MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2025 GMC Terrain Safety Ratings

The 2025 GMC Terrain scores 93 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 0 recalls, and 12 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

0Recalls
12Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

The 2025 GMC Terrain achieves an Exceptional rating in the NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 93 out of 100. This strong performance is underpinned by a perfect score for its avoidance technology and a pristine record of zero recalls. The single caveat for prospective buyers is the incomplete NHTSA crash-test data for frontal and overall impact protection.

The 2025 GMC Terrain SUV AWD received a NHTSA Safety Index of 93 out of 100 and a 5-out-of-5-star NHTSA side-impact rating, based on federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 GMC Terrain ranks 33 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2025 GMC Terrain safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index93 / 100 (Exceptional)
Frontal / Side / Rollover5 / 4 stars
Rollover risk17.4%
Recalls on file0
Owner complaints12 (unverified allegations)
Class rank33 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 GMC Terrain?

The 2025 GMC Terrain holds its Safety Index at 93/100, matching the 2024 model year exactly and sustaining Exceptional-band status for a second consecutive year. What distinguishes this specific model year is not movement in the Index but the composition behind it: a flawless avoidance-tech sub-score of 10 out of 10 points, reflecting forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all arriving as standard equipment. Crash protection contributed 63.8 of a possible 70 points, anchored by the 5-star side result and the 4-star rollover score. The absence of any NHTSA frontal or overall star rating is a real gap in the picture, and the Safety Desk does not treat an untested dimension as either a pass or a failure. The defect-record sub-score of 18.75 out of 20 is bolstered by the clean recall slate: zero campaigns on file for this model year. The 12 unverified NHTSA complaints are a modest volume for a vehicle of this age, though the concentration in Electrical System and Steering categories is worth monitoring as the complaint record matures.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 GMC Terrain perform in crash tests?

For the 2025 GMC Terrain, side-impact protection is a clear strength, earning a full 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Rollover protection is rated at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 17 percent risk of rollover and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test. It should be noted that NHTSA has not published overall or frontal crash-test ratings for this model year.

OverallNot rated
FrontalNot rated
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 17.4%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20415

Index breakdown

Crash protection63.8/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record18.75/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 GMC Terrain have any recalls?

The 2025 GMC Terrain has zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database, as campaigns can be issued at any time.

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 GMC Terrain at NHTSA as of 2026-10-01. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 GMC Terrain?

Twelve unverified owner allegations have been submitted to NHTSA for the 2025 Terrain. The most frequently reported components are the Electrical System (4 reports), Steering (3), and Power Train (3). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects, and two reports allege a crash while one alleges an injury.

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

2reported crash
0reported fire
1reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 4Steering 3Power Train 3Wheels 2Unknown Or Other 2Suspension 2

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 GMC Terrain?

The 2025 GMC Terrain has no open recalls at the time of this report. Prospective owners should always verify recall status via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool, as new campaigns can be initiated. Any recall remedy must be completed by a dealership before vehicle delivery.

  • The 2025 Terrain has zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, a clean defect record that directly contributes to its 18.75 out of 20 defect-record sub-score within the 93/100 Safety Index.
  • NHTSA has not issued overall or frontal crash-test star ratings for the 2025 Terrain; the side-impact score of 5 out of 5 stars and rollover score of 4 out of 5 stars are the only crash-protection figures available from federal testing.
  • All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on the 2025 Terrain, earning a perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
  • Twelve unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed for this model year, with Electrical System (4 reports) and Steering (3 reports) as the leading categories; these are unverified consumer allegations and should be tracked as the complaint record develops.

RANKINGSWhere the 2025 GMC Terrain places

The 2025 GMC Terrain qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:

FAQ2025 GMC Terrain safety questions

Was the 2025 GMC Terrain crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 GMC Terrain, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 93 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 2025 GMC Terrain crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2025 GMC Terrain earned 5 out of 5 stars for side and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.

How many recalls does the 2025 GMC Terrain have?

According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 GMC Terrain as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 GMC Terrain?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 12 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 GMC Terrain. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.

READ MORE

Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other Terrain years

Rivals in SUV (2025)

Safest SUV rivals, 2025 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2025 Lexus GX 550100/100not rated0
2025 Lexus Rz 300e100/100not rated0
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross100/100not rated0
2025 Tesla Model X96/100not rated3
2025 Acura ADX96/1005 of 50
2025 Buick Envision96/1005 of 50
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20415), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Terrain 2025.
  • 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 33 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
  • 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.