NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 GMC Terrain Safety Ratings
The 2023 GMC Terrain scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 35 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 GMC Terrain achieved an "Exceptional" NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100, supported by strong federal crash-test performance. This model year is defined by its two recall campaigns and robust NHTSA ratings. Its score reflects both genuine occupant protection and standard crash avoidance technology.
The 2023 GMC Terrain holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100 and a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 GMC Terrain ranks 24 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 | 92 / 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 | 35 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 24 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 GMC Terrain?
The 2023 GMC Terrain achieved an overall Safety Index of 92 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band, a designation it shares with the prior model year despite a two-point decrease from the 2022 score of 94. The decline is attributed to a defect record sub-score of 15.75 out of 20, influenced by two active recall campaigns. Its crash protection earned 66 of 70 possible points, supported by a 5-star overall NHTSA rating. This included 5-star results for both frontal and side impact protection. The vehicle's avoidance technology sub-score is a perfect 10 out of 10, reflecting the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The 2023 Terrain faces two specific recalls: one addresses rear child seat LATCH anchors, a concern also present in 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox models, and the other pertains to the occupant classification sensor tied to ventilated passenger seats unique to the 2023 model. Purchasers should ensure recall remedies have been completed.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 GMC Terrain perform in crash tests?
The 2023 GMC Terrain AWD received a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with 5-star scores for both frontal and side impact protection. The rollover resistance assessment is a relative concern, where it earned 4 out of 5 stars with a 16 percent rollover risk, though it did achieve a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18227
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2023 GMC Terrain. The first involves rear child seat LATCH anchors, affecting 2020-2023 Equinox and Terrain vehicles. The second targets the occupant classification sensor in the front passenger air bag system on 2023 models equipped with ventilated front passenger seats. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive in the data provided.
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
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER22V929000
Risk: In the event of a crash, a front passenger air bag that deploys with a child or infant in the front passenger seat can increase their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger presence system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 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 recall is N222388911.
Reported 2022-12-15
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 GMC Terrain?
Owners have filed 35 unverified allegations with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Fuel and Propulsion System with 14 reports, the Engine with 12, and the Electrical System with 7. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
35 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 GMC Terrain?
Before purchasing a used 2023 GMC Terrain, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm both the child seat LATCH anchor and the occupant classification sensor recalls have been remedied. An unresolved recall on a 3-year-old vehicle is a concrete safety gap, not a minor paperwork issue.
- The 2023 GMC Terrain's Safety Index of 92/100 is two points lower than the 2022 model year's 94/100, with the defect record sub-score of 15.75 out of 20 reflecting two active recall campaigns unique to this production year.
- A recall specific to 2023 models targets the occupant classification sensor in the front passenger air bag system on vehicles equipped with ventilated front passenger seats, a campaign that does not affect 2022 or earlier Terrain vehicles.
- NHTSA's rollover assessment gives the 2023 Terrain AWD a 4-star rating with a 16 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result in the dynamic test, the one star rating that falls short of the otherwise perfect frontal and side scores.
- Thirty-five unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with Fuel and Propulsion System allegations leading at 14 reports, a concentration worth monitoring as additional complaints are submitted over time.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 GMC Terrain places
The 2023 GMC Terrain qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 GMC Terrain safety questions
Was the 2023 GMC Terrain crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 GMC Terrain, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 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 2023 GMC Terrain crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 GMC Terrain have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 GMC Terrain. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 GMC Terrain?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 35 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18227), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Terrain 2023.
- 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 24 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.