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2017 GMC Terrain
Solid pick. The public record on this car is clean for its age — inspect it, then negotiate with confidence.
133 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 10, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Engine problems dominate (58% of complaints, typically reported near 80k miles).
Very few owner complaints for its age and sales volume.
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2017 GMC Terrain, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Airbags (12) · Electrical system (9) · Lights (7) · Body & structure (7)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint — a rough guide, not a schedule.
Engine
58%77 complaints · typically near 80k mi · 29 in the last 2 years
“Have had to replace the VVT solenoids several times within a year spam. Had to replace the rear main seal because it blew out due to carbon build up. Having issues wit…”
Transmission & drivetrain
17%23 complaints · typically near 63k mi · 6 in the last 2 years
“Throttle position system all of a sudden went bad. My 2017 Terrain started shaking. I was holding up traffic. The sun couldn't go over 5mph. I've read online where thi…”
Airbags
9%12 complaints · 1 in the last 2 years
“I was driving back home when I suddenly heard a loud pop and my car seat belt immediately tightened up. I saw smoke inside the car and the screen in my dashboard said …”
Electrical system
7%9 complaints · 4 in the last 2 years
“The head unit quit working around 98k. The head unit is the radio, and screen which includes the back up camera. From what we have been told and find online, this is a…”
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Exterior Lighting · 22V137000
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."
Risk: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150–$250 independent inspection of this exact 2017 GMC TERRAIN beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2017? See how every Terrain model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2017 GMC Terrain against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score — if they disagree, that’s worth knowing.