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2012 GMC Terrain lights problems

10 complaints (3% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 35,000.

owner complaints
10
of this car's complaints
3%
typical mileage
35,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

Owners did not name a specific part.

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

GMC Terrain lights problems in other years

20102011201220132014201520162017201820192020

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 GMC Terrain lights

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Headlights 8

Related recalls

Exterior lighting: headlightsReported March 8, 2022 · 740,581 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 22V137000 · Recall details

What 2012 GMC Terrain owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 24, 2024 · Lights, Transmission · PA · fire

My 4 cyl. AWD GMC Terrain has had excessive oil use which caused premature failure of the timing chain, loss of power/compression, blown engine, damage to exhaust manifold, cellinoids, and melted the catalytic converter. Its was a road safety, poor emissions due to failed catalytic converter. Headlights are too bright for oncoming traffic at night. Another road & safety hazard. Auto warranty is refusing to cover parts listed above caused by the timing chain and excessive oil consumption problems.

Filed Oct 5, 2022 · Lights · 35,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the passenger's side headlamp failed to provide proper illumination. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Aug 8, 2022 · Lights · MD

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Jun 8, 2022 · Lights · MD

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed May 18, 2022 · Lights · AK

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed May 10, 2022 · Electrical, Lights · 78,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. AAA arrived at the contact's residence and replaced the battery. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the plugs and other unknown parts were replaced however, the failure recurred. The contact replaced the battery twice. The contact also stated that the passenger's side headlamp had failed. The contact later received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) which he associated to the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Oct 15, 2021 · Lights · IN

I have a problem with the Headlights they are yellow and there is no way I have found to clean them. It makes it hard to get a bright view at night especially when travelling on secondary streets with low or limited lightning. I have also noticed that a lot GMC Terrains have the same issue. Is there are will there be a recall on my 2012 GMC Terrain it does create a very dangerous situation especially at night. I no longer like to drive at night because of this problem, the coatings on the lights makes the night vision awful. Thank you for reading. You can send me a reply.

Filed Nov 6, 2017 · Electrical, Lights · 28,755 miles · WV

The low beam h11 bulb is causing the (male/female plug in) for this component to overheat causing the plastic to become charred, partially melted and brittle in which the low beam light stops working due to this problem. The wiring is becoming soft at the plug in connection from this heat and allowing the protective wire insulation to be melted permitting the bare wire to be visible which could produce a fire hazard at this location. This has occurred on the right side twice and on the left side once. In all three cases, the bulbs with the female plug in and the male electrical connection has been replace. This vehicle has only 28755 miles on it. Just noticed the low beam light on right side not working again today. Replaced this side within the last 9 months.

Filed Jul 2, 2017 · Lights · 38,100 miles · CT

My 2012 terrain is getting water in the rear left tail light. I was told that it was a vented tail light and the vent was blocked by dirt and debris and they would have to replace the taillight and replace both seals. When I lift the hatchback up water drains out from the interior side of the hatch back into the vehicle. Gmc of watertown connecticut says that this is not covered under my extended warranty. I called gmc corporation and they said that this was a defect but is normal with these vehicles. Gmc case number 8'3054294483. I have the better business bureau auto line investigating the problem and that case number is pgm1719802. Gmc told me the water in the tail light can short out my electrical systems and this defect has been by known gmc from 2011. Since I purchased this car new in 2013 I have had multiple problems such as having the back camera replaced twice, front navigation screen going black, stabilizer malfunction which was also a problem with this vehicle when it came off the assembly line, having the computer updated every year because they say of all the computer chip modules that are installed in this vehicle, just to name a few which are all documented with gmc. I am submitting this to make the federal government aware that this defect is potentially a hazard to the electrical system and has been known to gmc for a long time and they have not corrected the situation. Their solution is replacing the tail light at a cost of $254 without tax. I believe this is a serious defect and if you require more information I will comply to any requests that you have. Also all conversations with gmc corporation and bbb auto line were recorded if needed. Thank you for your time.

Filed Nov 2, 2012 · Lights · 100 miles · NC

The headlight system on this vehicle leaves a lot to be desired. The headlights are veiled somehow so that there is no illumination above the headlights with low beam. When driving in hilly areas, the forward projection of the headlights is very limited when traveling down hill. The hi beams illuminate well, but when driving in the country with oncoming traffic and low beams in hilly areas, the view of the side of the road ahead is very restricted. If I had driven this vehicle at night before I bought it, I doubt that I would have bought it, it's that bad.

Questions about the 2012 GMC Terrain lights

Does the 2012 GMC Terrain have lights problems?

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the lights of the 2012 GMC Terrain, 3% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2012 GMC Terrain lights problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 35,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 GMC Terrain lights?

Yes, 1 recall: 22V137000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the GMC Terrain have the most lights problems?

The GMC Terrain model years with the most lights complaints are 2015 (24 complaints), 2014 (17 complaints) and 2012 (10 complaints).

Other 2012 GMC Terrain problems

Engine 173Visibility 81Transmission 37Electrical 32Fuel system 29Airbags 25Driver assistance 16Body 12Acceleration 11Seat belts 9Steering 7Brakes 5Wheels 5Seats 4Suspension 4Tires 1

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