CarModelProblems.com

2010 GMC Terrain Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 3.0× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
290Complaints
3Recalls
10Crashes
0Fires
12Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (36.9% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.

Engine complaints here are 3.0× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

None of the 6 most-reported categories on this page have a recall or open investigation on file — they rest on unverified owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine107 · 36.9%No official action
Electrical System47 · 16.2%No official action
Power Train47 · 16.2%No official action
Visibility/wiper40 · 13.8%Investigation closedEA19005 → recall 22V165000 · RQ18002
Air Bags21 · 7.2%No official action
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)21 · 7.2%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE107 · 36.9%
POWER TRAIN47 · 16.2%
VISIBILITY/WIPER40 · 13.8%
AIR BAGS21 · 7.2%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)21 · 7.2%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL17 · 5.9%
Unspecified / other16 · 5.5%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM14 · 4.8%
STEERING12 · 4.1%

Percentages are the share of the 290 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 3 campaigns

Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

NHTSA campaign 14V447000 · 2014 · reported 07/23/2014

If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System

NHTSA campaign 09V489000 · 2009 · reported 12/23/2009

DRIVING WITHOUT A FUNCTIONING DEFROST SYSTEM CAN DECREASE YOUR VISIBILITY UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Exterior Lighting:headlights

NHTSA campaign 22V137000 · 2022 · reported 03/08/2022

The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE CHECKED TWICE THIS YEAR REGARDING THE LOUD EXHAUST NOISE AND THE STRONG FUEL SMELL COMING FROM MY VEHICLE. THEY SAID…”NHTSA complaint 10807299 — filed 11/28/2015 · ENGINE
“THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE. IT IS LIKE MY CAR IS NOT GETTING ENOUGH FUEL. IT WILL STALL WHEN WE ARE DRIVING SLOW AND…”NHTSA complaint 10762702 — filed 09/09/2015 · ENGINE
“THE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM ONLY TO HAVE THE DEALERSHIP FIX EVERYTHING BUT THE TIMING CHAIN NOW WE…”NHTSA complaint 10760636 — filed 09/01/2015 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

720122345201448662016464820183120202016202022462024332026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2010 GMC Terrain?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 107 of 290 NHTSA complaints (36.9%), followed by electrical system (47), power train (47), visibility/wiper (40). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2010 GMC Terrain have?

290 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 10 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 12 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2010 GMC Terrain have any recalls?

Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 14V447000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2010 GMC Terrain's reported problems?

0 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.