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2016 GMC Terrain

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2016 GMC Terrain.

Common problems

What to watch for on the 2016 GMC Terrain

major·2.4L (LEA)

Excessive Oil Consumption

The 2.4L in the 2010 to 2017 Equinox and Terrain is known for burning oil through sticking piston rings.

Typical repair cost
$2,500 – $5,000
major·2.4L (LEA)

Timing Chain Stretch

Low oil from consumption wears the timing chain and its guides.

Typical repair cost
$1,200 – $2,500

Which of these apply to your 2016 Terrain?

Your guide shows which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.

Safety record

Recalls on the 2016 GMC Terrain

Recall·16V449000

Equipment: labels

The certification labels may have incorrect tire/rim size and cold tire pressure information.

Recall·22V137000

Exterior lighting: headlights

A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively…

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 153 owners reported

Visibility/wiper46
Engine35
Air bags10
Power train10

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

2016 GMC Terrain at a glance

Trims
DenaliSLESLT
Engine
2.4L 4-Cylinder, 3.6L 6-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic 6-spd
Drivetrain
FWD, AWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
SUV
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2016 GMC Terrain?

Owners have filed 153 complaints about the 2016 GMC Terrain with NHTSA, most often about the engine. There are 2 recall campaigns covering this model year. Known problems on its engines include excessive oil consumption and timing chain stretch. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 2016 GMC Terrain reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 2 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2016 GMC Terrain?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2016 GMC Terrain listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.