GMC TERRAIN · model year

2016 GMC TERRAIN

174 NHTSA complaints, 12 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016GMCTERRAIN carries 174 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 12 crashes, 0 fires, 12 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2016 TERRAIN is visibility/wiper with 44 filings, followed by engine (42) and unknown or other (12). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2016 TERRAIN. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

174
Complaints
12
Crashes
0
Fires
12
Injuries
0
Deaths
2016 GMC TERRAIN — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2016 GMC TERRAIN. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

174 filings

Crashes Reported

12 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
VISIBILITY/WIPER44
ENGINE42
UNKNOWN OR OTHER12
POWER TRAIN10
EXTERIOR LIGHTING10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9
AIR BAGS9
STEERING6
SERVICE BRAKES5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
SEAT BELTS3
WHEELS3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
STRUCTURE:BODY2
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)2

Recalls (2)

16V44900021/06/2016

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles manufactured October 16, 2015. The certification labels may have incorrect tire/rim size and cold tire pressure information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Feder

22V13700008/03/2022

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal

Recent Complaints

20260217ENGINE

Carr paused, and then stopped in the middle of the highway, without any warning lights or identifiers. Other vehicles had to come to abrupt stops or even veer to avoid hitting me the manufacturer is aware, and has had a large lawsuit settlement due to a faulty rear seal causes massive internal oil consumption without any warning to the operator of of the vehicle. My research has shown that it is a catastrophic common issue with this vehicles model and year a certified GMC dealership has identified this as the reason for the sudden shut down without warning, not one warning light illuminated to indicate low or any other issue. The car has had regular oil changes and maintenance. This well-known defect should normally be caused for alarm and the safety of drivers would also for a mass recall.

20260203ENGINE

excessive oil consumption....caused engine to fail....yes, car is available for inspection ...caused the car to lag and initially break down without any warning lights ...confirmed form dealer new engine needed...law suits in other states have proven that this seal problem has been known to GMC for years and they haven't repaired these faulty parts...again, no warning lights came on...please assist

20260115ENGINE

I bought the vehicle in November of 2025. No warning lights or problems running. Check the engine oil upon purchase and have the dealership sticker showing oil change was recently done and oil showed that it was full. Approximately 3 weeks after purchasing, the car starting idling rough and stalled a few times during my commute to work. The check engine light came on and it showed that the vvt was a possible solution for the code P0014 this was on December 12th 2025. I replaced the suspected part with no change in vehicle condition. I checked the oil and found that it was empty/no oil on dipstick. I had to add 5 quarts of oil and then it showed it was in the safe zone on the dip stick. Today (January 15th 2026) I checked the oil again and it showed no oil on the dipstick. I had to add 2 quarts for it to be at the bottom of the safe zone on the dipstick.

20260114VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

the car is having stability control issues

20251217CrashAIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, a second vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle. During the crash, the vehicle sustained severe damage to the front passenger side, but no air bags inside the cabin of the vehicle deployed. The driver of the other vehicle reported no injuries, and the air bags in her vehicle did deploy. The contact was transported from the scene of the crash to the local hospital with multiple injuries that included a head contusion and burn, left knee contusion, right hand, and right foot contusions. A police report was taken at the scene, and the vehicle was towed to the local collision center. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 129,000.

Mileage: 129,000

20250910VISIBILITY/WIPER

The windshield wipers quit working while driving during a down pour; some piece to the motor broke. This can cause severe injuries and even death due to the fact that it caused me to not be able to see where I was going and what was around me and could have driven off a high ramp. It hasn’t been inspected by anyone yet. There were no signs, warnings, or messages stating a failure may occur. This issue is available for review if requested until I get the car in for repairs. Will request to keep the part that is repaired Incase it’s needed for review after the fact.

20250905CrashSERVICE BRAKES

I was driving my morning commute to work, when I came upon a stop light. I was pressing the brakes and the brakes failed to engage which caused me to hit a car in front of me. I did not have any warnings that the brakes were defective. The warning on the dash did not indicate that there was anything wrong with brakes. I had my set belt, was going the speed limit and my brakes just gave out. I have injury’s to my arms, shoulder, neck, and head. The other vehicle driver was not hurt. Thank the Lord.

20250905CrashFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

I was driving my morning commute to work, when I came upon a stop light. I was pressing the brakes and the brakes failed to engage which caused me to hit a car in front of me. I did not have any warnings that the brakes were defective. The warning on the dash did not indicate that there was anything wrong with brakes. I had my set belt, was going the speed limit and my brakes just gave out. I have injury’s to my arms, shoulder, neck, and head. The other vehicle driver was not hurt. Thank the Lord.

20250828POWER TRAIN

On or around August 15th I was in traffic and my 2016 GMC TERRAIN just shut off in the middle off traffic almost causing the car behind me to hit me is the rear. I got it started and then slowed down for a car that was turning in frount of me and it shut off again almost causing another car to rear end me. There where no warning light no warning at all just shut off I called a flat bed and it was taken to Clintscales Chevrolet in Belton Sc. They have informed me that it is a problem with the timing chain causing me to need a new motor. I have done research and it shows Gm has had problems with this problem in numerous engines in this year. This is so dangerous it puts life's in danger by shutting of in traffic with no warning at all.

20250820VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield became foggy. The driver rolled down the windows to clear the windshield and the glass; however, the windshield became foggier. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and clear the windshield by hand. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the windshield was collecting excessive moisture from the air inside the vehicle but was unable to provide a specific diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.

Mileage: 93,000

20250728VISIBILITY/WIPER

The windshield wipers became inoperable due to a ball joint failure within the wipers. The parts are available for inspection. The safety of myself and others were put at risk as it was raining heavily after sundown and I could no longer see through my windshield due to the rain not being cleared off by windshield wipers. The visibility issue could have caused an accident, especially if the car in front of me had slammed on breaks. The problem has not been addressed by a dealer but I will be doing that in the following weeks. No one has inspected the component. I did not get any warning lamps or messages. The wipers just immediately stopped.

20250707ENGINE

Excess Oil consumption

20250624VISIBILITY/WIPER

I was driving on an interstate highway. I entered a construction zone restricted to two lanes.(one each way). It began to rain very hard, after a short time of starting the front windshield wipers; both stopped. There was a total failure of both wipers with out any warning and a total loss of vision due to a rain covered windshield. Due to the restricted traffic lanes in the interstate construction zone there was no shoulder on either side to pull off onto and no way to exit the interstate traffic flow for several miles. I was able to avoid a crash and exit the interstate after several miles. With a different driver, slightly different circumstances or a little less luck it would have resulted in LOSS of LIFE!!!! The cause was failure of the wiper arm linkage more specifically the ball broke off of the wiper motor arm. THIS APPEARS TO BE THE SAME FAILURE THAT CAUSED A RECALL TO BE ISSUED FOR PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS OF THE GMC TERAIN. The parts are available for inspection.

20250614VISIBILITY/WIPER

Windshield wipers stopped working during a downpour. Lucky I was able to make it home safely but took time. Checked fuses, nothing wrong there. Can hear something running so assume motor is OK, but linkage may have broken. Will have to take to mechanic

20250608VISIBILITY/WIPER

The front windshield wipers suddenly stopped working while I was driving on the freeway in moderate rainfall on [XXX]. I wasn't able to see through the windshield. I will call GMC in Roseville MN on Monday, June 9, 2025 to request a service date. I waited until the rain was lighter, so I could drive from Willow River Rest Area to Moose Lake, 19 miles. It was inspected at the repair shop, Federated Co-Ops Moose Lake 017, 100 Arrowhead Ln, Moose Lake, MN 55767. (218) 485-4409. He didn't have the part to make the repair on June 6, 2025. His note: Removed engine plastic trim and wiper transmission. socket on wiper transmission popped off. reinstalled. recommend new wiper transmission. There were no prior indications or issues with the wipers not functioning properly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250522VISIBILITY/WIPER

WHILE DRIVING IN A HEAVY RAIN IN A CONSTUCTION ZONE, WIPER QUIT WORKING. Never notified vehicle had a wiper linkage failure issue. Paid for repairs out of pocket and GM won't compensate because a GM Dealer didn't perform repair. See Service Bulletin N192266180-01, thank you!

