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2012 GMC Terrain AWD SLE-1

The 2012 GMC Terrain AWD SLE-1 is a 182-hp 2.4-liter inline-4 with an automatic 6-speed and all-wheel drive. It starts at $27,310 MSRP and is rated at 23 mpg combined.

It makes 182 horsepower. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (23 mpg combined).

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$27,310 ($38,657 *)
MSRP with Destination$28,135 ($39,825 *)
Destination Charge$825
Engine
Engine Type2.4L Ecotec DOHC inline-4
Displacement2.4 L
Horsepower182 hp
Drivetrain
Drive TypeAll-Wheel Drive
Transmission
TransmissionAutomatic 6-speed
1st Gear4.48
2nd Gear2.91
3rd Gear1.91
4th Gear1.45
5th Gear1
6th Gear0.74
Fuel Economy
City20 MPG
Highway28 MPG
Combined23 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular Gasoline
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase112.5 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (17.4 % risk)
Tested variant: 2012 GMC Terrain SUV AWD
Other tested variants (1)
  • 2012 GMC Terrain SUV FWD: 4 ★ overall

Recalls

4 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 GMC TERRAIN. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Mar 8, 2022 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.

NHTSA campaign 22V137000

Jul 5, 2016 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

NHTSA campaign 16V502000

Jul 23, 2014 · SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.

Consequence: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.

NHTSA campaign 14V447000

Oct 19, 2011 · TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 18, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM" (TPMS). THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO ILLUMINATE THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WHEN THE PRESSURE IN A TIRE IS 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE. ON THESE VEHICLES, THE LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE UNTIL THE TIRE PRESSURE IS MORE THAN 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE.

Consequence: UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN RESULT IN TIRE OVERLOADING AND OVERHEATING, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A BLOWOUT AND POSSIBLE CRASH. THE RESULTING CRASH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN ALSO RESULT IN PREMATURE OR IRREGULAR WEAR, POOR HANDLING, AND POOR FUEL ECONOMY.

Remedy: GM DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 9, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

NHTSA campaign 11V511000

370 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2012 GMC TERRAIN

Owner Complaints

370 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 GMC TERRAIN (17 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 16 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine170
Visibility/Wiper74
Unknown Or Other40
Power Train37
Electrical System33
Fuel/Propulsion System29
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jun 2, 2026 · Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System
“My car has started stalling and dying when i slow down, take off or when idling. No power when accelerated, and the smell of exhaust comes into my car. I was making a turn from a red light and my car…”
Mar 9, 2026 · Engine
“The engine blew. This was already the 2nd engine in the car. Oil consumption. Metal in the oil. No signs. Needs new engine”
Feb 25, 2026 · Engine
“The oil is depleting every month from the vehicle. Every 2-3 weeks I have to put oil in the vehicle because the oil is being absorbed. Is there a recall on this problem.”
Nov 16, 2025 · Power Train, Electrical System, Engine
“1. The engine suddenly lost power while driving during evening rush hour and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. 2. Because the vehicle could not maintain speed, I was unable to keep up with…”
Oct 15, 2025 · Unknown Or Other
“Liftgate automatically closing and failure to remain open causing a safety hazard for anyone standing at the liftgate.”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2012 GMC TERRAIN. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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