CarModelProblems.com

2016 GMC Terrain Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Visibility/wiper — runs 6.1× the fleet median for that category across the 325 model-years tracked on this site.
149Complaints
2Recalls
9Crashes
0Fires
9Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Visibility/wiper (30.9% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.

Visibility/wiper complaints here are 6.1× the median for that category across the 325 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Visibility/wiper46 · 30.9%not available
Engine45 · 30.2%not available
Power Train11 · 7.4%not available
Exterior Lighting10 · 6.7%RecalledRecall 22V137000
Electrical System9 · 6%not available
Air Bags9 · 6%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

VISIBILITY/WIPER46 · 30.9%
ENGINE45 · 30.2%
Unspecified / other12 · 8.1%
POWER TRAIN11 · 7.4%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING10 · 6.7%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9 · 6%
AIR BAGS9 · 6%
STEERING6 · 4%
SERVICE BRAKES5 · 3.4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4 · 2.7%

Percentages are the share of the 149 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 2 campaigns

Equipment:other:labels

NHTSA campaign 16V449000 · 2016 · reported 06/21/2016

If the information on the certification labels is incorrect, the operator may install incorrectly sized tires or rims or may improperly inflate the tires, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Exterior Lighting:headlights

NHTSA campaign 22V137000 · 2022 · reported 03/08/2022

The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“WHILE DRIVING IN A HEAVY RAIN IN A CONSTUCTION ZONE, WIPER QUIT WORKING. Never notified vehicle had a wiper linkage failure issue. Paid for repairs…”NHTSA complaint 11662508 — filed 05/22/2025 · VISIBILITY/WIPER
“When driving in a rainstorm, there was a loud pop, and the driver side windshield wiper stopped moving. After I finally got home I checked…”NHTSA complaint 11581491 — filed 04/06/2024 · VISIBILITY/WIPER
“My wife was driving on the highway to work when it was raining. Both of the wipers stopped working all of a sudden causing her…”NHTSA complaint 11562559 — filed 12/29/2023 · VISIBILITY/WIPER

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

4201632017142018172019192020342021252022192023162024192025102026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Terrain?

Visibility/wiper issues are the most-reported category, cited in 46 of 149 NHTSA complaints (30.9%), followed by engine (45), unspecified/other issues (12), power train (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2016 GMC Terrain have?

149 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 9 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 9 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2016 GMC Terrain have any recalls?

Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 16V449000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2016 GMC Terrain's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.