Head-to-head reliability
GMC Terrain vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
GMC Terrain vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Terrain averages 97.3 complaints per year versus 510.5 for the Silverado, and has 19 recalls compared to 100. Owners report engine and brake failures in both, but the Silverado shows more severe engine issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Terrain or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain is a compact SUV that, in owner reports, shows a pattern of engine and transmission troubles that can leave you stranded or in reduced-power mode. Brake complaints are also notable, with some owners describing a sudden loss of braking response, especially on hills. While the total complaint count is lower than the Silverado's, the nature of these issues—like unexpected limp mode or brake failure—can be alarming for a daily driver.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a much higher volume of complaints, reflecting its popularity and heavy use. Owners frequently report engine problems, including severe failures in newer models with the 6.2L or Duramax diesel, and transmission issues that can cause sudden loss of power. Electrical system glitches also appear, sometimes affecting braking and steering, which raises safety concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC Terrain | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 973 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 19 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 49 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 97.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 45 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
GMC Terrain
- 01ENGINE301
- 02SERVICE BRAKES240
- 03POWER TRAIN195
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER151
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM145
Owners report 'reduced engine power' warnings and limp mode, often traced to turbocharger underboost. This can happen suddenly on the highway, leaving you with limited speed and a check engine light.
Several complaints describe brake failure or lack of response, particularly on steep downhill roads. One owner reported the brake pedal not responding at all, leading to a dangerous situation.
Transmission problems are common, including shaking during acceleration, fluid leaks, and even complete transmission replacement. Some owners also report the vehicle not engaging park, causing it to roll.
Issues like driveshaft vibration and failure to shift into park are reported, which can cause unexpected movement and potential accidents.
“around chirstmas, Was driving on the highway and the car threw a "reduced engine power" warning and went into limp mode. Check engine light came on. Car asymptomatic prior. got the code pulled and it said turbocharger under boost. The next day the check engin…”
“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the transmission was previously replaced. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure had occurred intermittently. Additionally, the co…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engine failures are frequent, with some owners experiencing catastrophic issues in new trucks, such as the 6.2L motor failing within a few thousand miles. Diesel models also have problems with diesel particulate filter clogging, requiring dealer service.
Transmission problems include sudden shifts into neutral while driving, which can be dangerous in traffic. Some owners report loss of motive power, which may be linked to transmission or engine issues.
Electrical glitches can cause severe braking loss or even make the steering wheel inoperable while driving at highway speeds. These are critical safety failures that appear in complaints.
Brake issues are reported, including sudden loss of normal braking with a firm pedal, which can be terrifying. Some cases are linked to electrical problems, indicating a complex failure mode.
“I purchased the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L motor "new" from the dealer with 5700 miles on XXX. Roughly a month and 2500 miles later, my family and I were in the vehicle, 750 miles from home, returning from a vacation to [XXX] from the [XXX]/[XXX] ar…”
“My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
GMC Terrain — 19 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail…
The risk: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail…
The risk: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail…
The risk: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with certain Hankook tires. The tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation.
The risk: Tread separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the tire DOT numbers, and replace any affected tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782; and Chevrolet customer service…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
GMC Terrain or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The GMC Terrain has significantly fewer complaints per year (97.3 vs 510.5) and fewer recalls (19 vs 100), suggesting a lower rate of reported issues. However, both vehicles have serious safety-related complaints, so a thorough inspection is essential regardless of choice.
Key differences
- The Terrain has far fewer complaints per year (97.3) compared to the Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of owner-reported issues.
- The Silverado has a much higher number of recalls (100) than the Terrain (19), suggesting more widespread safety campaigns.
- Engine problems are the top issue for both, but Silverado owners report more catastrophic failures, including complete engine loss in new vehicles.
- Brake complaints are more prominent in the Terrain, with some describing total brake failure, while Silverado brake issues often involve electrical system malfunctions.
- Check for any history of 'reduced engine power' warnings or turbocharger issues, as these are common and can lead to limp mode.
- Inspect the transmission for signs of leaks or shuddering during a test drive, and verify that the vehicle shifts into park reliably.
- Ask about any engine repairs or replacements, especially on 6.2L or Duramax diesel models, as failures have occurred at low mileage.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including at highway speeds, and check for any warning lights related to the electrical system that could affect braking or steering.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for previous complaints or recalls addressed.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive both vehicles on a variety of roads, including hills and highways, to feel for any hesitation or braking issues.
- Check for open recalls and ensure they have been completed by the dealer.
- Research common issues for the specific model year you are considering, as problems can vary.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | GMC Terrain | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 27 | 98 |
| 2025 | 13 | 150 |
| 2024 | 49 | 0 |
| 2023 | 38 | 0 |
| 2022 | 85 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 34 | 934 |
| 2020 | 194 | 0 |
| 2019 | 181 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 219 | 591 |
| 2017 | 133 | 0 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific GMC Terrain or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Terrain vs Chevrolet Silverado
- GMC Terrain total complaints
- 973
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- GMC Terrain total recalls
- 19
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- GMC Terrain avg complaints/year
- 97.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- GMC Terrain
- GMC Terrain top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE