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 2012 GMC Terrain owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. AAA arrived at the contact's residence and replaced the battery. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the plugs and other unknown parts were replaced however, the failure recurred. The contact replaced the battery twice. The contact also stated that the passenger's side headlamp had failed. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) which he associated to the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The display screen of GPS/Radio is blackout combined intermittent control button illuminating light went off( include emergency, A/C control), backup camera stopped working, turning signal lost click sound. Safety concern: 1. Emergency and A/C control buttons lost illuminating light(Causing night driving difficult.). 2. AC vent the temperature control lost visual status cause distraction of normal driving. 3. Lost Backup camera function which is supposed to be an assisted safety feature. 4. Lost turning signal click sound which leads to missing alert of turning signal malfunction. 5. Complete audio loss create unsafe for long trip driving. 6. GM doesn't provide genuine replacement part. This problem started from 2018 till now. I've contacted GM with no meaningful resolution. …
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.
The check emissions light for the engine light came up on the dashboard. Without prior warning or other signs the vehicle lost engine power in the middle of the road. The entire electrical power and engine stopped working and the brakes jammed. This causes the vehicle to become unstoppable in the middle of the road causing a safety hazard to the vehicle, driver, passengers and fellow vehicles on the road. The only way to stop the vehicle is somehow use the gears to shift to parking position, turn the engine again on and try to remove the vehicle from the middle of the road.
When I stop at the light my car shake and rocks, then the car goes into limp mode. Where the stabilitrack comes on and the engine goes into reduced mode. And I can't go over 30mps. When this happened on the freeway is the most dangerous and scary feeling ever. I've got So many new parts and put over 3,000 into the car and it still has this issue. I've been do several different mechanics and nobody can figure out what's wrong. Gm needs to look into this, it's so many forums going on for this issue.
Vehicle check engine light came on at 50,000 miles, would not pass inspection. Computer did not show what problem was. Car would cut off in drive in idle. Car would shake. Mechanics put in new parts and battery for more than $1200. Still was not fixed. Mechanic went to a dealership to inquire if they had seen this problem. At the dealership it was discovered that many of the parts that would cause the problem were on recall. GM had not posted these recalls or notified me, the owner. After inspecting the car they said there was too much wrong to repair and the entire engine would need to be replaced. They said I would need to drive 2000 miles to check oil consumption. They never made us aware there May be problem with the oil consumption. I am 68 yrs old and walk with a walker. I am in the hospital often. …
Over the past couple years I have become worried to even drive this vehicle. Well Taken care of and maintenance completed regularly. This vehicle has been in the shop 7 times in the past couple years but no one can tell me exactly what is going on. Only 1 place has told me that I need extensive electrical work but couldn't tell me what exactly the problem was. Issue #1: When coming to a stop, and/or idle, the engine seems to give up and vehicle shuts off. Issue #2: When started Engine sounds like a.high pitch raddle. Issue #3: Occasionally, while driving on the interstate going around 60 - 65 mph the electrical inside the vehicle will flash and everything shuts off and the emergency brake is applied automatically. This has become dangerous - if I wasn't wearing a seatbelt I could have been thrown through the windshield. …
The low beam h11 bulb is causing the (male/female plug in) for this component to overheat causing the plastic to become charred, partially melted and brittle in which the low beam light stops working due to this problem. The wiring is becoming soft at the plug in connection from this heat and allowing the protective wire insulation to be melted permitting the bare wire to be visible which could produce a fire hazard at this location. This has occurred on the right side twice and on the left side once. In all three cases, the bulbs with the female plug in and the male electrical connection has been replace. This vehicle has only 28755 miles on it. Just noticed the low beam light on right side not working again today. Replaced this side within the last 9 months.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after inserting the key into the ignition switch, the switch would not turn and the vehicle failed to start. Also, the contact indicated that the key became stuck in the ignition switch. After removing the key from the ignition switch the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician replaced the ignition key but within days of retrieving the vehicle the failure had recurred. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 41,000.
My 2012 GMC Terrain has been stalling for a few days now the stabilltrack sensor was replaced this year the engine light comes on and off. And my radio sometimes cuts off on it's own but now my key keeps getting stuck in the ignition switch and the car keeps stalling but when I get a jump it starts with no problem but once it stalled when I was driving thank god I was a few blocks from home . Then when I try to start again it won't start. It's only 5yrs. Old I've read many complaints about this modle. I think I bought a lemon 😕
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016.
Electrical complaints in other Terrain years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2012 GMC Terrain?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 GMC Terrain, 9% of the model year's 364 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › switch (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 GMC Terrain electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-502 (ignition, Jul 5, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2012 GMC Terrain electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 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.