RoadVitals

2025 GMC Terrain Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
12
Latest Jun 25, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
11
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.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2025 GMC Terrain, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical417.4%
  • Powertrain (other)313.0%
  • Steering313.0%
  • Driver assistance28.7%
  • Suspension28.7%
  • Engine28.7%
  • Other / unspecified28.7%
  • Brakes28.7%
  • Visibility14.3%
  • Body & structure14.3%
  • Airbags14.3%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

OnStar module not working

NHTSA ID 11737313 · filed May 12, 2026

Vehicle wouldn’t unlock/start with primary key fob or secondary key fob. Tried manual entry with both key fobs still could not enter.

NHTSA ID 11711804 · filed Jan 19, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Car locks itself into 2 Wheel Drive when conditions are "unfavorable" meaning sometimes rain and most commonly in cold weather. If anyone has driven on snowy and icy roads during the winter, they know how much of a problem this can cause in the winter. Not only has the dealership's maintenance department not been able to diagnose the issue but GM themselves are refusing to acknowledge this problem as well. This is a huge safety hazard given the instability of the vehicle driving in those conditions, especially if you cant gain traction while on a busy road. The only indicator is the light that shows AWD and 2WD is in 2WD and an orange color. This is a big accident waiting to happen, if it hasn't happened to someone else already, given the state I've seen some of the newer models in.

NHTSA ID 11735931 · filed May 5, 2026

Vehicle did not go into park when the ignition was turned off. Car started to roll while passenger was getting out of the vehicle as another vehicle was parking beside us. The other vehicle could not avoid our rolling vehicle. Passenger had to quickly sit down to avoid being hit. The next day the vehicle was taken to the dealership, and they could not find anything wrong. They gave us a copy of bulletin#08-07-30-026I. We were not aware of any problems or bulletins being issued prior to the accident. We had repairs of $2,705.71 and don't know what the other driver incurred.

NHTSA ID 11717815 · filed Feb 13, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving north on [XXX] when I felt a slight pull to the right. I figured it was my lane assist even though I was in my lane. Seconds later it felt like if someone was in my passenger seat and just yanked my steering wheel to the right hitting the guardrail. My whole tire and the assembly was off but everything was still intact to the tire. The tie rods, axle, ball joints, the whole assembly. During investigation I was told by the mechanic that the stabilizer bar was a clean break. There was damage to the front end and all down the side. I was told by GM that the force of the impact was what ripped off my tire but it was not enough impact or damage to deploy the airbags. I was on crutches for my left leg, bruising and scar now from a huge abrasion to my right arm. Still having right shoulder pain. I sent all this to the attorney General and they tried to mediate but Afton from GM told Mike that he contacted me 3 times and I did not return her calls. I called her a left her multiple messages and she has not returned my calls. I only had the car for a few months with 5,000 miles on it. I put $2,500 down then had to turn around and get a used vehicle, put another $2,000 down and making the same payment due to the hit on my credit for a 2023 plain vehicle. Plus my insurance went up, missed work, medical bills, etc. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11746462 · filed Jun 25, 2026

My SUV pulls hard to the right when braking at speeds above 50 mph and much more on the interstates at 65 mph and above. I first experienced this after three weeks of ownership on a drive up I-95 on a trip to NC. It has happened numerous times while traveling on the interstates and has almost caused loss of control when having to brake hard when cut off by another driver or traffic suddenly coming to a stop. The vehicle has been to the service department numerous times....at first they suspected a braking issue and have had both calipers replaced, all brake lines replaced, lower control arms replaced and the right side strut replaced. None of these repairs have solved the problem. The factory service rep who took over the situation tested 3 other GMC 2025 Terrain suvs and all had the same problem. He reported the issue on a safety report to GM in Michigan and the response from GM was that it is a normal condition for the Terrain models. I have never owned, driven, or ridden in another vehicle in over 50 years of driving which performed like this, this is not a normal condition in my opinion.

NHTSA ID 11728525 · filed Apr 1, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

OnStar module not working

NHTSA ID 11737313 · filed May 12, 2026

Top of roof pops when you shut car door, Leaking either transmission fluid or oil, Left turn signal doesn't stay engaged when turning, Side mirror warning lights randomly go off when no car is around. Car is not shifting correctly when driving

NHTSA ID 11709231 · filed Jan 6, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My SUV pulls hard to the right when braking at speeds above 50 mph and much more on the interstates at 65 mph and above. I first experienced this after three weeks of ownership on a drive up I-95 on a trip to NC. It has happened numerous times while traveling on the interstates and has almost caused loss of control when having to brake hard when cut off by another driver or traffic suddenly coming to a stop. The vehicle has been to the service department numerous times....at first they suspected a braking issue and have had both calipers replaced, all brake lines replaced, lower control arms replaced and the right side strut replaced. None of these repairs have solved the problem. The factory service rep who took over the situation tested 3 other GMC 2025 Terrain suvs and all had the same problem. He reported the issue on a safety report to GM in Michigan and the response from GM was that it is a normal condition for the Terrain models. I have never owned, driven, or ridden in another vehicle in over 50 years of driving which performed like this, this is not a normal condition in my opinion.

