2010 GMC Terrain Reliability
The 2010 GMC Terrain has 295 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about engine and visibility / wipers. Compared with nearby Terrain model years (2010–2012), it rates as a solid year: complaints are in line with the Terrain's typical year, while the 2011 drew 397 complaints.
By CarWhere Research · Updated 2026-11-04 · Source: NHTSA
295
NHTSA owner complaints
3
Recall campaigns
10
Complaints citing a crash
0
Complaints citing a fire
2010 GMC Terrain complaints by component
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2010 model year, filed between 2010 and 2026. A complaint can name more than one component.
| Component | Complaints | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 107 | 36% |
| Visibility / wipers | 54 | 18% |
| Powertrain / transmission | 51 | 17% |
| Electrical system | 48 | 16% |
| Air bags | 25 | 8% |
| Stability control | 21 | 7% |
| Unknown or other | 20 | 7% |
| Speed control / throttle | 17 | 6% |
2010 GMC Terrain recalls
3 recall campaigns on NHTSA record for the 2010 model year, by the date NHTSA received the manufacturer's report. Recall repairs are free at a dealer.
| NHTSA campaign | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09V489000 | Dec 23, 2009 | Visibility / wipers — defroster/defogger/hvac system | General motors is recalling certain model year 2010 chevrolet equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 103, "windshield defrosting and defogging systems and with federal motor… |
| 14V447000 | Jul 23, 2014 | Seats — front assembly / power adjust | 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… |
| 22V137000 | Mar 8, 2022 | Exterior lighting — headlights | 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… |
How the 2010 compares with nearby Terrain years
Verdicts compare these Terrain model years with each other.
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 (this page) | 295 | 3 | Engine | Solid |
| 2011 | 397 | 4 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2012 | 370 | 4 | Engine | Avoid |
Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA and are not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, so they compare years of the same model rather than different models.
What to check on a used 2010 GMC Terrain
- Engine: cold-start it yourself, listen for ticking or knocking, check for oil leaks and oil consumption, and ask for oil-change records.
- Visibility: test the wipers at every speed, washers, defrosters and the climate system (fogging is a common complaint).
- Transmission: test-drive from cold through every gear, feel for slipping, harsh or delayed shifts and shudder, and ask whether the fluid has been serviced.
- Electrical: test every light, window, lock, the infotainment screen and the charging system; scan for stored fault codes.
- Recalls: confirm each of the 3 campaigns above was completed on this VIN; open recalls are repaired free at a dealer.
- History: run the VIN for salvage, theft and odometer records, and have an independent mechanic inspect the car before you pay.
Check this exact car
Any 2010 GMC Terrain can be better or worse than its model year. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015. Free preview first; the full report is $12.99, one time.
2010 GMC Terrain reliability FAQ
Is the 2010 GMC Terrain reliable?
The 2010 GMC Terrain has 295 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about engine and visibility / wipers. Compared with nearby Terrain model years (2010–2012), it rates as a solid year: complaints are in line with the Terrain's typical year, while the 2011 drew 397 complaints.
What are the most common 2010 GMC Terrain problems?
The most-reported problem areas in NHTSA owner complaints for the 2010 GMC Terrain are engine (107), visibility / wipers (54), powertrain / transmission (51), electrical system (48). One complaint can name more than one component.
Does the 2010 GMC Terrain have recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2010 GMC Terrain, including 09V489000 (visibility / wipers — defroster/defogger/hvac system) and 14V447000 (seats — front assembly / power adjust). Recall repairs are free at a dealer, and whether one was done is tracked by VIN.
How does the 2010 GMC Terrain compare with the 2009 and 2011 models?
By NHTSA records, the 2011 has 397 complaints and 4 recalls (avoid). The 2010 has 295 complaints and 3 recalls.
How do I check a specific used 2010 GMC Terrain?
Run its VIN. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015, with a free preview first and the full report at $12.99, one time. Pair it with an independent pre-purchase inspection.
More GMC Terrain research
Other GMC Terrain model years:
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation owner complaints (all body-style listings for the 2010 Terrain, de-duplicated by complaint number) and NHTSA recall campaigns, retrieved 2026-11-04.