There are 6 owner-reported steering complaints for the 2016 GMC Terrainin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
My steering wheel locked while driving. This has prevented me from turning the wheel AT ALL (100% completely locks while the car is in motion). The locked steering wheel lasts approximately 15 seconds. This has happened multiple times over a few month period. I took it to GMC who couldn't replicate the issue and said that GMC no longer makes the steering column assembly component, which they aren't sure would fix the issue, so there was nothing they could advise be done other than sell the car or spend a lot of money on diagnostic fees, which they said they wouldn't do if it were them. My safety and those around me were put at risk because I lost steering function while the car was in motion. The only option was to break and stop the vehicle. There were no warning lights or other indicators to alert of an issue.
Power steering failure and don't walk anymore, had to push my GMC Terrain. The light came on that says POWER STEERING FAILED. Contact service. It can't go any further.
WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK MULTIPLE TIMES. WHEN DRIVING MY CAR STOPPED AT THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WHEN DRIVING MY CAR WOULD SWITCH ON AMD OFF THE ECO MODE AND I FELT A JOLT EVERY TIME
The engine light comes on, then "service stabiltrak light" comes on. It starts by making it difficult to accelerate at a red stop light when it changes green. When turning a corner, because there is no quick acceleration, it has caused near miss accidents. As time goes on it becomes worse. I have lost power on the expressway and have to pull over. I have brought this car in several times and GMC has not made any repairs. It is scary when a semi is rolling behind you and you can't accelerate to get out of the way. This is a safety issue. I have received no help from GMC.
MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO CHECK AND FORA OUR 6 MONTHS BEFORE THAT THE TIRES ALWAYS NEEDED AIR. I TOOK THE CAR TO BE EXAMINE AND THEY SAID IT WAS MY TIRES, CHANGED THEM AND THE WHEEL WAS SEMI BETTER, HAD A FULL EXAMINATION DONE , ALIGNMENT , ROTATION AND BRAND NEW TIRES. PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL STILL REMAIN AND I AM WORRY FOR MY SAFETY AND THE PEOPLE IN THE CAR WITH ME. I DRIVE A LOT ON HIGHWAYS FOR WORK. *TR
STEERING WILL NOT RETURN TO CENTER UNDER HARD ACCELERATION. TESTED CHEVEY EQUINOX WITH V-6 AND HYDRAULIC STEERING SYSTEM PRODUCED THE SAME RESULTS. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY PROBLEM WHEN INEXPERIENCED DRIVER OPERATES VEHICLE AS THE VEHICLE CONTINUES IN THE DIRECTION OF THE TURN. THESE VEHICLES ARE VERY QUICK ADD CAN CAUSE SEVERE DAMAGE TO VEHICLES/PEDESTRIANS IF NOT AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. AT PRESENT DEALER HAS NOT REPAIRED/SOLVED PROBLEM AND STATED IT IS NOT THAT SEVERE.OF A PROBLEM
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026