GMC Terrain vs Subaru Forester: reliability compared
From 2010 to 2026, owners filed an average of 185 complaints per model year about the GMC Terrain and 301 about the Subaru Forester.
Side by side
| GMC Terrain | Subaru Forester | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2010-2026 | 2010-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 3,142 | 5,120 |
| Complaints per model year | 185 | 301 |
| Recalls | 22 | 35 |
| Years to avoid | None stand out | 201520162017201820192020 |
| Best years | 201720212022 | 2013 |
| Most common problem | Engine | Visibility |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 25-27 mpg combined (2026) | 26-35 mpg combined (2026) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Terrain | Forester | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,275 | 766 |
| Visibility | 503 | 1,223 |
| Transmission | 478 | 384 |
| Electrical | 351 | 744 |
| Brakes | 301 | 280 |
| Fuel system | 283 | 235 |
| Airbags | 169 | 681 |
| Acceleration | 100 | 359 |
Questions about the GMC Terrain vs Subaru Forester
Which is more reliable, the GMC Terrain or the Subaru Forester?
Between 2010 and 2026, the GMC Terrain has 0 years to avoid and the Subaru Forester 6. The GMC Terrain has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the GMC Terrain drew fewer complaints per model year (185 vs 301), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the GMC Terrain or the Subaru Forester?
From 2010 to 2026, the GMC Terrain was covered by 22 recalls and the Subaru Forester by 35.
What years of the GMC Terrain and Subaru Forester should you avoid?
GMC Terrain: no year stands out. Subaru Forester: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
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