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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-GMC-TERRAIN
2016 · gmc

gmc Terrain problems

0 safety recalls. 146 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.6 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

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Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

visibility
47 reports · avg $350
moderate
engine
34 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
airbags
9 reports · avg $1,100
severe
lighting
9 reports · avg $250
severe
powertrain
9 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
electrical
6 reports · avg $850
moderate
steering
6 reports · avg $700
moderate
brakes
4 reports · avg $450
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 Terrain · visibility
My wife was driving on the highway to work when it was raining. Both of the wipers stopped working all of a sudden causing her to not be able to see out of the windshield. When she got home that night I could see that the linkage arm had came off the ball joint.
12/29/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11562559.0
2016 Terrain · other
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the stability track warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle however, the warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local…
12/28/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11445356.0
2016 Terrain · other
CONSTANTLY DIES. TOOK IT TO A SHOP TO SEE WHAT OR WHY. ITS THE INTAKE VALVE TIMING SOLENOID. WAS TOLD COULD REPLACE THE PART BUT IT NEVER REALLY FIXES THE PROBLEM HAVE TO TAKE ALL THE HEADS OFF AND CLEAN THE GUMMED UP OIL. I HAVE REGULAR OIL CHANGES. I EVEN GET IT TAKEN IN FOR…
12/21/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11162993.0
2016 Terrain · visibility
WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. I CAN HEAR THE MOTOR WORKING BUT THE ARMS DOD NOT MOVE.
12/20/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11384238.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Common questions

Is the 2016 GMC Terrain reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 146 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 GMC Terrain is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 GMC Terrain?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is visibility, with 47 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $350 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The visibility is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $350 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my GMC Terrain has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 GMC Terrain?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 146 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $350, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 14 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with gmc. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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