Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 15% | 11,000 miles |
| 2025 | 4 | 31% | — |
| 2024 | 7 | 13% | — |
| 2023 | 7 | 17% | 24,000 miles |
| 2022 | 7 | 12% | 22,000 miles |
| 2021 | 7 | 19% | — |
| 2020 | 27 | 14% | 6,000 miles |
| 2019 | 39 | 21% | 19,000 miles |
| 2018 | 35 | 16% | 22,000 miles |
| 2017 | 9 | 7% | 49,000 miles |
| 2016 | 9 | 6% | 44,000 miles |
| 2015 | 31 | 10% | 48,000 miles |
| 2014 | 31 | 10% | 40,000 miles |
| 2013 | 22 | 6% | 48,000 miles |
| 2012 | 32 | 9% | 77,000 miles |
| 2011 | 29 | 8% | 90,000 miles |
| 2010 | 48 | 17% | 75,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after a software update was performed, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Departure Lane Limited due to the Trailer" was displayed. The failure affected the blind spot warning system. The warning light failed to display while approaching a vehicle on the blindside and erroneously operated while there were no vehicles on the side of the vehicle. Additionally, the "Rear Cross Traffic Warning" light was affected by the failure. The vehicle experienced hard braking while there was no other vehicle nearby. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with sensor failure caused by an impact to the sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,350.
The vehicle has been taken to the dealership at least 4 times. Each time for the same reason: when driving at 65 or higher, it sounds like it's on a flat. My screen also glitches when foot is taken off the break after a stop. The service advisor told me that there was a shortage of mechanics and asked me to bring it back next week (this is the response I have gotten each time). I have asked for a loaner twice and was told that there were none available. Therefore, I had to pay $40 to uber to work. Today, I said that I couldn't come back because it's the same issue and I have to work next week. He then let me speak to a service manager. The service manager drove it (with me in the passenger seat) and heard the sound. He noticed that it was not all of the time and that my steering wheel was a little shifty. …
Incident 1: Pulled out from stop sign car made funny noises, light came on said it couldn't shift to drive. Had towed to dealer. They said couldn't find issue except it was quart and a half low of transmission fluid. The car had approx 3,500 miles on it. Incident 2: For about two weeks when pulling out felt like it was skipping but didn't feel like transmission. Felt like over powered. Then it done same as Incident 1. Pulled out made noise would not move. Notice that is couldn't shift and check engine light came on had it towed again. Approx 6,300 miles on it. They then said it was very low on transmission fluid and they did find a small hole in hose. Danger is pulling out and it just stops in cross traffic and won't move could easily be hit. It is very scary to drive not knowing if or when it is going to happen. I have no current invoice on vehicle as it is still in shop.
The contact owns a 2025 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the infotainment system displayed a blank screen. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road into a gas station and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the infotainment system displayed a message "Update Failed - See Dealer to Restore System". The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Bought new car August 16th 2024. Few days later, I was turning left at a light and the car lost power as I was turning and error messages came up on the dash screen saying service transmission. I also observed that the cars gear indicator went to Park by itself even though the car was still moving. Pushed the engine start button and car came back on and I switched the gear to Drive. Took car in on the 19th to get looked at. Week later, driving down the city street going 40-45 MPH, car lost power again and car gear indicator switched to Park again, service transmission indicator came up and low fuel indicator came up even though I had over 1/2 a tank left. Took in to dealership on August 26th, 2024. Over this weekend, my wife was driving home from up north at a very busy freeway intersection and the car lost power again and luckily she was able to get over to the shoulder. …
Vehicle was running but transmission was in PARK. Suddenly on screen in front of driver this message appeared: BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE 43MPH TOP SPEED WARNING SERVICE ESC. Vehicle was not moving. Engine was running but vehicle was in PARK. I had to drive it home. Very difficult to stop. Brake pedal vibrated violently. Very long stopping distance even at 20MPH. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership from which I had purchased it. I bought this vehicle on 25 Nov 2024. Right now its mileage is 3757. Obviously my safety and that of others was put at risk. The service department at the dealership has not communicated with me at this time. There was NO prior warning nor were there any prior symptoms of this problem. It occurred VERY suddenly.
The contact's husband owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop at the traffic light, the vehicle shut off inadvertently. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact pressed the Push to Start button several times, and the vehicle restarted. The message "Reduced Engine Performance" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to drive; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. Additionally, the contact stated while reversing in the driveway, the vehicle turned off. The contact stated upon restarting the vehicle, the message "Condition Not Correct for Shift" was displayed. …
Out of nowhere and driving this morning, my engine reduced power came on. Then I started losing power in the car then it died on me once out of nowhere. I managed to make it home an hour and a half later, but that could've got me killed stopped by AutoZone since dealerships closed today and it tells me that it's code P228C, P0089 fuel pump. And then last night my emergency service calling came on which one I looked it up so something to do with OnStar and could be a module so I'm not sure what that is. And then you add on the fact all the sudden in the last 24 hours, my screen keeps going in and out are not working last week. My volume wasn't working. I love this car, but it seems to have a lot of issues all of a sudden and I'm fixing to be at 60,000 miles which is a big problem considering warranty will be expired. …
Related recalls (1)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Terrain years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2010 (48), 2019 (39), 2018 (35), 2012 (32) and 2014 (31) model years. Electrical complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 2010.
Is there a recall for GMC Terrain electrical problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 16V-502 (ignition, Jul 5, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Terrain electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles; 48% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition (3 mentions), followed by the instrument cluster/panel (2).
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.