Is the 2010 Gmc TERRAIN reliable?

The 2010 Gmc TERRAIN has 427 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2010 Gmc TERRAIN?

Top problems: ENGINE (119 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (54 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (51 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2010 Gmc TERRAIN?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST, VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. Contact any Gmc dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2010 Gmc TERRAIN?

The 2010 Gmc TERRAIN gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2010 Gmc TERRAIN?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2010 Gmc TERRAIN is approximately $1,494/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2010 Gmc TERRAIN

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2010 Gmc TERRAIN has 427 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.5x the segment average of 287. The most common issue is engine problems (28% of all complaints), specifically: engine cutting out and dying while driving, horn honking at times, vehicle starts itself sometimes, blowing fuses. vehicle tried to die on my wife while driving almost causing a serious accident. dealer has not found a solution yet. they have replaced the bcm with no good results. *tr. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

15 crash reports 17 injuries

427

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

119 complaints

28%

• ENGINE CUTTING OUT AND DYING WHILE DRIVING, HORN HONKING AT TIMES, VEHICLE STARTS ITSELF SOMETIMES, BLOWING FUSES. VEHICLE TRIED TO DIE ON MY WIFE WHILE DRIVING ALMOST CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. DEALER HAS NOT FOUND A SOLUTION YET. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE BCM WITH NO GOOD RESULTS. *TR
• TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A CLAPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO HEAR THE NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER A
• TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A CLAPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO HEAR THE NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER A

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 4 crashes

“ENGINE CUTTING OUT AND DYING WHILE DRIVING, HORN HONKING AT TIMES, VEHICLE STARTS ITSELF SOMETIMES, BLOWING FUSES. VEHICLE TRIED TO DIE ON MY WIFE WHILE DRIVING ALMOST CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. DEALER HAS NOT FOUND A SOLUTION YET. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE BCM WITH NO GOOD RESULTS. *TR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2010 Gmc TERRAIN

Based on 343 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 72K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

124

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

Earlier than typicalmedian 5K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SEATS/RESTRAINTS

Earlier than typicalmedian 80K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

Reported earliermedian 48K mi · 15 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

Reported earliermedian 85K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

LIGHTING

Reported earliermedian 46K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TIRES

Reported earliermedian 30K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST23/07/2014

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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Gmc TERRAIN

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,656/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Gmc TERRAIN

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,494

Full coverage / month

$125

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

-11%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1494

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Gmc TERRAIN Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

Uses GM Oil Life System. Full-size trucks may have shorter differential and transfer case intervals if used for towing.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Gmc New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Gmc. If you're buying a used 2010 TERRAIN, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Gmc dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 427 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: ENGINE CUTTING OUT AND DYING WHILE DRIVING, HORN HONKING AT TIMES, VEHICLE STARTS ITSELF SOMETIMES, BLOWING FUSES. VEHICLE TRIED TO DIE ON MY WIFE WHILE DRIVING ALMOST CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. DEALER HAS NOT FOUND A SOLUTION YET. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE BCM WITH NO GOOD RESULTS. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: WHEN THE SUN IS HIGH AND SHINING THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD, IT REFLECTS OFF THE CHROME ON THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT LATCH, THE HEATER/AC PANEL, THE RADIO CONTROLS AND THE CHROME AROUND THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER AND CUP HOLDERS DIRECTLY INTO THE EYES OF THE DRIVER. IT BLINDS YOU, I ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT THE F
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, PROCEEDED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE A POPPING SOUND. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE FAILED TO MAK
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: ENGINE CUTTING OUT AND DYING WHILE DRIVING, HORN HONKING AT TIMES, VEHICLE STARTS ITSELF SOMETIMES, BLOWING FUSES. VEHICLE TRIED TO DIE ON MY WIFE WHILE DRIVING ALMOST CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. DEALER HAS NOT FOUND A SOLUTION YET. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE BCM WITH NO GOOD RESULTS. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Gmc dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)