NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 GMC Terrain Safety Ratings
The 2019 GMC Terrain scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 175 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 GMC Terrain shows a strong safety profile. While its crash-test results are excellent across the board, three recall campaigns and a four-star rollover rating temper its overall score. The model earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100. This places the 2019 Terrain in the Strong safety band.
The 2019 GMC Terrain received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, based on NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 GMC Terrain ranks 41 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 18.5% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 175 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 41 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 GMC Terrain?
A 19 percent rollover risk stands out in the 2019 GMC Terrain's otherwise strong crash-test performance. This model year achieved an overall Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, predominantly due to its crash protection. The vehicle earned a 66 out of 70 for crash protection, reflecting a near-perfect sweep of NHTSA star ratings. Its avoidance technology subscore of 6 out of 10 indicates that forward collision warning and lane departure warning were not standard features, meaning many vehicles may lack these systems. Prospective buyers should verify specific vehicle configurations. The defect record contributed 11 out of 20 to the overall score, stemming from three recall campaigns and 175 owner complaints. These included an August 2018 brake-caliper recall, a March 2019 seat-weld recall, and an October 2020 transmission recall.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 GMC Terrain perform in crash tests?
The 2019 GMC Terrain earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its frontal and side crash protection both received 5 out of 5 stars. The rollover assessment, however, yielded a 4-star rating, with a 19-percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test. All crash-test categories were scored.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13125
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. The first addresses rear-right seat welds that may be insufficient, affecting occupant restraint integrity. The second targets brake caliper components shared with several GM platforms. The third involves the automatic transmission across a broad group of 2018-2019 GM vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data for this vehicle.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 GMC Terrain?
Owners have filed 175 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 7 crashes, 3 fires, and 12 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Service Brakes with 65 reports, Engine with 62, and Power Train with 49. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
175 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 GMC Terrain?
For the 2019 GMC Terrain, a critical step for any prospective owner is to verify the status of its three federal safety recalls. These campaigns address significant components: the transmission, rear seat welds, and brake calipers. As recalls transfer with ownership, ensuring these issues have been remedied via a VIN search on the NHTSA database is imperative for safety.
- The 2019 Terrain's three recall campaigns span brake calipers, rear seat welds, and an automatic transmission concern shared across multiple 2018-2019 GM models. Remedy completion must be verified by VIN before purchase.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were both optional features in this model year, not standard. Used examples may or may not be equipped with these systems, directly affecting the avoidance-tech portion of the Safety Index.
- Service Brakes account for 65 of the 175 unverified NHTSA complaints filed against this model year, a figure that aligns with the brake-caliper recall and warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection of the braking system.
- The rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars, paired with a 19-percent rollover risk and a No Tip result on the dynamic test, represents the only crash-test category where the 2019 Terrain fell short of a perfect score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 GMC Terrain places
The 2019 GMC Terrain qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 GMC Terrain safety questions
Was the 2019 GMC Terrain crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 GMC Terrain, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 GMC Terrain crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 GMC Terrain earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 18.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 GMC Terrain have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 GMC Terrain. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 GMC Terrain?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 175 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 GMC Terrain. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Terrain years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13125), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Terrain 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 41 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.