A low-complaint late Terrain
The 2021 Terrain has a low complaint rate. Rare reduced power and brake pedal reports.
Updated November 2026 · based on 36 owner complaints and 2 recalls
76 66% below the Terrain average
2 free to fix at a dealer
Every Terrain year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Top problems and what they cost
Reduced engine power
Rare limp mode with a check engine light.
Fix: Diagnosis $100 to $200
Engine
Brake pedal feel
Rare brake pedal complaints.
Fix: Inspection $100 to $200
Brakes
Recalls
Tread separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2021 GMC Terrain
- Watch for warning lights.Warning lights should come on briefly at start and then go out. One that stays on means the car has stored a fault, and a parts store can read the code for free.
- Test the brakes firmly.Brakes should stop the car straight and quietly. Grinding, pulling or surging means worn parts or a fault in the brake system.
Questions
Is the 2021 GMC Terrain reliable?
A low-complaint late Terrain. The 2021 Terrain has a low complaint rate. Rare reduced power and brake pedal reports.
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Terrain have?
2 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2021 GMC Terrain problems?
Reduced engine power; Brake pedal feel.
Crash rating shown for the 2021 GMC Terrain SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.