2024 GMC Terrain problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 48 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2024 GMC Terrain has 48 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 20 complaints, typically surfacing around 3,918 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Terrain | 34 | 0 |
| 2022 Terrain | 76 | 0 |
| 2023 Terrain | 35 | 0 |
| 2024 Terrain (this page) | 48 | 0 |
| 2025 Terrain | 12 | 0 |
| 2026 Terrain | 22 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2024 GMC Terrain? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- powertrain — 20 owner reports · tends to show around 3,918 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- electrical — 4 owner reports · ~$850 to fix
- engine — 4 owner reports · tends to show around 22,000 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2024 GMC Terrain
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 3 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and merging onto the highway, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power.…
While driving, the dash warning "service power steering" light up and my steering wheel locked making me unable to steer or manuever the car to safety. I was stuck in the middle of the road. I turned it off and on and was able to make it to a parking lot where the same safety…
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. The check engine and transmission warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact's wife attempted to restart…
We purchased our 2024 GMC Terrain on April 13, 2024 and on June 12, 2024 my husband and I were headed out to go to dinner and when leaving our neighborhood I noticed a weird transmission shift or slip and then the vehicle rpms increased suddenly. I pulled off the road and put…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2024 GMC Terrain reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2024 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.
Should you avoid the 2024 GMC Terrain?
On the NHTSA data, the 2024 GMC Terrain does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2024 GMC Terrain?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 20 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 3,918 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2024 GMC Terrain a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 48 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 3,918 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2024 GMC Terrain?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 20 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 3,918 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 3,918 miles. 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 2024 GMC Terrain?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 48 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, 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 are not always better value.