NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 GMC Terrain Safety Ratings
The 2021 GMC Terrain scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 31 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 GMC Terrain achieves an Exceptional rating in the NHTSA Safety Index, with a score of 91 out of 100. This places it among the top performers in its class. The model's five-star overall NHTSA crash protection, coupled with a perfect score in its avoidance-technology suite, suggests a robust safety profile for consumers considering a used model.
The 2021 GMC Terrain holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of five out of five stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 GMC Terrain ranks 20 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 31 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 20 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 GMC Terrain?
The 2021 GMC Terrain achieves an Exceptional rating in the NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 91 out of 100 points. This three-point increase from the 2020 model year's Strong rating of 88 reflects a near-perfect crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70. The vehicle also attained a maximum avoidance technology score of 10 out of 10, confirming that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are standard features. The defect record component, however, scores 15 out of 20, influenced by two recall campaigns. The Hankook tire recall was issued in 2021 and directly affects this model year. A separate recall, issued in 2023 for child seat LATCH anchors, includes the 2021 Terrain as part of a broader 2020-2023 population. These two campaigns represent the primary safety concerns identified. Additionally, 31 unverified owner allegations have been reported. These include four alleged crashes and four alleged injuries, with the Power Train and Engine categories each accounting for eight reports.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 GMC Terrain perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2021 GMC Terrain Terrain AWD five stars overall, five stars for frontal protection, and five stars for side protection. Rollover is the one area to note, rated four out of five stars, with a measured rollover risk of 16 percent and a dynamic tip test result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15339
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2021 GMC Terrain. The first, issued in 2021, targets vehicles equipped with certain Hankook tires. The second, issued in 2023, addresses rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchors shared with 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox models. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive in the data provided, but remedy completion should be verified by VIN.
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR23V339000
Risk: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. 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
Reported 2023-05-11
TIRES21V612000
Risk: Tread separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tire DOT numbers, and replace any affected tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782; and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212343560.
Reported 2021-08-05
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 GMC Terrain?
Owners have filed 31 unverified allegations with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently reported components are Power Train and Engine, each cited 8 times, followed by Electrical System at 7 allegations, Service Brakes at 5, and Forward Collision Avoidance at 3. These are unverified consumer reports, not established defects.
31 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 GMC Terrain?
The 2021 GMC Terrain's safety profile is marked by two specific recall actions that buyers of used models should note. The first addresses Hankook tires, while the second concerns the child seat LATCH anchor system. Verifying the resolution of these recalls via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool is an important step for any prospective owner, as open recalls on a vehicle of this age transfer with ownership, making the new owner responsible for their remedy.
- The 2021 model year carries two active recall campaigns: one for certain Hankook tires issued in 2021 and one for rear-seat child seat LATCH anchors issued in 2023, both directly covering this year's vehicles.
- The Safety Index rose from 88 in 2020 to 91 in 2021, crossing from the Strong band into the Exceptional band, driven by a near-maximum crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on the 2021 model year, earning a perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
- Unverified owner allegations to NHTSA include 31 total reports, with Power Train and Engine each cited 8 times and Forward Collision Avoidance cited 3 times, the most recent allegation filed in April 2026.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 GMC Terrain places
The 2021 GMC Terrain qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 GMC Terrain safety questions
Was the 2021 GMC Terrain crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 GMC Terrain, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 GMC Terrain crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Terrain have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 GMC Terrain. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 GMC Terrain?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 31 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 GMC Terrain. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Terrain years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15339), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Terrain 2021.
- 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 20 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.