NHTSA ID 11728525 · filed Apr 1, 2026

When driving down the interstate the vehicle sways and makes steering challenging. Potential lack of control when hitting bumps on road at highway speeds. Taken to the dealership that sold the vehicle. They confirmed the issue. No warnings lights or notifications at this time.

NHTSA ID 11671245 · filed Jul 4, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2025 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 40 MPH on wet roads, the brake pedal was depressed, but the brake pedal was stiff, preventing the vehicle from slowing down as intended. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated during the failure. The accelerator pedal was released, and the vehicle rolled to a stop. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, but the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the brake control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately 7 months and 2 weeks later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,126.

NHTSA ID 11716716 · filed Feb 9, 2026

Vehicle wouldn’t unlock/start with primary key fob or secondary key fob. Tried manual entry with both key fobs still could not enter.

NHTSA ID 11711804 · filed Jan 19, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving north on [XXX] when I felt a slight pull to the right. I figured it was my lane assist even though I was in my lane. Seconds later it felt like if someone was in my passenger seat and just yanked my steering wheel to the right hitting the guardrail. My whole tire and the assembly was off but everything was still intact to the tire. The tie rods, axle, ball joints, the whole assembly. During investigation I was told by the mechanic that the stabilizer bar was a clean break. There was damage to the front end and all down the side. I was told by GM that the force of the impact was what ripped off my tire but it was not enough impact or damage to deploy the airbags. I was on crutches for my left leg, bruising and scar now from a huge abrasion to my right arm. Still having right shoulder pain. I sent all this to the attorney General and they tried to mediate but Afton from GM told Mike that he contacted me 3 times and I did not return her calls. I called her a left her multiple messages and she has not returned my calls. I only had the car for a few months with 5,000 miles on it. I put $2,500 down then had to turn around and get a used vehicle, put another $2,000 down and making the same payment due to the hit on my credit for a 2023 plain vehicle. Plus my insurance went up, missed work, medical bills, etc. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11746462 · filed Jun 25, 2026

When driving down the interstate the vehicle sways and makes steering challenging. Potential lack of control when hitting bumps on road at highway speeds. Taken to the dealership that sold the vehicle. They confirmed the issue. No warnings lights or notifications at this time.

NHTSA ID 11671245 · filed Jul 4, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My SUV pulls hard to the right when braking at speeds above 50 mph and much more on the interstates at 65 mph and above. I first experienced this after three weeks of ownership on a drive up I-95 on a trip to NC. It has happened numerous times while traveling on the interstates and has almost caused loss of control when having to brake hard when cut off by another driver or traffic suddenly coming to a stop. The vehicle has been to the service department numerous times....at first they suspected a braking issue and have had both calipers replaced, all brake lines replaced, lower control arms replaced and the right side strut replaced. None of these repairs have solved the problem. The factory service rep who took over the situation tested 3 other GMC 2025 Terrain suvs and all had the same problem. He reported the issue on a safety report to GM in Michigan and the response from GM was that it is a normal condition for the Terrain models. I have never owned, driven, or ridden in another vehicle in over 50 years of driving which performed like this, this is not a normal condition in my opinion.

NHTSA ID 11728525 · filed Apr 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 40 MPH on wet roads, the brake pedal was depressed, but the brake pedal was stiff, preventing the vehicle from slowing down as intended. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated during the failure. The accelerator pedal was released, and the vehicle rolled to a stop. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, but the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the brake control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately 7 months and 2 weeks later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,126.

NHTSA ID 11716716 · filed Feb 9, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I just purchased a brand new 2025 Terrain. The entire windshield is defective. The glass is distorted and causing visual impairment. It is VERY unsafe. I have contacted the dealership multiple times and have not yet received a response.

NHTSA ID 11683671 · filed Aug 28, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Top of roof pops when you shut car door, Leaking either transmission fluid or oil, Left turn signal doesn't stay engaged when turning, Side mirror warning lights randomly go off when no car is around. Car is not shifting correctly when driving

NHTSA ID 11709231 · filed Jan 6, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving north on [XXX] when I felt a slight pull to the right. I figured it was my lane assist even though I was in my lane. Seconds later it felt like if someone was in my passenger seat and just yanked my steering wheel to the right hitting the guardrail. My whole tire and the assembly was off but everything was still intact to the tire. The tie rods, axle, ball joints, the whole assembly. During investigation I was told by the mechanic that the stabilizer bar was a clean break. There was damage to the front end and all down the side. I was told by GM that the force of the impact was what ripped off my tire but it was not enough impact or damage to deploy the airbags. I was on crutches for my left leg, bruising and scar now from a huge abrasion to my right arm. Still having right shoulder pain. I sent all this to the attorney General and they tried to mediate but Afton from GM told Mike that he contacted me 3 times and I did not return her calls. I called her a left her multiple messages and she has not returned my calls. I only had the car for a few months with 5,000 miles on it. I put $2,500 down then had to turn around and get a used vehicle, put another $2,000 down and making the same payment due to the hit on my credit for a 2023 plain vehicle. Plus my insurance went up, missed work, medical bills, etc. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11746462 · filed Jun 25, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .