Used 2012 GMC Terrain Consumer Reviews
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Terrain Problems
shirleyl, 12/28/2013
updated 12/28/2016
2012 GMC Terrain SLE-1 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
78 of 80 people found this review helpful
I bought my new terrain in May 2012 after just having it a short time the navigation screen would go very dim and then bright. I took it to dealership more than once, they did not know why or how to fix it after trying several times. I contacted GMC corporate about the problem. It is still not fixed. I stopped taking it to dealership because if they can't fix it why take it in. Now I have another problem. My ck engine light coming on. Took it to dealership, it is a random misfire, they don't know why or how to fix it. It's in there for 2nd time in one wk I now have the gen mgr involved- I refuse to get stuck with a lemon. I have a loaner vehicle I just trade the terrain in for new chevy. I had nothing but problems with the terrain almost since day one. It would constantly jerk when it shifted gears, was very loud when running- manifold problems and gas fumes were coming into vehicle so bad that windows had to be opened. I do not recommend anyone buy this vehicle. It's looks nice but that's about it.
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LOVE IT except for the transmission jerks.
jtapp1, 03/16/2013
2012 GMC Terrain SLE-2 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
45 of 46 people found this review helpful
We've had our Terrain for 6 months. Always have been a loyal GM customer. The Terrain stole our hearts when we decided to purchase a new vehicle. Its sharp. Inside and out. LOVE the interior and all the cool features. There is one problem......transmission slips/jerks. I have 9,000 miles on it. When I took it into the dealership they had a "transmission" specialist come out to talk to me. I explained the jerking/slipping and he urged me to take him for a drive. The entire time instead of observing the ride he explained to me that it was just the "engine recharging" because of the eco motor. I call BS. It seems to be getting worse. Anyone else had this issue??
Transmission Jerks when putting it in reverse
AF, 07/20/2015
2012 GMC Terrain SLT-1 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
34 of 35 people found this review helpful
I have the 2012 GMC Terrain and for the last few years it sporadically jerks/kicks/slips when I first put it in reverse to drive out of the garage. It's not consistent so the dealer can't diagnose it and it never does it when I try to show it to someone. I've been told that this isn't a problem, but it still makes me nervous. Other than that, I love the Terrain!
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7 Years in and Happy
Coldwaterite, 10/07/2018
updated 10/15/2019
2012 GMC Terrain SLT-1 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
19 of 19 people found this review helpful
We bought this new in 2012. We now have 102,000 miles on it. Out side of normal servicing the only problem we've had is the Key fob broke and had to be replaced. Love it's comfort, love the adjustable back seat, it's easy to get into and out of. Mileage is "great" if we keep under 65 mph we can get over 32 mpg; once you hit 70 mph it drops to 27 mpg; in town it'll drop to 23 mpg. It has served us well and hope to keep it for another 4 years. Like the looks of the new 2018 but it looks like the mileage has dropped off substantially, so why trade down when she's still purring like a kitten. Wish we had the automatic lift gate, that'd be nice now that were getting older. October, 2019: Due to the generosity of an old friend we traded our beloved 2012 in for a new 2019 Terrain SLT this past April. He left the dealer a check paying for 20% of the 2019. Along with that and other incentives we were able to get the 2019 for less than half price. Surprisingly gas mileage on the 2019 is much better (as long as the A/C is not on). After the first 9000 miles we have saved over $120 in fuel cost. I'll post a review of the 2019 Terrain shortly.
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BEWARE!!! STAY CLEAR OF THIS VEHICLE!!
Gina Lehigh, 09/21/2015
2012 GMC Terrain SLT-2 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
79 of 84 people found this review helpful
After reading numerous complaints it is totally insane that GM is not backing THEIR product!! I have a 2012 GMC Terrain, 4 cylinder. I am also experiencing a lot of what others have written on here. I am going through oil like crazy and my favorite part is the "dummy" light is not even coming on to tell me. I am checking my oil weekly and having oil changes every 2,500 miles with Penzoil Full Synthetic. The only code that has ever appeared is the cam shaft sensor, which I replaced, but I still continue to have oil consumption issues. It is ridiculous that GM will not investigate this issue after numerous complaints. I also experience the shifting issues (jerking when taking off from a stop). This car is total garbage and I will continue to just put oil into it and I refuse to replace an engine on a car that is 3 years old that I have documentation that I have properly maintained. COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS UNTIL THIS PIECE OF JUNK IS PAID OFF!!!!
