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2025 GMC Terrain Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Ethan Miller
2025 GMC Terrain Report

Overall Score

6.9/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • Significant risk of powertrain failure due to early-life transmission fluid loss.
  • Electrical system issues, including infotainment glitches, are a common complaint.
  • Concerns regarding vehicle stability and steering at highway speeds require attention.
  • A high volume of Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) suggests potential underlying quality control issues.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2025 GMC Terrain

The 2025 GMC Terrain, a compact SUV, enters the used market with a notable reliability deficit. While it offers all-wheel drive and decent fuel economy, potential buyers must be aware of significant powertrain and electrical system issues reported by owners. The vehicle's 'Below Average' reliability verdict is driven by early-life critical failures, making thorough pre-purchase inspection paramount.

Critical Failure Risk

Early-life failures involving significant transmission fluid loss, potentially due to a hose defect, can render the vehicle inoperable. This issue has been reported at low mileage, around 3,500 miles, and can recur.

Early detection can help you avoid a $500-$1,500 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls0
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

7
Electrical System2
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
25
MPG
City
24
MPG
Highway
28
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

8.9/ 10

Practicality

5.0/ 10
Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Buyers prioritizing all-wheel drive in a compact package over long-term reliability.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Buyers seeking a dependable, low-maintenance vehicle.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2025 GMC Terrain Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2025 GMC Terrain.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Transmission
Automatic 8-spd
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Suv
EPA Combined MPG
25

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Unlock the complete checklist, maintenance outlook, and buyer verdict in one place.

Most Common Issues

1. Electrical System

Most reported

Usage: 2 reports

2. WHEELS

Usage: 1 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change and Tire Rotation (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Inspect Brake System - Inspect Suspension Components

Est. shop cost: $100 - $200

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (4 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
Full safety recall details
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2025 GMC Terrain reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2025 GMC Terrain is 8.9/10. Reliability score is 8.9/10. NHTSA recalls: 0. Owner complaints: 7.

How practical is the 2025 GMC Terrain for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.0/10. EPA combined economy is 25 MPG.

What is the overall score for the 2025 GMC Terrain?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2025 GMC Terrain is 6.9/10. Overall score is 6.9/10 (Good). Confidence 55%. Maintenance 8.6/10. Practicality 5.0/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2025 GMC Terrain?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change and Tire Rotation (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Inspect Brake System - Inspect Suspension Components at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $300 - $500. Repair prediction highlight: Transmission (typical at 3,500 miles, estimated cost Min: $500 • Max: $1,500).

What engine is in the 2025 GMC Terrain?▾

Engine specs list 4 • 1.5.

What transmission does the 2025 GMC Terrain use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 GMC Terrain, transmission is Automatic 8-spd. The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2025 GMC Terrain?▾

EPA combined estimate is 25 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2025 GMC Terrain?▾

16 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

What body style is the 2025 GMC Terrain?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 GMC Terrain, body style is suv.

What drivetrain does the 2025 GMC Terrain use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 GMC Terrain, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic 8-spd.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2025 GMC Terrain?▾

NHTSA ratings: Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

What are the most common electrical system problems on the 2025 GMC Terrain?▾

Top complaint category: electrical system (2 reports, 28.6% of complaints).

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2025 GMC Terrain?▾

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2025 Honda CR-V and 2025 Toyota RAV4.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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