2020 GMC Terrain Driver assistance Problems

Backup camera stopped working and displays a blue screen stating “service backup camera.” This was an issue when the vehicle was under 3 year manufacturer bumper to bumper warranty and was fixed by dealer at no cost. Now this same issue has occurred again approximately 3-4 years later. I thought at first this was an issue specific to my vehicle but now after doing research I see this is an issue across several GMC Terrian vehicles and other GM vehicles. This issue should be fixed by the manufacturer for all vehicles affected. Vehicle owners should not be responsible to fix faulty parts from the manufacturer.

NHTSA ID

11745463

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

Random problems accelerating. Like I can be pulling out of my parking spot in revese then switch it to drive an try to move and it won’t move at all or very slowly then out of nowhere it accelerates fast

NHTSA ID

11731643

Incident

Apr 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that upon shifting to reverse(R), the rear-view camera image was blue, and the parking sensor beeping sound was inoperable. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear-view camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

NHTSA ID

11701734

Incident

Nov 2, 2025

Mileage

71,000 mi

On 6/22/2025, brakes stopped working while trying to make a turn. Next multiple engines light came and car went into reduced speed mode. As I tried to find a safe place to stop, the vehicle went into limp mode and shut down in the middle of the road. The dealership said the issue was the vacuum pump which caused the timing chains to break. There have multiple recalls for this exact issue but my car is not on the list. My manufacture warranty ended on 5/21/2025. When I spoke to a GM representative I was told there was nothing they can do because there is not a recall for my vehicle. They explained even though I had the same problem the recall is for other vehicles. GM also issued a warranty extention on the vacuum pump to 10 years 150,000 miles. However my vehicle is not on the list for the extention. this issue is a safety hazard regardless of the vehicle type. I was lucky that no one was behind me or they would have hit me.

NHTSA ID

11669590

Incident

Jun 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for an oil change. The contact stated that approximately 5 weeks after returning the oil change, while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle and steering wheel started shaking abnormally and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the traction control, check engine, and stabili-trak control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was no oil in the engine and the spark plugs and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred three weeks later. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

NHTSA ID

11669512

Incident

Dec 15, 2024

Mileage

37,000 mi

My backup camera in my 2020 vehicle has failed twice. Once was covered under manufacturer's warranty, and it then failed again 14 months later, which is not covered under warranty. As explained by the dealer, a parts warranty is 12 months if covered under manufacturer warranty and 24 months if paid for by the owner. Different warranties for the same part? Additionally, there is a service bulletin out about this issue as MANY other owners are reporting the same issue. The camera parts are being damaged by "water intrusion". There is NO rust or damage that would be contributing to this, thus it appears to be a manufacturing defect. There is no way I should have had to replace this part twice with only 40,000 miles on the vehicle. (first time at 24,000 miles, second time at 38,500 miles). I feel that the manufacturer should be fixing these as they know it is a widespread problem.

NHTSA ID

11658372

Incident

Dec 18, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera screen displayed a blue image. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

NHTSA ID

11639943

Incident

Jan 31, 2025

Mileage

104,000 mi

my vacuum pump went out. my brakes went out at 86k miles. very pour design.

NHTSA ID

11635979

Incident

Jan 14, 2025

The brake system failed. No warning. When the brakes failed, driver ran the car into a tree to stop instead of hitting pedestrians or other vehicles

NHTSA ID

11632538

Incident

Dec 26, 2024

My Terrain has a light that has been coming on for a couple months. Service Brake Assist. I took it to the dealer after my brakes locked up and about $800 after getting it fixed the light continues to come on. The forward collision light comes on every time I start the car. More the check engine light came on and says engine electrical system. What the heck is going on? I love this car and take very good care of it but I feel like the $800 that I just spent was a waste. I fear that I will get in a wreck like when the brakes totally locked up and I couldn't press on them.

