2011 GMC Terrain: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 GMC Terrain: 4 recalls, 386 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #10V623000 · 2010 · 97,843 vehicles
What's wrong: The driver and /or front passenger safety belt buckle anchor May fracture and separate near the seat attachment in a vehicle crash.
Why it matters: The safety belt system May not restrain the occupant(s) as designed and could increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will modify the passenger and/or the driver safety belt buckles as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before January 18, 2011.
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.
Electrical, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #16V502000 · 2016 · 8,367 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 114, "theft protection…
Why it matters: If the key is removed without the transmission in park, the vehicle May rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.
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. 8 mention a fire, 24 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (178): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (65), warning light on (45), excess oil use (33).
- Transmission & drivetrain (76): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (28), stalls / loses power (23), noise or vibration (9).
- Other / unknown (33): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), leaks (5).
- Fuel & propulsion (31): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (15), warning light on (8), leaks (4).
The 2011 GMC Terrain has 386 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 17 Terrain model years for complaints (2.1× the average Terrain year). Complaints peaked in 2019 (57 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 79,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (290 complaints, 3 recalls), 2012 (364 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Gasoline or E85 |
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 2011 GMC Terrain.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2011 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2011 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 2011 GMC Terrain problems?
Owners have filed 386 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (178), transmission & drivetrain (76), other / unknown (33).
What gas mileage does the 2011 GMC Terrain get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 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.