Years to avoid
GMC Terrain Years to Avoid
The 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 model years stand out as the weakest in this GMC Terrain dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated April 2026
- Weakest year
- 2018
- Model average
- 73/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 201
- Recalls, weakest year
- 5
66/100 reliability
16-point range
13 crash · 1 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2018 GMC Terrain ranks last
The 2018 scores 66/100, rated good, versus a model average of 73/100. NHTSA data contains 201 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Service Brakes (48), Power Train (38), Electrical System (29), Unknown Or Other (22). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2018 GMC Terrain record →Evidence by year
The weakest GMC Terrain model years compared
2018 GMC Terrain
- Complaints
- 201
- Recalls
- 5
- Crash reports
- 13
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Service Brakes (48), Power Train (38), Electrical System (29)
View 2018 details →2019 GMC Terrain
- Complaints
- 163
- Recalls
- 3
- Crash reports
- 7
- Fire reports
- 3
Top issues: Power Train (46), Service Brakes (34), Electrical System (22)
View 2019 details →2020 GMC Terrain
- Complaints
- 160
- Recalls
- 2
- Crash reports
- 7
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Service Brakes (39), Power Train (23), Unknown Or Other (20)
View 2020 details →2022 GMC Terrain
- Complaints
- 65
- Recalls
- 4
- Crash reports
- 0
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Fuel Propulsion System (14), Fuel System, Gasoline (10), Unknown Or Other (8)
View 2022 details →Better alternatives
Stronger GMC Terrain years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this GMC Terrain data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's GMC Terrain research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
GMC Terrain research FAQ
Which GMC Terrain years should I avoid?
2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 score materially below the strongest GMC Terrain years in this dataset. The 2018 is the weakest at 66/100, with 201 owner complaints and 5 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring GMC Terrain year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst GMC Terrain year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (82/100), 2025 (78/100), 2024 (77/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific GMC Terrain you are considering.