2021 Gmc Terrain Safety Report
2021 GMC Terrain: Strong crash ratings, but persistent engine/transmission issues and two safety recalls noted.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Gmc Terrain
Reliability Score
The 2021 Gmc Terrain receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2021 Gmc Terrain
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Gmc Terrain:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reduced Engine Power / Turbocharger Failure Multiple reports of the vehicle entering 'reduced engine power' mode, often accompanied by a check engine light, with diagnostics pointing to turbocharger issues. This significantly impacts drivability and can be costly to repair. |
High | Common | 60000-65000 miles |
| Transmission Shudder/Hesitation Drivers report the transmission hesitating, shuddering, or vibrating significantly during acceleration, particularly between 40-60 mph or when going uphill/around corners. Some complaints mention transmission replacement. |
Medium | Common | 6000-65000 miles |
| Unintended Acceleration / Brake Issues Several complaints describe the vehicle suddenly accelerating aggressively when the brake pedal is depressed or after being released, leading to crashes. Other reports mention brake noise or complete brake failure on a downhill. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Automatic Emergency Braking (Aeb) Malfunctions Reports of the AEB system activating unnecessarily or prematurely, causing abrupt and dangerous stops, leading to occupant discomfort and potential rear-end collision risk. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Water Leaks / Mold Complaints of water leaking into the spare tire compartment, back seat, and passenger floors, leading to mold/mildew smell and potential health risks. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Gmc Terrain:
Issues include transmission shuddering, hesitation, unintended shifts to neutral, and drive shaft problems, often causing vibrations during acceleration.
Frequent reports of 'reduced engine power' mode, check engine light illumination, misfires, and turbocharger failures, often occurring around 60,000 miles.
Complaints range from brake noise (squeaking/grinding), particularly when backing up, to more severe issues like unintended acceleration when braking, or complete brake failure.
Problems include the infotainment screen going black, vehicle failing to start due to battery drain, and the vehicle being able to drive without the key fob present.
Recall related to excessive powder coating on LATCH anchorage bars, preventing proper child seat installation.
Recall for certain Hankook tires potentially manufactured with insufficient material, leading to tread separation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Gmc Terrain
Is the 2021 GMC Terrain safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 GMC Terrain received excellent crash test ratings, achieving a 5-star overall safety rating. However, it has 30 owner complaints, including 4 crashes and 4 injuries, and two safety recalls. While it performs well in controlled crash tests, owners report significant issues with the powertrain, engine (especially turbocharger failures), and some concerning instances of unintended acceleration and braking malfunctions.
What are common problems with the 2021 GMC Terrain?
The most reported issues for the 2021 GMC Terrain include 'reduced engine power' mode and turbocharger failures (often around 60,000 miles), transmission shuddering or hesitation during acceleration, and problems with the service brakes, including unintended acceleration incidents. There are also complaints about water leaks and electrical system malfunctions.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 GMC Terrain?
Yes, the 2021 GMC Terrain has two active recalls. One recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V339000) addresses excessive powder coating on the rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars, which can prevent proper child seat installation. The second recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V636000) is for certain Hankook tires that may have been manufactured with insufficient material, potentially leading to tread separation.
How does the 2021 GMC Terrain perform in crash tests?
The 2021 GMC Terrain performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for both frontal crash and side crash tests, and a 4-star rating for rollover resistance.
Should I be concerned about the engine issues in the 2021 GMC Terrain?
Yes, the engine issues, particularly the 'reduced engine power' mode and turbocharger failures, are a significant concern. These issues are frequently reported by owners, often just after the 60,000-mile mark, and can lead to substantial repair costs and compromised vehicle performance. It's advisable to investigate the vehicle's service history for these specific repairs.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2021 GMC Terrain offers strong crash protection, potential buyers should be aware of recurring engine and transmission issues, and ensure both active recalls have been addressed. A pre-purchase inspection focusing on the powertrain and a review of service records are highly recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Gmc Terrain
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Gmc Terrain. The data includes 30 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Gmc Terrain an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.