Model year guide

2012 GMC Terrain

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 GMC Terrain is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 332 on record.

2012 GMC Terrain — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 GMC Terrain at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints370
Overall safety4 / 5 ★
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$16,102

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 GMC Terrain recalls 4

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #16V502000 · 05/07/2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may…

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall…

Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust NHTSA Campaign #14V447000 · 23/07/2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenl…

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006…

Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems NHTSA Campaign #11V511000 · 19/10/2011

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 18, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM" (TPMS). THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO ILLUMINATE THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WHEN THE PRESSURE IN A …

Fix: GM DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 9, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #22V137000 · 08/03/2022

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."

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 GMC Terrain common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 370 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.

2012 GMC Terrain safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2012 GMC Terrain SUV AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2012 GMC Terrain MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,838

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2012 GMC Terrain worth?

Low
$10,988
Typical price
$16,102
High
$20,000

From 328 comparable 2012 GMC Terrain listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 GMC Terrain costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,190
Fuel only$14,190
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 GMC Terrain trims & engines on record

Trims
SLE-1 · SLT-1 · SLE-2 · SLT-2 · SLE 1 · SLT 1 · Denali · SLE 2 · SLT 2
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 3.0L 6-cyl

2012 GMC Terrain vehicles on record

Other GMC Terrain model years

2012 GMC Terrain — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 GMC Terrain have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2012 GMC Terrain. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Terrain?

Based on 370 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, fuel/propulsion system, power train.

What is the 2012 GMC Terrain safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2012 GMC Terrain an overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2012 GMC Terrain get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 GMC Terrain at about 22 mpg combined (19 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 2012 GMC Terrain worth?

Comparable 2012 GMC Terrain listings run roughly $10,988–$20,000, typically around $16,102 (from 328 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.