NHTSA ID

11628017

Incident

Nov 30, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while in reverse(R), the back over prevention camera displayed a blue image on the screen. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

NHTSA ID

11623429

Incident

Oct 28, 2024

Mileage

58,000 mi

On 4/10/2023, I took my vehicle to a local GMC dealership because it was stalling and didn't have any power. Upon accelerating the vehicle it would stall and take off at a high speed. The dealership has had my vehicle periodically from April 2023 and it presently sets at the dealership because they ain't getting a code, But after the dealership drove the truck for over 200 miles, they were finally able to duplicate the stalling yet are not able to diagnose the problem!! This vehicle is very dangerous to be on the road and I have almost gotten hit twice and I'm not driving the vehicle anymore at this time. I have previously reached out to you all and I would be most thankful if you could get in touch with me. Thank you

NHTSA ID

11549930

Incident

Apr 9, 2023

While on highway service brake system warning light came on,brake became hard to apply almost causing an accident. Vehicle had to be towed to a repair shop(dealer).after paying over $1600 the problem was not resolved and found there are numerous complaints about issues with the terrain and no recall issued.are they waiting til someone dies before a recall?

NHTSA ID

11539270

Incident

Aug 6, 2023

My vehicle begin stalling when accelerating (mostly after stopping) June 2023. My vehicle has almost cause me to have two accidents because it intermittently stalls when I try to cross an intersection. This is my fourth time taking my vehicle to the GMC dealership, and they tell me they can't find anything wrong if there is not a code. I have reached out to Corp, and I'm waiting to see if they can help get to the bottom of my problem. My car has been sitting at the dealership since June 30th 2023....I call the dealership periodically, and they never reach out to let me know what's going on. I am afraid to drive my vehicle at this time because next time another car may not be able stop and give me time to get across the road. I'm filing this complaint because I seriously think someone is gonna get killed.. Thank you

NHTSA ID

11538258

Incident

May 28, 2023

This GMC I just purchased in October 22 2022 and have been complaining since December 9,2022 the vehicle emergency braking will activate when I'm driving down the interstate or local roads I could be doing 70 and brakes will just lock up throwing me and my son forward , this has happened 4x , Gas Pedal when taking off at red light or pulling out the vehicle is hesitant and will not go this has happened on 3 different occasions. I called roadside on star they said there is a problem with the on star saftey feature will not work properly this was towed 2x to different shops, Also while driving this vehicle it will just ingage itself in park while driving called on star they did diagnostic there was all kinds of Coded for Transmission and Engine as well as Emissions this vehicle is a safety hazard.. And I have tried to take back to dealership where I purchased they keep making excuses to not see this CPO with lifetime Warranty and still under warranty from GMC vechle Mileage was at 29k when problems stared vehicle only has 31k I can't drive this vehicle due to my son's and myself along with others saftey this is ridiculous and also GMC just informed me the Vin # they have for my vehicle and whats on it are two different numbers! Yet nothing is being done I'm paying for a vehicle that I can't drive I have proof GMC knows about the fraud from dealership but GMC says its a sales thing This vehicle has been flooded two mechanics have confirmed and GMC is aware so why not do something I don't know exactly the history and GMC doesn't either please someone contact me GMC this is crazy and you know it's a safety issue with this 2020 GMC Terrain you even said so

NHTSA ID

11524133

Incident

Mar 17, 2023

None of these features have ever worked

NHTSA ID

11501918

Incident

Jan 3, 2023

The emergency breaking system failed to engage. Failure to engage caused collision with another car

NHTSA ID

11501917

Incident

Jul 27, 2022

Dash had gone black intermittently, did not know what speed I was going. OnStar called oor phone multiple to notify us that our airbags we're offline for ten days no warning light on dash until one to two days later . Took to service was informed that gear shift control, engine control module, passenger presence module and airbag sensor needed replaced. All within a month of purchase of said USED vehicle. Vixed under warranty. Then another monther later, got warning on dash saying "conditions not current for shifting", park break light came on, and a p in a yellow circle with a wrench under it came on. Serive did fix vehicle, but could not verify message on dash about conditions not favorable... Also recalibrated breaker. Complained numerous times to dealer about these issues and was told "live with it".

