Tesla Model Y encounters a higher frequency of complaints related to vehicle speed control and steering, with 49 and 60 crash-linked cases, respectively. Overall, the Model Y's problems are more concentrated in safety-critical systems, whereas the Terrain presents a broader spread of issues with fewer severe incidents.

GMC Terrain vs Tesla Model Y common problem areas comparison
Component	GMC Terrain	Tesla Model Y
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	6.3Average
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	3.1Average
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.6Very Low	2.4Low
SERVICE BRAKES	1Very Low	1.9Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.5Very Low	2.3Low
STEERING	0.1Very Low	2.4Low
POWER TRAIN	1Very Low	0.4Very Low
SUSPENSION	—None	0.9Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.1Very Low	0.6Very Low
ENGINE	0.4Very Low	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	0.2Very Low	—None
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—None	0.2Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	—None	0.2Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	0.2Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM	0.1Very Low	—None
SEAT BELTS	—None	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	—None
SEATS	—None	—None
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)	—None	—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: GMC Terrain or Tesla Model Y?

Independent repair cost data suggests that the GMC Terrain incurs an annual repair cost of approximately $558, translating to $2,790 over five years. With an average of 0.3 repair visits per year and a 17% risk of major repairs, owners might face frequent but manageable expenses. On the other hand, specific maintenance costs for the Tesla Model Y are not well-documented, but electric vehicles generally have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance. Considering these factors, the Tesla Model Y might offer better long-term value for cost-conscious buyers, especially those concerned about repair frequency and major repair risks. However, the lack of precise cost data for the Model Y makes a direct comparison challenging.

How Does GMC Terrain vs Tesla Model Y Reliability Compare by Year?

GMC Terrain vs Tesla Model Y year-by-year reliability scores
Year	GMC Terrain	Tesla Model Y	Edge
2025	78/1000R / 8C	70/1002R / 69C	GMC Terrain
2024	77/1001R / 29C	63/1005R / 254C	GMC Terrain
2023	75/1002R / 21C	53/10015R / 997C	GMC Terrain
2022	72/1004R / 65C	50/10018R / 783C	GMC Terrain
2021	74/1002R / 28C	46/10021R / 991C	GMC Terrain
2020	68/1002R / 160C	46/10022R / 264C	GMC Terrain

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 GMC Terrain scored 78/100 and the 2025 Tesla Model Y scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the GMC Terrain vs the Tesla Model Y?

If you prioritize reliability and lower maintenance costs, the GMC Terrain is your best choice. With a reliability score of 76/100, significantly fewer recalls (19), and a modest owner complaint rate of 4.8 per 10,000 sold, it stands out as a dependable option. The estimated annual repair cost is $558, with a repair frequency of just 0.3 times per year, making it a cost-effective vehicle for those who want peace of mind and predictability in their car ownership experience. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the innovative features and brand appeal of Tesla, be prepared for potential reliability issues with the Model Y, which scores 41/100 in reliability. It has faced 83 recalls and has a higher complaint rate of 24.3 per 10,000 sold. Key issues include forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control. Consider the Model Y if cutting-edge technology and driving experience are your top priorities, but be aware of the potential trade-offs in terms of reliability and maintenance.

GMC Terrain vs Tesla Model Y: Common Questions

Is the GMC Terrain more reliable than the Tesla Model Y?: Based on our data, the GMC Terrain is more reliable with an average score of 72/100 compared to 55/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the GMC Terrain or the Tesla Model Y?: The Tesla Model Y has more recalls (83) compared to the GMC Terrain (19). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the GMC Terrain or the Tesla Model Y?: Adjusted for sales volume, the GMC Terrain has a lower complaint rate at 4.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 24.3 for the Tesla Model Y. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More GMC Terrain comparisons

GMC Terrain vs Chevrolet Equinox reliability GMC Terrain vs Toyota RAV4 reliability GMC Terrain vs Honda CR-V reliability GMC Terrain vs Hyundai Tucson reliability GMC Terrain reliability by year GMC Terrain years to avoid

More Tesla Model Y comparisons

Tesla Model Y vs KIA EV6 reliability Tesla Model Y vs Ford Mustang Mach-E reliability Tesla Model Y vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 reliability Tesla Model Y vs BMW X3 reliability Tesla Model Y reliability by year Tesla Model Y years to avoid

Decided between GMC Terrain and Tesla Model Y? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue