2021 GMC Terrain: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 GMC Terrain: 2 recalls, 36 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Tires, Tires Vehicle recall #21V612000 · 2021 · 9,597 vehicles
What's wrong: The tires May have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation.
Why it matters: Tread separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the tire dot numbers, and replace any affected tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021.
Child seat Vehicle recall #23V339000 · 2023 · 668,187 vehicles
What's wrong: The four rear-seat lower child seat latch anchorage bars May have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "child restraint anchorage systems."
Why it matters: The inability to install a child seat with the latch anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (10): the most common themes are warning light on (5), stalls / loses power (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (8): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (3), warning light on (3).
- Brakes (8): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (3), noise or vibration (2).
- Electrical (7): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
The 2021 GMC Terrain has 36 owner complaints, ranking #15 of 17 Terrain model years for complaints (well below the 184 average). Complaints peaked in 2026 (10 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 57,421 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (197 complaints, 2 recalls), 2022 (60 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | Regular |
| 1.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 28 | 26 | Regular |
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 2021 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.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2021 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2021 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 2021 GMC Terrain problems?
Owners have filed 36 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (10), transmission & drivetrain (8), brakes (8).
What gas mileage does the 2021 GMC Terrain get?
EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (1.5 L, Automatic 9-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 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.