Free Preview
#BS-2019-GMCTER-344A2019 GMC TerrainProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 310 owners and 3 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·NHTSA complaints through October 19, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Think Twice
Based on 310 complaints, 7 crashes, 3 fires, and 3 recalls.
Top reported problems
peeling cracked paint
2 complaints • Severity 8/10
brakes failed
2 complaints • Severity 9/10
low speed forward automatic braking doesnt work
2 complaints • Severity 10/10
ac compressor comes on by itself
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
insufficient heat
1 complaints • Severity 8/10
Preview: What's in your full report
Each card shows a real sample from your report — unlock all 10 sections from $2.00
Mechanic Inspection Checklist
70 owners reported engine issues — failures commonly reported around 19K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 0–30K miles (37 reports) • Median: 19K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Engine (70 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
2019 GMC Terrain: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 23% of all reports filed for the 2019 GMC Terrain, with 70 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 18,800 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 19K-mile mark.
Brakes Issues
Brakes complaints account for 23% of all reports filed for the 2019 GMC Terrain, with 70 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to brakes-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 17% of all reports filed for the 2019 GMC Terrain, with 52 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to drivetrain-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 13% of all reports filed for the 2019 GMC Terrain, with 39 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 2019 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 (3 recalls)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
SEATS
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2019 GMC Terrain NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★5 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.
2019 GMC Terrain vs. Class Average (Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD)
This vehicle
310
Class avg
380
Complaint volume is roughly in line with other small sport utility vehicle 2wd vehicles from 2019.
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. 310 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 3 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated . NHTSA complaints received through October 19, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other GMC Terrain Model Years
View all GMC Terrain years →2019 GMC Terrain: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2019 GMC Terrain?
Is the 2019 GMC Terrain reliable?
How safe is the 2019 GMC Terrain?
How much does it cost to fix 2019 GMC Terrain problems?
Does the 2019 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
What mileage do GMC Terrain problems start?
When was the 2019 GMC Terrain data last updated?
What’s in the full report?
How is this different from free NHTSA data?
How is this different from Carfax?
What if the report isn’t useful?
Get the Full 2019 GMC Terrain Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 310 owner reports. Know before you buy.