10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
17,996 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 GMC Terrain lights problems

lights problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2012 GMC Terrain:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2012 GMC Terrain Owner Comments

problem #10

Dec 242023

Terrain

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 4 cyl. AWD GMC Terrain has had excessive oil use which caused premature failure of the timing chain, loss of power/compression, blown engine, damage to exhaust manifold, cellinoids, and melted the catalytic converter. Its was a road safety, poor emissions due to failed catalytic converter. Headlights are too bright for oncoming traffic at night. Another road & safety hazard. Auto warranty is refusing to cover parts listed above caused by the timing chain and excessive oil consumption problems.

- Butler, PA, USA

problem #9

May 012015

Terrain

  • 35,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the passenger's side headlamp failed to provide proper illumination. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Haslet, TX, USA

problem #8

Mar 082022

Terrain

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #7

May 012022

Terrain

  • 0 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Silver Spring, MD, USA

problem #6

May 172022

Terrain

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Seward, AK, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #5

May 102020

Terrain

  • 78,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. AAA arrived at the contact's residence and replaced the battery. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the plugs and other unknown parts were replaced however, the failure recurred. The contact replaced the battery twice. The contact also stated that the passenger's side headlamp had failed. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) which he associated to the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #4

Oct 152021

Terrain

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have a problem with the Headlights they are yellow and there is no way I have found to clean them. It makes it hard to get a bright view at night especially when travelling on secondary streets with low or limited lightning. I have also noticed that a lot GMC Terrains have the same issue. Is there are will there be a recall on my 2012 GMC Terrain it does create a very dangerous situation especially at night. I no longer like to drive at night because of this problem, the coatings on the lights makes the night vision awful. Thank you for reading. You can send me a reply.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #3

Nov 062017

Terrain

  • 28,755 miles
The low beam H11 bulb is causing the (male/female plug in) for this component to overheat causing the plastic to become charred, partially melted and brittle in which the low beam light stops working due to this problem. The wiring is becoming soft at the plug in connection from this heat and allowing the protective wire insulation to be melted permitting the bare wire to be visible which could produce a fire hazard at this location. This has occurred on the right side twice and on the left side once. In all three cases, the bulbs with the female plug in and the male electrical connection has been replace. This vehicle has only 28755 miles on it. Just noticed the low beam light on right side not working again today. Replaced this side within the last 9 months.

- Rock, WV, USA

problem #2

Jun 272017

Terrain

  • 38,100 miles
My 2012 Terrain is getting water in the rear left tail light. I was told that it was a vented tail light and the vent was blocked by dirt and debris and they would have to replace the taillight and replace both seals. When I lift the hatchback up water drains out from the interior side of the hatch back into the vehicle. GMC of watertown Connecticut says that this is not covered under my extended warranty. I called GMC corporation and they said that this was a defect but is normal with these vehicles. GMC case number 8'3054294483. I have the better business bureau auto line investigating the problem and that case number is pgm1719802. GMC told me the water in the tail light can short out my electrical systems and this defect has been by known GMC from 2011. Since I purchased this car new in 2013 I have had multiple problems such as having the back camera replaced twice, front navigation screen going black, stabilizer malfunction which was also a problem with this vehicle when it came off the assembly line, having the computer updated every year because they say of all the computer chip modules that are installed in this vehicle, just to name a few which are all documented with GMC. I am submitting this to make the federal government aware that this defect is potentially a hazard to the electrical system and has been known to GMC for a long time and they have not corrected the situation. Their solution is replacing the tail light at a cost of $254 without tax. I believe this is a serious defect and if you require more information I will comply to any requests that you have. Also all conversations with GMC corporation and BBB auto line were recorded if needed. Thank you for your time.

- Naugatuck, CT, USA

problem #1

Feb 042012

Terrain 4-cyl

  • 100 miles
The headlight system on this vehicle leaves a lot to be desired. The headlights are veiled somehow so that there is no illumination above the headlights with low beam. When driving in hilly areas, the forward projection of the headlights is very limited when traveling down hill. The hi beams illuminate well, but when driving in the country with oncoming traffic and low beams in hilly areas, the view of the side of the road ahead is very restricted. If I had driven this vehicle at night before I bought it, I doubt that I would have bought it, it's that bad.

- Cameron, NC, USA

Not what you are looking for?