Last updated: 2026-03-04

GMC Terrain

1 GMC Terrain Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the GMC Terrain average of 72/100

The GMC Terrain years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 66/100. The best GMC Terrain year to buy is 2025 78/100.

Verdict

The 2018 GMC Terrain scores significantly below the model average of 72/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 66/100 due to service brakes (48) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2021 74/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

GMC Terrain Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the GMC Terrain average of 72/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201866/100Good5201Service Brakes (48)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

2018 GMC Terrain

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).

5 recalls201 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Service Brakes (48), Power Train (38), Electrical System (29), Unknown Or Other (22), Engine (16), Air Bags (11)

View full 2018 reliability report →

What Are Common GMC Terrain Problems?

Top reported issues across all GMC Terrain model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

SERVICE BRAKES

146 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

135 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

92 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

69 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

55 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

29 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2022

Best GMC Terrain Year to Buy Instead

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2021 GMC Terrain

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).

Score: 74/100 (Good)2 recalls28 complaints
View full 2021 reliability report →

All GMC Terrain Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

GMC Terrain Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What GMC Terrain years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following GMC Terrain years: 2018 (score: 66/100). These model years score significantly below the GMC Terrain average of 72/100.
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 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 8 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the GMC Terrain have?
Across all years in our database, the GMC Terrain has a total of 19 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used GMC Terrain worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 78/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 72/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common GMC Terrain problems?
The most common GMC Terrain problems are service brakes (146 complaints), power train (135 complaints), electrical system (92 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the GMC Terrain reliable long-term?
The GMC Terrain has an average reliability score of 72/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which GMC Terrain generation is most reliable?
The most reliable GMC Terrain generation is the Third generation (2025) with an average score of 78/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a GMC Terrain?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the GMC Terrain is $558 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2025 GMC Terrain a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 GMC Terrain is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 78/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 8 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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