Skip to content
Trimslate
SavedHelp

2012 GMC

Terrain FWD

Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI

GMC Terrain: best and worst years
2012 GMC Terrain FWD
PhotoAlexander MiglCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission
Automatic 6-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

HP
264
Power to weight
0.069 hp/lb
Axle ratio
2.77
Cyl
6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
24 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
17 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
20 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$3,100EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score
6/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
185 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
73 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
67 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
113 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
3,854 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Optional
Lane-departure warning
Optional
Recalls
4
Owner complaints
370
Reported injuries
19
Theft rate
0.4 per 1,000 produced (CY 2012 federal data)

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ENGINE33%
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER15%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER8%
  • POWER TRAIN7%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 510 total.

GMC Terrain: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • PE20009opened Jun 1, 2020STEERING

    Momentary Increased Steering Effort

  • EA19005opened Dec 13, 2019VISIBILITY/WIPER

    Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative

  • RQ18002opened Nov 2, 2018VISIBILITY/WIPER

    Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

1,489 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 19, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIP6113

    This document provides the technician with a diagnostic tip if the vehicle stalls and set diagnostic trouble code P0191 and may also set P0172. The diagnostic tip has the technician inspect the high pressure fuel pump body markings to confirm it is an original manufacture part. If it is not an original manufacture part, they should install one and evaluate the vehicle.

  • Apr 1, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIT3271Q

    This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

  • Mar 9, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIP6104

    This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

  • Mar 9, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIP4902V

    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

  • Jan 8, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIP4902U

    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

  • Nov 20, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIT5214G

    This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical Assistance Center. If valid vibration frequency or Road Force Variation data has been collected and a repair attempt does not correct the customer complaint, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further sup

  • Sep 9, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHER13598

    New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH

  • Aug 14, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHERPIP4902T

    This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

  • and 1,481 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
Maintenance
1 yr / 12k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.