Makes›GMC›Terrain›2012

2012 GMC Terrain

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

GMC Terrain
Pictured: 2019 GMC Terrain Denali, front 2.29.20. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
Sle/Slt 4dr SUV AWD, Sle/Slt 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
FFV, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
26 combined · 22 city / 31 hwy
Length
185.4 in
Curb weight
3,854–4,019 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2012 SUV - (20.9 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints340 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 106 for similar models — most often about the engine.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 GMC Terrain is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 185 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,019 lb (Sle/Slt 4dr SUV AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 31 highway), 24% better than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 340 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Terrain — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Terrain →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Sle/Slt 4dr SUV AWD185.4 in72.8 in66.5 in112.6 in62.2 / 61.8 in4,019 lb56/44
Sle/Slt 4dr SUV FWD185.4 in72.8 in66.5 in112.6 in62.2 / 61.8 in3,854 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Terrain FWD FFV2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 26+24%$2,600342
Terrain FWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 26+24%$2,600342
Terrain AWD FFV2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23+21%$2,900386
Terrain AWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23+21%$2,900386
Terrain FWD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20-4%$3,350444
Terrain FWD FFV3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20-4%$3,350444
Terrain AWD FFV3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 190%$3,550468
Terrain AWD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 190%$3,550468
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 GMC Terrain.

Similar 2012 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 GMC Terrain (this car)26 MPGNot rated4
2012 Toyota RAV424 MPGNot rated6
2012 Honda CR-V26 MPGNot rated3
2012 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated8
2012 Subaru Forester23 MPGNot rated15
2012 Toyota Highlander28 MPGNot rated2
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee19 MPGNot rated10

Recalls (4)

Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Mar 8, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V137000 · 740,581 vehicles

Problem
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.
Electrical System › Ignition · Jul 5, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · 8,367 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. 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 and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust · Jul 23, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V447000 · 414,333 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. 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.
Risk
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.
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. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Oct 19, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V511000 · 33,964 vehicles

Problem
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 18, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM" (TPMS). THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO ILLUMINATE THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WHEN THE PRESSURE IN A TIRE IS 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE. ON THESE VEHICLES, THE LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE UNTIL THE TIRE PRESSURE IS MORE THAN 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE.
Risk
UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN RESULT IN TIRE OVERLOADING AND OVERHEATING, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A BLOWOUT AND POSSIBLE CRASH. THE RESULTING CRASH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN ALSO RESULT IN PREMATURE OR IRREGULAR WEAR, POOR HANDLING, AND POOR FUEL ECONOMY.
Fix
GM DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 9, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 GMC Terrain is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

340Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
5Involved a fire
9Injuries reported
85,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine167
Visibility/Wiper73
Unknown Or Other37
Power Train35
Electrical System29
Fuel/Propulsion System24
Air Bags17
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)11
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/05: 123/06: 223/07: 123/08: 223/09: 324/01: 224/02: 224/03: 224/04: 324/05: 124/07: 124/08: 124/09: 124/12: 225/01: 125/02: 125/03: 125/05: 125/09: 125/10: 225/11: 126/02: 126/03: 126/06: 123/0523/0824/0224/0524/0925/0225/0926/02max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 GMC Terrain buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 167 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Visibility/Wiper — 73 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  4. Power Train — 35 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 85,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 GMC Terrain. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Terrain years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Terrain26–Not rated01
2026 Terrain27181.1 inNot rated133
2025 Terrain27181.1 inNot rated013
2024 Terrain26183.1 in★★★★★153
2023 Terrain26183.1 in★★★★★241
2022 Terrain27183.1 in★★★★★488
2021 Terrain27183.1 in★★★★★236
2020 Terrain27183.1 in★★★★★2197
2019 Terrain32183.1 in★★★★★3187
2018 Terrain32183.1 in★★★★★5226
2017 Terrain25185.4 inNot rated1135
2016 Terrain26185.4 inNot rated2153

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →