CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR
2020 GMC Terrain
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 196 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 844 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2021 | 1 | 12 |
| Mar 2021 | 3 | 15 |
| Apr 2021 | 1 | 16 |
| May 2021 | 1 | 17 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 18 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 19 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 20 |
| Nov 2021 | 4 | 24 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 25 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 26 |
| Feb 2022 | 3 | 29 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 30 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 31 |
| May 2022 | 2 | 33 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 34 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 35 |
| Sep 2022 | 2 | 37 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 38 |
| Jan 2023 | 4 | 42 |
| Feb 2023 | 3 | 45 |
| Mar 2023 | 3 | 48 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 49 |
| May 2023 | 5 | 54 |
| Jul 2023 | 2 | 56 |
| Aug 2023 | 5 | 61 |
| Sep 2023 | 3 | 64 |
| Oct 2023 | 2 | 66 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 67 |
| Jan 2024 | 1 | 68 |
| Feb 2024 | 2 | 70 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 71 |
| May 2024 | 1 | 72 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 73 |
| Jul 2024 | 3 | 76 |
| Aug 2024 | 4 | 80 |
| Sep 2024 | 2 | 82 |
| Oct 2024 | 1 | 83 |
| Nov 2024 | 2 | 85 |
| Dec 2024 | 7 | 92 |
| Jan 2025 | 5 | 97 |
| Feb 2025 | 3 | 100 |
| Mar 2025 | 4 | 104 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 | 105 |
| May 2025 | 4 | 109 |
| Jun 2025 | 6 | 115 |
| Jul 2025 | 3 | 118 |
| Aug 2025 | 6 | 124 |
| Sep 2025 | 9 | 133 |
| Oct 2025 | 6 | 139 |
| Nov 2025 | 8 | 147 |
| Dec 2025 | 8 | 155 |
| Jan 2026 | 4 | 159 |
| Feb 2026 | 2 | 161 |
| Mar 2026 | 4 | 165 |
| Apr 2026 | 4 | 169 |
| May 2026 | 3 | 172 |
| Jun 2026 | 7 | 179 |
| Jul 2026 | 6 | 185 |
| Aug 2026 | 8 | 193 |
| Sep 2026 | 3 | 196 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Brakes7126.6%
- Engine6122.8%
- Fuel system3111.6%
- Powertrain (other)2710.1%
- Electrical2710.1%
- Driver assistance259.4%
- Body & structure51.9%
- Visibility41.5%
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.govPOWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
While driving my 2020 GMC Terrain, I experienced a sudden loss of normal braking assistance. I had been traveling on the highway and exited onto a main road. As I approached a red traffic light at approximately 50 mph and attempted to brake, the vehicle would not stop normally. I was unable to stop for the red light and went through the intersection before I was able to safely get the vehicle off the roadway. Fortunately, there was no vehicle directly in front of me and I was able to make it through the intersection before any other cars, so no collision occurred. The vehicle was subsequently inspected and diagnosed by a GMC dealership. A diagnostic scan performed after the incident showed code P0556 for the brake booster pressure sensor circuit range/performance. The GMC dealership later diagnosed problems involving the vacuum pump, exhaust camshaft, and timing components and recommended replacement of the vacuum pump, exhaust camshaft, timing components, and related parts.” The sudden loss of braking assistance created a serious safety hazard and could have resulted in a collision, serious injury, or death. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.
- NHTSA ID
- 11766529
- Incident
- Aug 29, 2026
Having the start stop issue on my terrain and recently over the last few months, it has been using oil everything that sounds exactly like the recall but mine is not included. My start stop is not working and I have to get him since it had only 60,000 miles on it years ago, but nothing was done.
- NHTSA ID
- 11762749
- Incident
- Dec 17, 2021
Fuel pump control module and or the in tank fuel pump failed and or isn’t making proper connection for car to run correctly. Safety was put at risk as car came to abrupt halt while driving. Driver was outside of vehicle at busy intersection for vehicle diagnostics and battery jump. Battery was removed and new battery installed yet problem persists. Not confirmed by dealer but code is as follows (p129F). Maintenance performed by owner;Code reader used for diagnostics, new battery installed. Problem persists. Car started, drove and stumbled to then die. Check engine now displays.
