Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 GMC Terrain owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the center console display intermittently malfunctioned and became inoperable. During the failure, the HVAC system was no longer blowing hot air, and the front windshield could not be defrosted, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. Additionally, the radio had become inoperable, and the audible clicking from the turn signal was muted. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V489000 (VISIBILITY). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 114,000.
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended; however, the contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed excessive corrosion on and around the battery terminals and the presence of battery acid coming from the battery casing. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown electronics and instrument panel gauges failed to work properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000. The VIN was not available.
The defroster/ radio control/ heating area stopped working. Upon visiting a mechanic was told they never seen this or heard of this happening before and quoted me over $1,000.00 dollars to fix stating that due to Federal Law they have to give an estimate but this problem not being in their system they came up with an estimate based on parts and labor. Upon searching online I found a recall for this issue dating back to 2009 recall number was 09V489000 but was never informed about this and while looking up my car it's not listed but being a safety issue should still be current which it is not.
My information screen which shows valuable information to driver as well as speedometer is blank and the radio and temps , ac/ setting etc a are all unable to be read . There is a recall listed for the computer modules yet they exclude my vin number in that recall how can Chevrolet do that when it's the same issues 2010 terrains with a different number than mine are being fixed
Twice had to have wiring repaired because animals ate the wiring. Both were caused by GM using soy based insulation on wiring that made it a delicacy to the animals and caused them to eat through two wiring harnesses, one of which GM no longer makes. The other complaint is the timing belt has stretched and is now in need of replacement at a cost of $4500 to $5000.
Engine - slows down and speed up and jolt as it accelerate in speed. Heated seats - a month after purchase they stopped worked oil pump - the filter gets clogged with metal shaving and would not allow the oil to get to the engine. As a result, I had to get oil changes 3 times in a month. Dash board and stereo light would flicker and dim. Stereo would repeat words and get stuck in one place. The wind shield wipers stopped working during a rain storm and were wiping in two separate directions at the same time.
The problem(s) that I have had or currently have with my vehicle are as follows: 1. Vehicle hesitates 2. Jolts forward 3. Stutters 4. Excessive oil consumption 5. The car has been undrivable since 01/27/20
Vehicle intermittently (drives fine for a week, day, month with no problem) dies on me while driving, or wont accelerate above 35mph. System says overheat condition but the temperature gauge does not say it's overheating. Dealership runs diagnostics and says nothing wrong but it keeps happening unexpectedly. Causes problems on highway and is dangerous. 3 mechanics said bad ECM, but Chevy dealership will not replace or reflash ECM. I've spent thousands of dollars flushing radiator, replacing thermostat, replacing camshaft sensors, mass airflow sensor, running diagnostics, renting vehicles, and nothing helps. I see where there are recalls of GMC Terrain ECM's but not mine? This is getting ridiculous. I need help. I owe more than the car is worth and I'm paying so much to diagnose something that should be taken care of by GM.
Takata recall I was just driving down the road not in motion and several things happen to my GMC Terrain within less then a week first my window on drivers side stopped rolling all the way up. Then the back seat lower air pocket in seat burst while doing nothing but driving. Then my heater in car went out. After this my heated seat on car went out. Then came a clicking noise behind my stereo. Not to mention my car started vibrating. Then defoggong system, thermostat and radiator went out. Lastly my remote stopped working. And my light senors for the check engine light won't go off. It's also got weird codes it's reading. City street. While in motion or stationary
I purchased the vehicle 12/13/09. Beginning around 3/26/10, I first noticed that my hatchback was open when I went to get in to go to work, and it had been parked overnight. This has happened in the vicinity of 15-20 times since that date. I thought somehow I was accidentally pushing the release button on the key; however, I often would not have had the key in hand or in my pocket to do so accidentally. It last happened about 2 weeks ago, I walked out to my parked Terrain in the garage at my apartment, and the liftgate was wide open. Nothing has been stolen yet, but I am careful not to leave anything in it or at least in sight.
Electrical complaints in other Terrain years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2010 GMC Terrain?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the electrical system of the 2010 GMC Terrain, 17% of the model year's 290 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 GMC Terrain electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2010 GMC Terrain, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 GMC Terrain electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.