About this problem
Windshield wipers that stop working are usually caused by a failed wiper motor, a broken linkage or a corroded connection. When wipers fail in rain or snow the driver suddenly cannot see, which is why some wiper failures have been recalled. Owners often report wipers stopping mid-sweep or working only on some settings.
Across all owner complaints filed about the GMC Terrain since 2012, 362 (14.8%) describe windshield wipers stop working, making it the most reported problem we track on the Terrain. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2014 and 2015 model years, and the 2015 drew the most, with 110. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 60,000 and 98,000 miles. One report describes a crash or fire linked to it. 2 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Terrain owners report the windshield wipers stopping, often in rain or snow, because of a corroded ball joint in the wiper linkage or a failed motor. GM recalled many 2010 to 2017 Terrains for this.
How it gets fixed
The recall replaces or repairs the wiper linkage.
Typical cost: Free under recall; otherwise a wiper motor or linkage costs $200 to $400.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Wipers in "on" position, wiper motor audibly running, neither wiper blade would move across windshield, both remain stationary. Can manually move both blades freely, no binding, in unison validating linkage between the two blade arms were still connected."
2012 GMC Terrain, 30 miles
"Issue # 1-the wiper blades stopped working during a rain storm and were stuck midway on the windshield right in my site line while on o long 9 hour trip. I checked the engine compartment area after stopping the vehicle in a safe area."
2015 GMC Terrain, 94,000 miles
"When I left work yesterday evening it was dark and raining outside, and naturally, I turned on my front windshield wipers. About five minutes into my drive home, while on the highway, my front windshield wipers stopped operating."
2014 GMC Terrain, 88,018 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
GMC has sent dealers 28 bulletins that mention this problem on the Terrain. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
N192266180 - Special Coverage - On some 2010-2012, and 2014-2017 model year Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, a link ball socket in the wiper transmission may separate.
Special Coverage.
This bulletin provides information on Wiper Blade Maintenance Tips.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of hearing a windshield wiper squeak on passenger side wiper pivot.
This engineering informational bulletin is requesting information from technicians to perform the check list provided and contact the engineer listed in regards to a loose rear wiper arm.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles with the rear wiper and/or the front rain sense wipers turn off when the vehicle is shifted to neutral.
Government investigations
Engineering analysis EA19005 · 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 · opened Dec 2019, closed Nov 2022
Recall query RQ18002 · 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 · opened Nov 2018, closed Dec 2019
Before you buy a Terrain
- Run the wipers on every speed.
- Check by VIN for open wiper recalls.
Questions
Which GMC Terrain years have windshield wipers stop working?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2014, 2015 model years. The 2015 drew the most, with 110 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 75,000 miles, and half reported it between 60,000 and 98,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Free under recall; otherwise a wiper motor or linkage costs $200 to $400.