- NHTSA ID
- 11761691
- Incident
- Sep 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The brake pedal was depressed to the floor, and the vehicle slowed down and eventually stopped. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed vacuum pump. The mechanic informed the contact that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known issue with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11760902
- Incident
- Aug 24, 2026
- Mileage
- 92,000 mi
COMPONENT OR SYSTEM FAILED - GMC Dealership replacing fuel pump. SAFETY OR SAFETY OF OTHERS AT RISK - stalled in remote area with no internet/cell service. In order to get to safety we travelled 13 miles of narrow 2 lane roads with no shoulder or escape areas. Road included 3 miles of a steep downhill grade. HAS THE PROBLEM BEEN REPRODUCED OR CONFIRMED BY A DEALER - Yes, Walser GMC [XXX] WERE THERE ANY WARNING LAMPS, MESSAGES OR OTHER SYMPTOMS OF THE PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE FAILURE - No, drove 400 miles w/2 stops, rest stop and lunch/gas. Got to our destination, shut off the car. Needed to move the vehicle to designated parking spot and at first the vehicle would not start, got it started but lurched forward, engine chugged, no acceleration and then stalled. Waited 10 minutes vehicle started with same symptoms but became drivable so we headed to safety 13 mile to nearest town, [XXX]. The area has recently been battling forest fires and in our area, although "safe", there was still HIGH fire danger. We did not feel safe w/o a vehicle for (possible) rapid escape. The city has limited services, no rental car company, no Uber/Lift, closest car dealership 90 miles away. Vacation cancelled. Hired North [XXX] Towing to transport vehicle and people 300 miles to Walser [XXX], [XXX]. Family member drove us to our home in [XXX]. To date vehicle mileage - 30,000 miles! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11759075
- Incident
- Aug 19, 2026
The brake suddenly became impossible to depress more than 3/4 of an inch. Almost unable to stop nearly hitting another vehicle. The dashboard then lit up with a "service brake system" warning. Luckily was only a few minutes from home brought it home and began the search for the issue. The brake vacuum pump failed. Unsure of further damage at this point. It being Sunday am unable to contact a shop or dealer.
- NHTSA ID
- 11758896
- Incident
- Aug 23, 2026
While driving, I suddenly smelled something burning. Immediately after, a warning popped up stating 'Engine power is reducing,' the check engine light came on, and I experienced a sudden, near-total loss of power braking assist, making the brake pedal extremely hard to press. I had to use intense force to bring the vehicle to a stop. A scan of the vehicle's OBD-II codes revealed codes P0556 (Brake Booster Pressure Sensor Circuit), P0014 (Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced), and P0017 (Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation). This is a known failure where the engine-driven mechanical brake vacuum pump seizes up, destroys the braking vacuum assist, and bends or shifts the exhaust camshaft reluctor wheel, causing a severe and immediate safety hazard while in motion.
- NHTSA ID
- 11757862
- Incident
- Aug 19, 2026
During heavy rain, the sunroof on my Terrain leaked badly enough to allow a substantial amount of water into the vehicle. The rear floor area became completely saturated, and the sunroof controls stopped working. I brought the vehicle to Hudson Cadillac Buick GMC in Poughkeepsie, New York, to have the problem diagnosed and repaired. The resulting repairs and water-damage cleanup cost me nearly $3,000 out of pocket. I was advised that the damage was not covered by my warranty or by my insurance. What concerns me most, however, is that this does not appear to have been an isolated incident. While my Terrain was at the dealership, I learned that four other GMC Terrains were also at the dealership experiencing water damage related to leaking sunroofs. Mine was the fifth. Finding five Terrains at the same dealership with what appeared to be similar water-intrusion problems was extremely concerning to me and made me question whether this is a recurring issue with these vehicles. I also have a video provided by the dealership documenting the water damage to my vehicle, and I am happy to provide that video, my repair invoice, photographs, or any other documentation you would like to review. They went to great lengths to dry the vehicle, which was especially important to me because I was extremely concerned about hidden moisture and dangerous mold. Thankfully, after their work, there is no odor and no indication of remaining moisture or mold, and I am very satisfied with the quality of the repair and cleanup. The extent of the water damage was frightening. At one point, I was genuinely concerned that I might have to get rid of the vehicle simply because I was afraid of the long-term consequences of having so much water inside it. I am very grateful that the dealership was able to restore the vehicle so thoroughly but there is still a possibility that the repair will fail and I will have to replace the sunroof module.
- NHTSA ID
- 11756698
- Incident
- Aug 6, 2026
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PI to help diagnose A/C concern
This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
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.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
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
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2026 | 33 | 1 | 0 | 48.6 |
| 2025 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 47.0 |
| 2024 | 49 | 1 | 0 | 46.9 |
| 2023 | 39 | 2 | 0 | 55.7 |
| 2022 | 60 | 2 | 0 | 55.1 |
| 2021 | 35 | 2 | 0 | 59.5 |
| 2020Viewing | 196 | 2 | 0 | 57.4 |
| 2019 | 185 | 3 | 0 | 56.9 |
| 2018 | 220 | 5 | 0 | 58.2 |
| 2017 | 133 | 1 | 0 | 51.9 |
| 2016 | 152 | 2 | 2 | 59.5 |
| 2015 | 297 | 3 | 2 | 55.1 |
| 2014 | 296 | 2 | 2 | 50.4 |
| 2013 | 364 | 3 | 0 | 49.8 |
| 2012 | 364 | 4 | 3 | 59.6 |
| 2011 | 386 | 4 | 3 | 57.3 |
| 2010 | 290 | 3 | 3 | 56.3 |
| 2009 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
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.