MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2019 GMC Terrain

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

3Recalls
175Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE GMC TERRAIN

The GMC Terrain is a compact SUV targeting buyers who want a premium-feeling crossover without stepping into full luxury territory. Sold across model years 2019 through 2025, it competes in one of the most crowded segments in America, pitching itself at small families and urban professionals who prioritize comfort, technology, and a polished driving experience over outright performance.

VERDICT

The 2019 GMC Terrain earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 3 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the GMC Terrain as a well-rounded compact SUV with a comfortable, refined interior and a smooth, composed ride. Most find it competent rather than class-leading in any single area, and opinions on its powertrain options tend to be mixed. It is typically praised for livability and interior quality while drawing criticism for underwhelming cargo space and fuel economy relative to some rivals.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 18.5%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13125

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech6/10
Defect record11/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION20V668000

Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this reca

Reported 2020-10-29

SEATS19V184000

Risk: In the event of a crash, the insufficient welds may result in an increased risk of injury for an occupant seated in the rear-right position.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192209550.

Reported 2019-03-07

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER18V576000

Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

Reported 2018-08-30

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

175 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

7reported crash
3reported fire
12reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsService Brakes 65Engine 62Power Train 49Electrical System 37Unknown Or Other 20Vehicle Speed Control 9

Other Terrain years

Rivals in SUV (2019)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 13125), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for GMC Terrain 2019. Class rank 41 of 93 in SUV 2019. Methodology · Disclosure