2012 GMC Terrain Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

4 safety recalls on file

The 2012 GMC Terrain has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 364 complaints with NHTSA, including 17 crashes, 5 fires, 19 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Engine (169 reports).

4Recalls
364Owner complaints
17Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Terrain?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2012 GMC Terrain recalls

Headlights may glare at other drivers, raising crash risk

Recall 22V137Mar 8, 2022740,581 vehicles affected

Certain GMC Terrain vehicles from 2010 through 2017 have headlight housings that can create a reflection.

Key Can Be Removed Before Park Is Engaged, Risking Rollaway

Recall 16V502Jul 5, 20168,367 vehicles affected

The electronic park lock lever on these vehicles may allow the ignition key to be removed while the transmission is not in PARK.

Seats:Front Assembly:Power Adjust

Recall 14V447Jul 23, 2014414,333 vehicles affected

Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems

Recall 11V511Oct 19, 201133,964 vehicles affected

Most common 2012 GMC Terrain problems

Problem areas named in the 364 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Engine169
Visibility/Wiper74
Power Train37
Unknown Or Other37
Electrical System32
Fuel/Propulsion System28
Air Bags25
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)13
Structure12
Vehicle Speed Control11

What owners report

2026-06-02, Engine
My car has started stalling and dying when i slow down, take off or when idling. No power when accelerated, and the smell of exhaust comes into my car. I was making a turn from a red light and my car spit, sputtered, and died right in the middle of the busy intersection. I was almost hit from the rear and another car had to go into on coming traffic to avoid T boning me. I took it to 2 different places to get a diagnosis reading and both places said it was a catalyst problem, and I was told that there was a recall about that because of engine oil clogging it up. My car has been using more oil than usual here lately and im guessing thats why. Now, im afraid to drive anywhere because I don't
2026-03-09, Engine
The engine blew. This was already the 2nd engine in the car. Oil consumption. Metal in the oil. No signs. Needs new engine
2026-02-25, Engine
The oil is depleting every month from the vehicle. Every 2-3 weeks I have to put oil in the vehicle because the oil is being absorbed. Is there a recall on this problem.
2025-11-16, Electrical System
1. The engine suddenly lost power while driving during evening rush hour and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. 2. Because the vehicle could not maintain speed, I was unable to keep up with traffic, creating a serious safety hazard that could have resulted in a major accident. 3. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center for diagnosis. 4. During the incident, the “Engine Power Reduced” warning indicator illuminated just before the loss of power occurred. 5. As the vehicle slowed and came to a complete stop at an intersection, it remained unresponsive. When the traffic light turned green, the vehicle would not accelerate at all.
2025-10-15, Unknown Or Other
Liftgate automatically closing and failure to remain open causing a safety hazard for anyone standing at the liftgate.

2012 GMC Terrain questions

Does the 2012 GMC Terrain have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2012 GMC Terrain: Headlights may glare at other drivers, raising crash risk; Key Can Be Removed Before Park Is Engaged, Risking Rollaway; Seats:Front Assembly:Power Adjust; Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Terrain?

Based on 364 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (169), Visibility/Wiper (74), Power Train (37).

How do I check if a recall on my 2012 GMC Terrain has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other GMC Terrain years

Other 2012 GMC models