20250516ENGINE

My vehicle started shaking & stalling really badly out of nowhere on April 18, 2025. Had to have it towed to GMC dealership. They said the engine was showing low compression. Got timely oil changes and everything on this engine. The check engine light nor any other warning light ever came on when this happened. After some research, the engine in my car, the 2.4 L engine on the 2014 - 2017 models of the GMC Terrain has known defects which although GMC has known about, they have done nothing to address the issue. There was no prior warning that the engine was failing. It was very sudden and I was in traffic when this happened putting both my safety and the safety of other drivers and pedestrians in danger.

20250506ENGINE

My 2016 GMC Terrain exhibited the excessive oil consumption outlined in both of the following Special Coverage Adjustment bulletins. In addition to the excessive oil consumption, the oil light and oil pressure warnings never gave any indication that there was an issue or that the oil was low. This ended in the engine shaking the whole car, jerking it forward when stopped, and causing the engine to seize and need replacing. GMC customer service has refused to acknowledge this issue, stating that until the government tells them to issue a recall, they can't do anything to fix my vehicle. GM acknowledged the issue for model years 2010 - 2013 (+2014 later) and alleged that they made production changes in 2013 that fixed the issue. From the experience with my vehicle and the posts on multiple consumer websites by other GM owners, it is clear that they did NOT fix the issue and that there are hundreds of owners of GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox vehicles with the 2.4L engines that have had th

20250506ENGINE

I am reporting excessive oil consumption in my 2016 GMC Terrain with the 2.4L Ecotec engine. The vehicle burns through an abnormal amount of oil between routine oil changes, often requiring additional oil changes without any visible leaks or dashboard warnings until the oil level is dangerously low. This issue has been diagnosed by a certified GMC dealership, but the repair was not covered under warranty. I’ve learned this is a known and widespread defect related to faulty piston rings and PCV system issues in this engine model, which has led to engine damage or failure in many cases. GMC has not issued a recall for my VIN, and my request for goodwill assistance was denied despite the safety risk of low oil pressure and potential engine failure while driving. I believe this issue poses a safety concern and warrants formal investigation and potential recall expansion.

20250201FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

consumption of oil! I got my oil changed January 1, 2025. It is now February 1. I have driven less than 500 miles. I had no oil. I have no Leaks or anything wrong. The car just consumes . I have had to have 6 oil changes in the past 3 months. Shop after shop. Has said it just consumes oil and this vehicle is trash. I noticed there was also a lawsuit against it. If you do not put a recall out on my vehicle ASAP, I am going to file a personal lawsuit and sue the hell out of you! For your scam! Somebody better give me a call immediately. Or set me up at my local GMC dealer to fix this issue. I better be expecting a notice in my mailbox or an appointment for a free fix and this better be a recall immediately! Or you’re asking for another lawsuit! I was told my car could blow up. With my kids and it could kill us! You better fix this immediately!!!!!!!

Compare 2016GMCTERRAIN to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 GMC TERRAIN have?
The 2016 GMC TERRAIN has 174 NHTSA complaints, 12 crashes, 0 fires, 12 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 GMC TERRAIN?
The 2016 GMC TERRAIN received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 GMC TERRAIN?
Yes, the 2016 GMC TERRAIN has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC TERRAIN?
The most-complained component for the 2016 GMC TERRAIN is VISIBILITY/WIPER with 44 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2016 GMC TERRAIN safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2016 GMC TERRAIN has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.