GradeGMC Terrain Reliability Grade
Average reliability
Grade a specific GMC Terrain
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The GMC Terrain earns a C+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C for its engine and a B- for its transmission. It ranks 10th of 13 compact SUVs we grade. The engine (C) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 2,040 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
GMC Terrain reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Years to avoid: 2011 (stalling / loss of power)
Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.
How long does the GMC Terrain last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
GMC Terrain vs. other compact SUVs
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 | A- | A | A- |
| Nissan Rogue | B+ | B- | B+ |
| Mazda CX-5 | B+ | B+ | B+ |
| Toyota Venza | A- | A- | B+ |
| Honda CR-V | B- | B+ | B |
| Chevrolet Equinox | C+ | B+ | B |
| Kia Sportage | C- | B+ | B |
| Subaru Forester | B+ | B | B |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | B- | B+ | B |
| GMC Terrain | C | B- | C+ |
| Hyundai Tucson | D | C+ | C |
| Ford Escape | F | F | F |
| Jeep Cherokee | C- | F | F |
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Rate your TerrainGMC Terrain reliability FAQ
Is the GMC Terrain reliable?
Average reliability. The GMC Terrain earns a C+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C for its engine and a B- for its transmission. It ranks 10th of 13 compact SUVs we grade. The engine (C) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 2,040 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a GMC Terrain last?
We estimate a well-maintained GMC Terrain lasts around 140,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the GMC Terrain?
No GMC Terrain model year stands out as exceptionally reliable in NHTSA owner complaints. The best-graded years are 2016, 2017 and 2021.
What GMC Terrain years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the GMC Terrain years to be most careful with are 2011. The 2011 grades a D overall (engine D, transmission C-), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power.
Is the GMC Terrain transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the GMC Terrain transmission a B- (average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the GMC Terrain engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the GMC Terrain engine a C (below-average reliability).