RoadVitals

2023 GMC Terrain

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
39
+2 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest May 11, 2023
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 39 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2023 GMC Terrain, most frequently naming the fuel system, engine and powertrain (other) categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 457 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine1423.0%
  • Powertrain (other)711.5%
  • Driver assistance711.5%
  • Electrical711.5%
  • Airbags23.3%
  • Body & structure11.6%
  • Steering11.6%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR

May 11, 2023
668,187 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
The risk: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The remedy: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232403240.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N232403240View on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Dec 15, 2022
9 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with ventilated front passenger seats. The Occupant Classification System may not properly disable the front passenger air bag when there is a small child or child restraint detected in the seat.
The risk: In the event of a crash, a front passenger air bag that deploys with a child or infant in the front passenger seat can increase their risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger presence system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222388911.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N222388911View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Fuel system
Filed Sep 20, 2026

I purchased this vehicle two weeks ago. It was my first time driving it since I bought it home from the dealer. I was on the highway driving about 55 mph in the left lane. All of a sudden the car started to slow down on its own going down to 15 mph without knowing what was happening. I tried to ease my way to the left and was almost hit by multiple vehicles. Once I got to the left lane the vehicle stopped running. I couldn’t start it. I noticed a pool of liquid on the right side of the vehicle. I also started to detect a strong smell of gasoline. I had to get towed off the road by calling 911 for assistance. The tow truck driver also confirmed that the liquid was gasoline. I had to get the car towed twice. It is now at my mechanic awaiting his inspection. I also spoke to the dealership. Unfortunately they are too far away for me to get the car there. I’m in limbo now. I am praying that the car is still under warranty. This was a very dangerous experience and it could have been worse. I did notice a recall for fuel system failure but I did not see it on my vehicles vin number.

NHTSA ID
11765686
Incident
Sep 19, 2026
Airbags
Filed Sep 1, 2026

Harness for the airbag gave out. Puts the passenger at risk. Confirmed by service members at Rodenroth Motors Inc. in Sault Ste Marie MI. Message said service "Restraint system". There was no official incident date. One day whenever somebody sat in the passenger side the warning would appear.

NHTSA ID
11761445
Incident
Aug 31, 2026
Driver assistanceEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 5, 2026

adaptive cruise disengaging alert on dash- no cars or weather conditions to induce this. loss of power and bucking on highway( near accident caused) catostostrophic sudden loss of power engine/transmission failure while mechanic driving resulting in car towed back to dealer. loss of power multiple times causing near accidents. sudden jolting at stop light causing car to propel forward requiered both feet on brake pedal to stop. 4 episodes of near collision 1st altert started 04/4/2024 adaptive cruise light on dash 14,700 miles on vehicle 5 episodes continued and now car is still at dealership for emissions failure, loss of power x 4 weeks. ALL PHOTOS OF DASH LIGHTS, REPAIR INVOICES AND VIDEO OF DASH AVAILABLE BUT I AM NOT ABLE TO UPLOAD ALL.

NHTSA ID
11755131
Incident
Apr 4, 2024
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated and failed to properly accelerate. The service transmission and service fuel management system messages were displayed, and the check engine warning light was flashing with several other unknown warnings illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and while test-driving the vehicle, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and an engineer was sent to the dealer to inspect the vehicle. No further information was available. The contact stated that the transmission module was previously replaced, but the failure persisted. The failure mileage was 27,000.

NHTSA ID
11754923
Incident
Jun 1, 2026
Mileage
27,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jun 2, 2026

I have had 2 different instances where my vehicle stops in the middle of a busy intersection or traffic and have no warning what so ever. Vehicle just shuts off and I am not able to turn back on to move out of the way. First time I got it repaired it was related to the fuel pump and now I am waiting to hear back from my mechanic to see what the issue is but so far it is an indication of the fuel pump as well. Both times I required help from law enforcement because vehicle shut off in the middle of the road and safety to myself and other drivers was an issue until tow truck arrived to move my vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11741516
Incident
May 16, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed May 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and the engine stalled. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road, the engine seized. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed fuel pump. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed fuel injector. The contact was informed that the fuel injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed Number 3 fuel injector. The contact was informed that the fuel injector needed to be replaced. The parts were ordered, and the vehicle was being repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ID
11740826
Incident
Oct 11, 2025
Mileage
45,000 mi
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed May 26, 2026

I was driving the vehicle on the highway the cruise control was on. All of a sudden I got a warning on vehicle info panel that stated vehicle power is reduced. The vehicle decelerated on its own and I could not accelerate past 55. The check engine light came on. I pulled off the road and turned the vehicle off. After about 10 minutes, I started the car back up and proceeded down the highway at normal speed. The check engine light remained on. I stopped at a Chevrolet dealer service center in Ft Stockton, TX, to have the vehicle looked at. They could find no error codes and could not duplicate the problem. I was sent on my way. This has happened multiple times while driving on roads in my area. Mostly while on the highway.

NHTSA ID
11740102
Incident
Oct 26, 2025
Fuel system
Filed May 18, 2026

Vehicle stalled while driving and would not restart. Strong gasoline smell present and on ground. Third occurrence. Vehicle stalled while driving at on busy road (safety issue both times). Strong raw gas smell. Would not crank afterward. Dash powered normally with check engine light. Happened previously around 27k miles in September 2025. Occurred again May 9, 2026. Occurred again today l, May 18, 2026. Vehicles is being towed to dealership again for the 3rd time

NHTSA ID
11738493
Incident
May 18, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

N262558690-02

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall. Certain vehicles may have a condition which can cause the fuel pump power control module to fail. If this were to occur, fuel flow to the engine could be interrupted. Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module.

N262558690

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall. Certain vehicles may have a condition which can cause the fuel pump power control module to fail. If this were to occur, fuel flow to the engine could be interrupted. Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module.

PIP4902W

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

N262558690-01

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Emission Recall. General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall. Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition which can cause the fuel pump power control module to fail. If this were to occur, fuel flow to the engine could be interrupted. Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module.

PIC6551C

This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues

N262558690-01

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall. Certain vehicles may have a condition which can cause the fuel pump power control module to fail. If this were to occur, fuel flow to the engine could be interrupted. Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

GMC Terrain by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026331048.6
2025130047.0
2024491046.9
2023Viewing392055.7
2022602055.1
2021352059.5
20201962057.4
20191853056.9
20182205058.2
20171331051.9
20161522259.5
20152973255.1
20142962250.4
20133643049.8
20123644359.6
20113864357.3
20102903356.3
2009000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.