NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 GMC Terrain Safety Ratings
The 2026 GMC Terrain scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 1 recall, and 20 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 GMC Terrain achieves an Exceptional rating, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100. This places it among the safest vehicles reviewed for the model year, though it marks a three-point decrease from the 2025 model's 93. The absence of a perfect score stems from partial NHTSA crash-test coverage and the presence of one active recall.
The 2026 GMC Terrain received a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA side crash-test rating, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 GMC Terrain ranks 56 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 | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.4% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 20 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 56 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 GMC Terrain?
The 2026 GMC Terrain earns an Exceptional Safety Index of 90 out of 100, a three-point decrease from the 2025 model's 93. Its crash protection sub-score is a robust 63.8 out of 70, anchored by a 5 out of 5-star side impact rating and a 4 out of 5-star rollover result. Crucially, NHTSA has not published overall or frontal crash-test ratings, leaving significant gaps in the full safety assessment. Avoidance technology scores a perfect 10 out of 10, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard. The defect record sub-score of 16.25 out of 20 points to one active recall campaign. This multi-brand General Motors recall addresses inconsistencies in owner and service manual documentation, not a structural or propulsion issue. Twenty unverified consumer complaints have been lodged, some alleging fire incidents. While this volume alone does not confirm a defect pattern, these reports warrant close monitoring. The 2026 Terrain demonstrates strong safety equipment and performance for its class. Prospective buyers should observe whether NHTSA completes its crash-test evaluations and verify the recall remedy's application to their specific vehicle.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 GMC Terrain perform in crash tests?
The 2026 GMC Terrain has not undergone a complete crash-test program. Side impact protection received a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Rollover protection was rated at 4 out of 5 stars, with a 17 percent risk of rollover and a successful dynamic tip test. Overall and frontal crash ratings remain unrated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21865
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
The 2026 GMC Terrain carries one recall campaign. It is a multi-brand General Motors action covering owner and service manual documentation, grouped with vehicles including the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, and GMC Canyon. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is listed for this campaign.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL26V114000
Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle
Reported 2026-02-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 GMC Terrain?
Twenty owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 Terrain, including alleged incidents of 1 crash, 2 fires, and 1 injury. Top components cited in unverified allegations include Unknown or Other, Service Brakes, Suspension, Wheels, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Power Train, each with three reported allegations.
20 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 GMC Terrain?
The 2026 GMC Terrain has been the subject of a significant safety recall campaign addressing an issue with documentation. This recall, which is still active, requires owners to confirm that the necessary remedy has been completed for their specific vehicle by utilizing NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. As a current-model-year vehicle, the Terrain's safety profile is still developing, and further recalls may be initiated as NHTSA's ongoing review process continues.
- The 2026 Terrain's Safety Index dropped three points to 90 from the 2025 model's 93, driven in part by a defect record sub-score of 16.25 out of 20 tied to one active recall campaign.
- NHTSA has not issued overall or frontal star ratings for this model year; only side (5 stars) and rollover (4 stars, 17 percent risk) results are available, leaving the crash-test picture incomplete.
- The single recall is a multi-brand General Motors owner and service manual documentation action, not a mechanical or safety-system defect campaign, but the VIN-level remedy status should still be confirmed before purchase.
- Twenty unverified NHTSA complaints include alleged fire incidents and allegations involving Forward Collision Avoidance, Service Brakes, and Suspension, making it worth checking for any emerging investigation or technical service bulletins tied to those components.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 GMC Terrain places
The 2026 GMC Terrain qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 GMC Terrain safety questions
Was the 2026 GMC Terrain crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 GMC Terrain, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 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 2026 GMC Terrain crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 GMC Terrain have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 GMC Terrain. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 GMC Terrain?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 20 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 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 (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21865), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Terrain 2026.
- 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 56 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.