Most common 2016 GMC Terrain problems
Share of the 153 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Terrain complaints by model year
Best Terrain years: 2021, 2016, 2017. Years to avoid: 2024. Compare all years →
2016 GMC Terrain recalls (2)
Exterior lighting › Headlights
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light.
Remedy: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.
Equipment › Other › Labels
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles manufactured October 16, 2015. The certification labels may have incorrect tire/rim size and cold tire pressure information.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2016 GMC Terrain:
Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure
On November 2, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ18-002) to assess the scope of Recall 16V-582.General Motors (GM) initiated Safety Recall 16V-582 on August 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper failure in the Model Year (MY) 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain.
Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative
On December 13, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) upgraded RQ18-002 to an Engineering Analysis (EA19-005) to further assess the MY2010-2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain windshield wiper failures. Due to a prior recall, 16V-582, addressing this issue in the MY2013 subject vehicles, MY2013 was not included in the analysis.
What 2016 GMC Terrain owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 48 →
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving in the rain, the windshield wipers failed to operate as needed without warning. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that an abnormal, cracking sound was coming from the windshield wipers when she attempted to activate them. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he repaired the windshield wipers. The contact notified the manufacturer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH in inclement weather, the windshield wipers stopped working as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and waited until the rain slowed down and drove home safely. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with a wiper module failure. The contact was informed that the wiper module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Engine & cooling all 46 →
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 104,000. The contact was instructed to take it and have it diagnosed by the dealership he bought it from so I spent more money to have the garage take it on their roll back and drop it off at the dealership. The email stated I needed an engine with a $9000 estimate.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking noise heard coming from the front of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle was towed to the residence and then to the local mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed. The local mechanic stated that the rear main seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,394.
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in a driveway on a hill, the contact heard an abnormal snap and the vehicle started to roll down the hill through the neighbor's yard, and then into the woods. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed from the scene. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,780.
Code p0700 was indicated at a professional transmission shop. My vehicle started driving different. It is a scary feeling. I have a ten year old daughter who I commute to school and safety is the utmost of importance. I don't want to have a accident in a vehicle I recently purchased for safety and end up having to look for another vehicle because of a total loss accident or a transmission problem that would cost a lot of money I don't have. My fear is the gears slipping as I drive my daughter to school. I got a quote of close to 3,000 $ to have the transmission rebuild or fixed. Money that I don't have to give a shop for a vehicle I purchased to not have problems like this. I called GMC to make an appointment to perform a transmission flush. The p0700 code indicates TCM failure. This is a very nerve wrecking situation. Please help me .
2016 GMC Terrain engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 31 / 26 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 16 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 GMC Terrain a good car?
Based on 153 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Terrain rates better than average: 51% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Terrain at the same age. It is one of the best Terrain years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 GMC Terrain?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 48 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about windshield wiper/washer. Next are the engine & cooling (46) and transmission & drivetrain (11).
How many recalls does the 2016 GMC Terrain have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2016 GMC Terrain, the most recent from March 8, 2022 (headlights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Terrain?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2021, 2016 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024. See the full GMC Terrain years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 GMC Terrain problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 51,000 miles; 48% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.