RoadVitals

2020 GMC Terrain

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
188
+7 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest May 11, 2023
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
9
5 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 188 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 GMC Terrain, most frequently naming the brakes, engine and fuel system categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 843 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
23V339000

CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR

May 11, 2023
668,187 units potentially affected
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 to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
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 remedy: 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 letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232403240.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N232403240View on NHTSA.gov
20V668000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Oct 29, 2020
194,105 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
The risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number N202313440View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 188
Fuel system
Filed Aug 7, 2026

While driving home from work my 2020 GMC Terrain stalled and turned off. I was on a very busy 2 lane road, crossing a intersection in a tourist area in [XXX]. This could have be come fatal very easily. I was able to get the car started and Home but had to take it very slow. Next day we weren't able to get the car started nor turned on. Battery is new and still works, we also had a mechanic come to the house and run his computer telling us it was the Fuel Pump Control Module. There were no warning signs leading up to this moment. I see there has been recalls for the same issue for 2021 and 2022 models but my GMC dealership I bought my car at is telling this isn't an issue in any Terrain that they are aware of. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11755525
Incident
Jul 25, 2026
Filed Aug 6, 2026

When the gas is mashed to accelerate, the car does not want to go. It has left me stranded and rolling in the middle of traffic. I am scared to drive it.

NHTSA ID
11755351
Incident
Aug 6, 2026
Fuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 5, 2026

Because of the intentional failure of GMC and there promise of “We are Professional Grade”, I almost got plowed down by a semi when the car began to quit on the highway going 60. After pulling into the next driveway, which happened to be a Parker’s Kitchen, and ending up on the curb spot, thanking God I wasn’t dead, I sat there for a moment wondering what just happened. As I went to restart the car, it wasn’t having any of it. 40,000 miles, not professional grade GMC, circus grade. Towed it to my home, figuring it has to be something minor and a diy fix. Bought the hyper-tough code reader delivered by Walmart and it delivered professional grade results: U18A2, P1787 and P187E. I am beyond pissed. I could have died due to your intentional negligence in manufacturing. I have a car that will not start, with payments. I have searched the internet and found your “save ourselves plan” and let’s do a voluntary recall starting with 2021 on the same failed parts I am dealing with at the moment. Thanks GMC, who is the ringleader of your circus?

NHTSA ID
11755143
Incident
Jul 30, 2026
Brakes
Filed Jul 30, 2026

While driving north in interstate 79, the brakes became very hard to push making it difficult to stop the vehicle. We got off the interstate and proceeded back home. The brakes were as hard as a rock to push and it was difficult to stop the vehicle. When this happened, the check engine light came on and stayed on. It was very dangerous to drive due to the brakes not working properly and the stopping distance was greatly reduced and it was difficult to stop the vehicle putting our family at risk for their safety. We took the vehicle to a repair shop and they checked and diagnosed the issue and told us the vacuum pump for the brakes was no good and needed replaced. We found that this is a common issue for breakdown on our type of vehicle. Repairs were made and the total cost was $352.24 including tax.

NHTSA ID
11753729
Incident
Jul 20, 2026
BrakesEngine
Filed Jul 23, 2026

Vacuum pump failure causing sudden and unexpected hard brake pedal and loss of braking coming off the highway. Ended up catastrophic engine failure. This is the SECOND incident with this vehicle of the exact same problem. GMC refuses to address this issue and continues to risk the lives of their customers.

NHTSA ID
11752293
Incident
Jul 9, 2026
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Jul 18, 2026
Fire reported

The back passenger seat exploded and caught fire, burning the back of the seat in front and burning the ceilings. Inside the whole vehicle is black from smoke damage. Incident assessed by fire marshal who has ruled as electrical issue. No warning lights or systems displayed anything.

NHTSA ID
11751287
Incident
Jul 17, 2026
Brakes
Filed Jul 18, 2026

I was traveling down the interstate at 70mph. Traffic began slowing ahead of me. I hit the brakes and the pedal was rock hard and I could not stop my vehicle safely. Service brake assist light flashed momentarily. Ended up being the vacuum pump. I was told by the dealership I had it towed to that the vacuum pump had broken off and failed. This was an absolutely horrifying situation that could have caused severe injury or death.

NHTSA ID
11751242
Incident
Jul 16, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Jul 10, 2026

Vehicle was filled with a full tank of gas, went to crank the car up to go home from work it acted like it wanted to crank but seemed to be getting no gas. Diagnostic was performed and the fuel pump control module failed. I thank God It did not start because if it did and I just so happen to pull out into traffic and the car just die in the middle of the road I don't think it would of been pretty. Frankly I think it would of be a very dangerous situation. My vehicle was not part of the recall but somehow my vehicle was still affected hopefully GM would look into the 2020 Terrains with the 2.0 engine. Maybe I will be reimbursed.

NHTSA ID
11749649
Incident
Jul 9, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIT5099J

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

PIT3271Q

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

PIT5992B

This preliminary information discusses a condition that may arise from the drivers window switch sending an errant message causing the vehicle to enter manual fob learn mode.

PIP4902V

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIP6104

This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

PIT6425D

This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC'ss

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

GMC Terrain by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026241050.9
2025120048.4
2024481048.0
2023372056.4
2022512055.4
2021342059.9
2020Viewing1882058.7
20191783057.5
20182165058.0
20171331052.5
20161512260.6
20152973255.1
20142962250.7
20133633049.8
20123644359.9
20113864357.9
20102903356.3
2009000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.