MotorDeets

2010 GMC Terrain: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2010 GMC Terrain: 3 recalls, 290 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
290owner complaints
10mention a crash
26best combined mpg
2010 GMC Terrain
Photo: LotPro Cars · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #09V489000 · 2009 · 59,031 vehicles

What's wrong: 103, "windshield defrosting and defogging systems and with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 101, controls and displays". The software in the center instrument panel can cause the heating, air conditioning, defrost, and radio controls, as well as the panel illumination to become inoperative.

Why it matters: Driving without a functioning defrost system can decrease your visibility under certain driving conditions and could result in a crash without warning.

The fix: Dealers will replace the computer module in the center instrument panel free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during January 2010.

Seats Vehicle recall #14V447000 · 2014 · 414,333 vehicles

What's wrong: 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 suddenly to the lowest vertical position.

Why it matters: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position May affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

The 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.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #22V137000 · 2022 · 740,581 vehicles

What's wrong: 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."

Why it matters: The bright reflection May cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 12 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine107
Transmission & drivetrain51
Electrical48
Visibility/Wiper40
Airbags24
Stability control21
Speed control / throttle17
Other / unknown16

What owners describe

The 2010 GMC Terrain has 290 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 17 Terrain model years for complaints (1.6× the average Terrain year). Complaints peaked in 2016 (45 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 73,925 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (386 complaints, 4 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.4 L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive223226Regular
2.4 L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive202923Regular
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive172520Regular
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive172420Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2010 GMC Terrain.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2010 GMC Terrain manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2010 GMC Terrain manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2010 GMC Terrain manual

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FAQ

Does the 2010 GMC Terrain have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2010 GMC Terrain. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2010 GMC Terrain problems?

Owners have filed 290 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (107), transmission & drivetrain (51), electrical (48).

What gas mileage does the 2010 GMC Terrain get?

EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2010 GMC Terrain repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Terrain years

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