Verdict
2017 GMC Terrain: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2017 GMC Terrain — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Middle-of-the-pack complaint volume for SUV.
Owners filed 133 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 57% of 2017 SUVs. Engine leads the reports (41%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2017 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
133
Reports to NHTSA, 2017
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
23
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
More complaints than 57% of 2017 SUVs
The bar is this car's percentile among 2017 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Engine issues lead owner complaints (41% of 133 reports), followed by power train (17%).
+ 8 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 133 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11727804, ODI 11720905, ODI 11715861, ODI 11715646, ODI 11715695.
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Exterior LightingAug 2022 · 22V137000Details +Close −
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2017 GMC Terrain SUV FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2017 GMC Terrain SUV AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrain FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 21 | 31 | 25 |
| Terrain FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 21 | 31 | 25 |
| Terrain AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 20 | 28 | 23 |
| Terrain FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 17 | 24 | 20 |
| Terrain AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 16 | 23 | 18 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2017 GMC Terrain: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2017 GMC Terrain?
Owners filed 133 NHTSA complaints about the 2017 GMC Terrain — more complaints than 57% of comparable 2017 SUVs, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2017 GMC Terrain?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine (41% of complaints) and power train (17%).
How many recalls does the 2017 GMC Terrain have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2017 GMC Terrain, covering components such as exterior lighting. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2017 GMC Terrain get?
The EPA rates the 2017 GMC Terrain between 18 and 25 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.