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2016 Gmc Terrain Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2016 Gmc Terrain carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering labels and headlights. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Excessive oil consumption and timing chain failure.” GMC trucks and SUVs use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — the same algorithm as Chevrolet. Because GMC's lineup is exclusively trucks and SUVs, severe-service intervals apply to most owners (towing, hauling, off-roading). The schedule below surfaces the items most relevant to GMC's truck-focused buyer.

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #16V449000 · Jun 21, 2016

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles manufactured October 16, 2015. The certification labels may have incorrect tire/rim size and cold tire pressure information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: If the information on the certification labels is incorrect, the operator may install incorrectly sized tires or rims or may improperly inflate the tires, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1050, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 46600.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Campaign #22V137000 · Aug 3, 2022

Issue: 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.

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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Gmc Terrain.

Reported to NHTSA

Excessive oil consumption and timing chain failure

ENGINE

37 NHTSA complaints · 2018-12 → 2026-08

“The timing chain snapped and caused the engine to seize on our 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L SLC-1 SUV/Truck”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11756995
“I am reporting excessive oil consumption in my 2016 GMC Terrain with the 2.4L Ecotec engine. The vehicle burns through an abnormal amount of oil between routine oil changes, often requiring additional oil changes without any visible leaks or dashboard warnings until the oil”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11659275
“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11568469

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield wiper failure during rain

VISIBILITY/WIPER

46 NHTSA complaints · 2018-11 → 2026-05

“The front windshield wipers suddenly stopped working while I was driving on the freeway in moderate rainfall on [XXX]”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11665624
“There was a total failure of both wipers with out any warning and a total loss of vision due to a rain covered windshield”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11669047
“2016 GMC Terrain front windshield wipers failed completely during a major rainstorm downpour event. Visibility during 05/21/2022 drive on Interstate 94 was immediately compromised and my son had to pull over to avoid potential collision”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11465572

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight recall repair parts unavailable

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

9 NHTSA complaints · 2022-05 → 2023-02

“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11509556
“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while the wife was driving approximately 45 MPH she accidentally hit an animal due to visibility issues with the headlights”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11467204
“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH his vehicle inadvertently and unknowingly crashed into the vehicle in front. The contact was unable to see the vehicle in front of him due to the glare of headlights”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11463393

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2025-12

“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, a second vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11705536
“The contact owned a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while making a right turn, a Dodge Ram truck ran through a stop sign causing the contact to crash into the truck head-on. The air bags failed to deploy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11593763
“Got into a collision where I T-boned the other vehicle at 40 mph and NO airbags deployed. Passenger was thrown into the dash and knees went into the glove box and driver hit the steering wheel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11429149

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of engine power with StabiliTrak warning

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

13 NHTSA complaints · 2016-06 → 2026-01

“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the stability track warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle however, the warning light remained illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11445356
“I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE WHEN ON THREE SEPERATE OCCASIONS THE SERVICE STABILITRAK MESSAGE FLASHED ON THE DIC AND I LOST ENGINE POWER. ONE OF THE TIMES THIS HAPPENED I WAS ON A ROAD WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 55 AND THE ISSUE ALMOST CAUSED A VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO ME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11209123
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL INDEPENDENTLY AND FAILED TO CHANGE GEARS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10876065

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering wheel lock and power steering failure

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-04 → 2024-09

“My steering wheel locked while driving. This has prevented me from turning the wheel AT ALL (100% completely locks while the car is in motion). The locked steering wheel lasts approximately 15 seconds”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11613387
“Power steering failure and don't walk anymore, had to push my GMC Terrain. The light came on that says POWER STEERING FAILED. Contact service”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11486332
“STEERING WILL NOT RETURN TO CENTER UNDER HARD ACCELERATION. TESTED CHEVEY EQUINOX WITH V-6 AND HYDRAULIC STEERING SYSTEM PRODUCED THE SAME RESULTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11083133

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Service brake failure to stop

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-04 → 2025-09

“I was driving my morning commute to work, when I came upon a stop light. I was pressing the brakes and the brakes failed to engage which caused me to hit a car in front of me”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11685259
“WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE VEHICLE TAKES EXTREMELY LONG TIME TO PROPERLY STOP. BRAKES FEEL SOFT AND FADE WHEN APPLIED AND I HAVE NEARLY STRUCK VEHICLES FROM THE REAR SEVERAL TIMES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11255664
“I HAD A TEMPORARY BRAKE FAILURE AT 25MPH WITH A HARD BRAKE. I HAD A CAR PULL OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I HAD TO HARD BRAKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11196198

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when OLS reaches 0% or every 12 months. dexos1-approved synthetic required on Sierra 1500 5.3L/6.2L; dexos2 specified on Duramax diesel.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Sierra and Yukon owners running 4x4 should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Towing accelerates pad wear by 30-50%; check more often if towing regularly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

DOT 3 brake fluid: test annually, replace when moisture exceeds 3% or fluid is darker than copper.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

Long-life cellulose filter rated 45,000 miles. Trucks driven on unpaved roads or construction sites should inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (towing 5,000+ lbs regularly, heavy stop-and-go): every 45,000 miles. Normal: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI for 6L80/6L90, Mobil 1 LV ATF HP for 10L80/10L1000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Sierra and Yukon 4WD: replace every 45,000 miles. Use GM Auto-Trak II for active 4WD; GM 9986115 for selectable 4WD.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Differential Fluid (front + rear)

Every 50,000 mi

Replace front and rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. G80 limited-slip rear axles require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on the L83/L84 5.3L and L86/L87 6.2L V8 are rated 100,000 miles. AFM/DFM cylinder deactivation can cause uneven plug wear — check at 75,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000. Duramax diesel uses ELC (red) — different chemistry, do not mix.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Sierra HD and Yukon XL owners in dusty work environments should replace at 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

41 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

9

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2016 Gmc Terrain reflects GMC's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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