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I Love It!!!
ewag41, 12/30/2011
2012 GMC Terrain SLT-1 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
30 of 32 people found this review helpful
Have always liked the Terrain look, ordered 2012 New in 2011, received on time, dealership very honest on pricing and reviewing options on vehicle before delivering. Courtesy Chevrolet -Kingsport, TN. AWD- 4 cyl. Like sound of engine and the shifting. Years ago you got this effect with a pure STICK. Has a manual option, comes in handy on downgrades and when coming to a stop. AWD handles good on curvy roads. On trip to N.Y. got 26.8, which is good. Used ECO all the time. Steering is very good once you adapt to the electric format. Very steady on highway, does not wander. Room:Well I am able to haul the same stuff I use to haul with my Trail Blazer, but with better MPG- way better::
Engine Problems
B Porter, 02/04/2016
2012 GMC Terrain SLE-1 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
17 of 18 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 2012 GMC Terrain used a little over a year ago. I noticed about 6 months ago that while at a stop sign, it wanted to jerk forward while my foot was on the brake. I called my dealer and they said it may be low on oil. I took it in and they performed an oil change, saying it was low on oil. The problem was fixed, but I noticed it was not running smooth. Now understand, I am not mechanically inclined whatsoever, and there was no check engine light. Then last week it started jerking again and almost stalling out. Once again, I called the dealership and made an appointment. Before I could get in, I was at an intersection and the car stalled out. And thankfully, it was right in front of my dealership. I limped it in and they said I had less than a quart of oil. They would do a oil change. Long story short, the cylinder head needs to be replaced. My car only has 60,000 miles on it.
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Four cylinder engine
hydiesel, 10/06/2014
updated 10/10/2017
2012 GMC Terrain SLE-2 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
29 of 32 people found this review helpful
I have owned two four cylinders. 2010 30,000 miles engine replaced using excessive oil. 2012 at 32000 miles engine rebuilt (was told they didn't replace them any more ) I don't think GM knows how to build a good four cylinder. I am driving a gas guzzling V6, hope it can go past the dreaded 30,000 mile mark. The V6 has passed the 40000 mile mark with no problems, as long as I keep gas in the tank. Lesson learned, I will never buy another four cylinder from GM.
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Loved it at first
Mike, 03/03/2018
2012 GMC Terrain SLT-1 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
Had great fuel mileage, AC ok at best, visibility on passenger side just Ok Around 75.000 started using some oil between changes, by 95.000 using several quarts between changes and mileage dropped off, buy 6 miles per gallon. Dealer told me the oil consumption was normal. Umm no its not. eventually a service bulletin issued and warranty extended to 120,000. Was at 121 and change so not covered. Now at 133,000 timing chain issues, oil consumption issues and blew rear main seal do to PVC system freezing shut. All are VERY well known problems. Oil changes per meter or sooner, 90 % highway miles. Now what to do with it. New engine? Donate it to not for profit? Junk it? Nobody will give me anything for it on trade I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND TO BUY A USED ONE!!!!!
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Engine Powered down 3 times
John Silvani, 03/13/2016
updated 09/15/2016
2012 GMC Terrain SLE-2 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
27 of 30 people found this review helpful
Dangerous when engine powers down on highway for no apparent reason.....69 miles an hour to 40 in seconds with truck baring down on you...Three times in 37000 miles on a 2012 GMC Terrain. Just fixed on Wdnesday picked up on friday 3-11-15 andf powered down again on 3-13-16 with family members in car ioncluding a 3 year old grandson.
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