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#BS-2017-GMCTER-344A2017 GMC TerrainProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 184 owners and 1 recall for this exact model.
Data updated ·checked October 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Think Twice
Based on 184 complaints, 20 crashes, 5 fires, and 1 recalls.
Top reported problems
frozen pcv blown rear main seal
13 complaints • Severity 9.5/10
key stuck in ignition
1 complaints • Severity 6/10
replacement headliner needed
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
water in spare tire compartment
1 complaints • Severity 6/10
vehicle needs a rear main seal
1 complaints • Severity 6/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
80 owners reported engine issues — failures commonly reported around 47K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 30–60K miles (24 reports) • Median: 47K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Engine (80 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2017 GMC Terrain: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 43% of all reports filed for the 2017 GMC Terrain, with 80 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 46,580 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 47K-mile mark.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 13% of all reports filed for the 2017 GMC Terrain, with 24 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to drivetrain-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Airbags Issues
Airbags complaints account for 6% of all reports filed for the 2017 GMC Terrain, with 11 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to airbags-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 4% of all reports filed for the 2017 GMC Terrain, with 8 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2017 GMC Terrain. Recent trend: stable.



Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (1 recall)
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2017 GMC Terrain NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
The worst model year for the GMC Terrain is the 2011 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is engine.
2017 GMC Terrain vs. Class Average (Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD)
This vehicle
184
Class avg
146
Complaint volume is roughly in line with other small sport utility vehicle 4wd vehicles from 2017.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 184 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 1 recall found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated (checked October 30, 2026). NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other GMC Terrain Model Years
View all GMC Terrain years →2017 GMC Terrain: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2017 GMC Terrain?
Is the 2017 GMC Terrain reliable?
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How much does it cost to fix 2017 GMC Terrain problems?
Does the 2017 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
What mileage do GMC Terrain problems start?
When was the 2017 GMC Terrain data last updated?
What’s in the full report?
How is this different from free NHTSA data?
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Get the Full 2017 GMC Terrain Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 184 owner reports. Know before you buy.