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.
198
+1 complaint 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 198 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 847 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 198
Brakes
Filed Oct 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The transmission then sputtered. The vehicle was uncontrollable, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle accelerated and drove through an intersection and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with vacuum pump failure. The contact was informed that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The contact was advised to contact the dealer. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID
11773922
Incident
Oct 20, 2026
Mileage
90,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 29, 2026

While driving at the speed limit the vacuum pump failed on my 2020 GMC Terrain. This failure led to me enter an intersection with heavy cross traffic, nearly striking g several vehicles. This is the 3rd time I have had to replace this pump in 2 years. The pump explodes sending chards of metal into the engine leading to more damage and labor intensive work.

NHTSA ID
11767839
Incident
Sep 15, 2026
BrakesEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 23, 2026

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
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 8, 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 system
Filed Sep 2, 2026

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
Brakes
Filed Aug 31, 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
Fuel system
Filed Aug 24, 2026

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
Brakes
Filed Aug 23, 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

Manufacturer communications

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

PIC5650N

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3

GM Update N25-250552

• Improvements to OnStar functionality.

PIT5698F

This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.

PIP4902W

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

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.

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
2027100—
2026341048.2
2025140047.0
2024551047.1
2023412055.5
2022612053.1
2021362059.3
2020Viewing1982056.3
20191873056.0
20182275058.1
20171351052.1
20161532260.4
20152993255.6
20142972250.7
20133653049.8
20123644359.0
20113864357.3
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.