The 2023 GMC Terrain has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 21 owner complaints on file for the 2023 GMC Terrain. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (5), Fuel Propulsion System (3), Unknown Or Other (2).
Terrain reliability snapshot
75/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$558
Avg annual repair cost vs $521 category avg
#22/26
Ranking in compact SUVs · better than 15% of peers
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
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Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Electrical System5
Fuel Propulsion System3
Unknown Or Other2
Engine2
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Lane Departure2
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2023 GMC Terrain
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐Inspect fuel pump for leaks or failures
☐Test infotainment system for black screen or flashing issues
☐Check for engine stalling or reduced power warnings
☐Verify door stability at highway speeds
☐Ensure all safety sensors and alerts are functional
☐Confirm no engine oil leaks or rear main seal issues
What owners reported
2023 GMC Terrain owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to NHTSA for the 2023 GMC Terrain. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2023 GMC Terrain frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the infotainment screen, which may go completely black or flash brightly. Additionally, multiple owners describe instances where the vehicle unexpectedly shuts off or displays a "Reduced Engine Power" message, often accompanied by a lack of acceleration. These incidents are reported at varying mileages, with some occurring in vehicles with as few as 12,564 miles and others around 48,256 miles. Safety implications are noted, as some owners experience these failures in traffic, causing potential hazards. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for buyers considering a used 2023 GMC Terrain.
Owner complaints3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners report several issues with the fuel/propulsion system of the 2023 GMC Terrain. Complaints frequently mention fuel pump failures, which lead to symptoms such as fuel spraying in the engine compartment, engine shutdowns, and significant loss of power. These issues have been noted at various mileages, with one report specifically citing a failure at 42,000 miles. Safety implications include the potential for the vehicle to shut down in traffic, requiring towing, and the risk of fire due to fuel leakage. This information is crucial for potential buyers considering a used GMC Terrain, as it highlights recurring issues that may affect reliability and safety.
Owner complaints2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2023 GMC Terrain report issues primarily involving engine and structural concerns. One complaint describes a complete engine failure at approximately 100,600 miles, including reduced engine power and a transmission module failure, limiting the vehicle's speed to 20 mph. Another owner reports a persistent rattling and shaking of the driver-side door at speeds over 65 mph, which they describe as concerning and unresolved despite service attempts. These issues highlight potential safety implications, particularly the engine failure affecting vehicle speed and the door's instability at highway speeds. Buyers should be aware of these reported problems, especially when considering vehicles with higher mileage or those used frequently on highways.
Owner complaints2
ENGINE
Owners report issues with the 2023 GMC Terrain's engine, specifically involving the high-pressure fuel pump and rear main seal. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle unexpectedly entering limp mode, stalling, and hesitating to restart, which has occurred multiple times for some owners. Another owner describes a rear main seal leak that has left their vehicle at the dealership for an extended period without resolution, with the possibility of needing a new engine. These issues can occur at various mileage points, and the stalling and hesitating to start while driving may pose safety risks, particularly if they occur in traffic. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported problems and their implications for vehicle reliability and safety.
Owner complaints2
FUEL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2023 GMC Terrain report issues related to the fuel system that include stalling and loss of motive power. Symptoms frequently mentioned are the vehicle stalling at low speeds, shaking, and shifting into neutral unexpectedly, often accompanied by the illumination of the check engine light. One complaint notes a fuel module failure at approximately 12,825 miles, while another describes a possible fuel injector failure around 35,600 miles, with parts on backorder. These issues can lead to safety concerns, such as loss of control due to unexpected stalling or shifting, particularly at low speeds or while on trips. Potential buyers should be aware of these fuel system issues and the associated repair challenges when considering purchasing a used 2023 GMC Terrain.
Owner complaints2
LANE DEPARTURE
Owners of the 2023 GMC Terrain report issues related to lane departure and blind spot systems. One complaint describes a failure of the vehicle's sensors to detect obstacles at low speeds, resulting in a collision with an object, though no warning signals were activated. Another owner highlights the absence of the side blind zone alert feature due to a semiconductor shortage, which creates challenges in monitoring blind spots, especially in high-speed, dense traffic conditions. This absence is noted as particularly problematic given the vehicle's significant blind spots. Both complaints point to potential safety implications, such as increased risk of collisions due to lack of adequate warning systems. These issues are reported at low mileage and shortly after vehicle purchase, indicating early-stage concerns with these features.
2023 Terrain recalls (2)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2023 Terrain. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
CHILD SEATNHTSA 23V339000May 11, 2023
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Consequence: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232403240.
AIR BAGSNHTSA 22V929000Dec 15, 2022
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with ventilated front passenger seats. The Occupant Classification System may not properly disable the front passenger air bag when there is a small child or child restraint detected in the seat.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, a front passenger air bag that deploys with a child or infant in the front passenger seat can increase their risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the passenger presence system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222388911.
Used-market value
2023 GMC Terrain resale snapshot
58.7%estimated value retained after 5 years
225listings in the model-level benchmark
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
The 2023 GMC Terrain scores above the segment average, pointing to solid overall reliability rather than standout strength. With limited recall activity, the data suggests manufacturer-corrected problems are not unusually frequent for this model year.
Complaints are present but not heavily concentrated in a single system. Electrical concerns lead the mix, with smaller clusters in fuel/propulsion and engine-related areas, plus a modest share that falls into unknown or other categories. That spread implies the risk profile is more about a range of smaller issue types than one dominant weak point. As a sixth-year vehicle in its generation, the pattern reads as relatively stable, not volatile.
Overall risk level: moderate-to-low for the segment.
What you get in a 2023 GMC Terrain report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
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2023 GMC Terrain — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2023 GMC Terrain reliable?
The 2023 GMC Terrain scores above the segment average, pointing to solid overall reliability rather than standout strength. With limited recall activity, the data suggests manufacturer-corrected problems are not unusually frequent for this model year.
How many recalls does the 2023 GMC Terrain have?
2 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2023 GMC Terrain. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2023 GMC Terrain problems?
The most-reported 2023 GMC Terrain problem areas are: Electrical System (5), Fuel Propulsion System (3), Unknown Or Other (2).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2023 GMC Terrain?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2023 GMC Terrain, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
