2010 GMC Terrain
Common Problems
Ranked from 172 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
16 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Engine stalls and reduced power due to timing chain and piston ring failure
29complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine stalls or enters reduced power mode due to timing chain issues or excessive oil consumption caused by piston ring wear.
$900–$2,500est. timing chain/phaser service · 5–12 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Stabilitrak and Reduced Engine Power Warning
24complaintsHigh severityOtherThe Stabilitrak system triggers warnings and reduces engine power, causing the vehicle to slow down unexpectedly.
- 4
Transmission failure or poor shifting causing stalling or loss of power
22complaintsSafety riskTransmissionThe transmission fails or shifts poorly, causing the vehicle to stall, slip out of gear, or lose power while driving.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Windshield wiper linkage failure causing sudden loss of visibility
21complaintsSafety riskOtherThe windshield wiper linkage separates or fails while driving in heavy rain, causing the wipers to stop moving or become stuck in an upright position, resulting in zero visibility.
- 6
Electrical system malfunctions including warning lights and gauge failures
19complaintsMedium severityElectricalMultiple electrical failures occur, including erratic warning lights, gauge malfunctions, and issues with the radio, heated seats, and window motors.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Defroster and HVAC system failure due to center console or electrical module malfunction
14complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe defroster and HVAC system fail to operate correctly, often causing fogged windshields and inoperable heating or cooling.
$150–$1,100est. hvac diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Air Bag Warning Lights and Deployment Failures
11complaintsSafety riskElectricalAir bag warning lights illuminate intermittently or fail to deploy during collisions.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Airbag warning light and malfunction without prior accident
9complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe airbag warning light illuminates and beeps intermittently or constantly, indicating a malfunction in the airbag system despite no prior collision.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Stabilitrak and power steering failure causing loss of control
6complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe Stabilitrak system fails, causing power steering to be lost and engine power to be reduced, often requiring the driver to pull over.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Defective tire sidewall separation on Michelín Latitude Tour tires
5complaintsHigh severityOtherOriginal equipment Michelín Latitude Tour tires experience sidewall separation and tread detachment, risking blowouts.
- 12
Catalytic converter failure or cracking
3complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe catalytic converter cracks or fails prematurely, requiring replacement and causing performance issues.
$900–$2,500est. catalytic converter replacement · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Dashboard glare and visibility issues
3complaintsMedium severityOtherStrong glare from dashboard components reflects off the windshield, reducing driver visibility and increasing accident risk.
- 14
Engine power loss and throttle body failure
3complaintsHigh severityEngineThe vehicle suddenly loses power while driving, accompanied by a warning message, often due to a faulty throttle body.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 15
Suspension and strut noise/rattle
3complaintsLow severitySuspensionRattling or clunking noises originate from the front suspension, particularly from the strut assembly or sway bar links.
$500–$1,200est. strut/shock replacement (pair) · 2–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 16
Hatchback door opens unexpectedly due to faulty latch mechanism
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe rear hatch door opens while driving or parked due to a faulty latch mechanism, even after replacement.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.