NHTSA ID

11460096

Incident

Apr 8, 2022

UNKNOWN...ACTS AS IF ITS A SMART CAR THAT'S NOT REALLY A SMART CAR

NHTSA ID

11458704

Incident

Mar 26, 2022

As I was driving on the highway in New York on Route 17 south near exit 111, I tried to accelerate but when I did the car went slower and the check engine light and traction control lights came on. I was right in front of a huge truck and thank God I was in the right lane that I was able to quickly get on the shoulder and turn the car off. I was able to make it to where I was going, but it was very nerve wracking. I took the car to the dealer service center and was told that it was probably a fuse issue. It turns out my entire engine has to be rebuilt. I have approximately 25,000 on my car, how could it require an entire engine rebuild? The dealer has gotten me two rentals cars that only last 5 days at a time each time and now I’m driving a dealer loaner. It’s been 3 weeks and still nothing. I’m still making payments on my car.

NHTSA ID

11450302

Incident

Jan 15, 2022

Not long after I bought my 2020 GMC Terrain my adaptive cruise started disengaging. There are never any warning lights, except the noise and vibration of the seat before it shuts off then tells you it's disengaging. I didn't think anything of it until it's became a regular occurrence in the last month or two. I tell my dealership about it and they drive it but it never disengages on them, so they say nothing is wrong with my vehicle. I have a picture of the "adaptive cruise disengaging" and video of where I can't reset it until after about 15 or so minutes or letting my car set for a while or turning off the engine then it works again. I also have noticed that my auto start/stop hasn't been turning on & off anymore.

NHTSA ID

11432173

Incident

Aug 30, 2021

On fairly level ground, reduce speed hill descent control msg has activated (12 mile and maxwell area 2x, Rochester Hills Kohls parking lot exit) and once entering river bend dr. vehicle has also has had activated brakes on oak hill street in rochester. the vehicle has less than 4100 miles. very concerning about activated brakes.

NHTSA ID

11422295

Incident

Jun 11, 2021

PURCHASED NEW 2020 GMC TERRAIN W/7MILES. LEFT DEALERSHIP ON MY WAY HOME, AND WITHIN 20 MILES, RECEIVED A MESSAGE ON DASH-> SERVICE - ESC - DISMISS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED SEVERAL TIMES, AND THE SUV SLOWED DOWN AT LEAST 10 MILES FROM 65MILES PER HOUR. AFTER ENGINE LIGHT STOPPED BLINKING, I CONTINUES HOME AROUND 30 MILES MORE WITH NO MORE PROBLEMS. CALLED MY SALES PERSON THE NEXT DAY, AND HE DID NOT KNOW WHAT ESC WAS. (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) HE CALLED ME BACK AND INDICTED THE VEHICLE MAY NEED A SOFTWARE UPDATE. I TOLD MY WIFE, WHY WOULD A DEALERSHIP NOT CHECK ON VEHICLE SOFTWARE UPDATES BEFORE RELEASING VEHICLES TO THE NEW OWNERS, PRIOR TO LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP. THIS IS CALLED, "BEING PROACTIVE." WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP AFTER PURCHASING THIS NEW SUV.

NHTSA ID

11373835

Incident

Nov 7, 2020

Mileage

27 mi

EVERY WEEK IT'S SOMETHING DIFFERENT. IN MOTION... NO CRUZE CONTROL. NO AUDIO. DON'T DRIVE OVER 50MPH BRAKE PROBLEM. PARKING BRAKE ENGAGES RANDOMLY AND WITHOUT USER ENGAGEMENT. NO AWD. NO STABILITY TRACTION. THIS HAPPENS SO FREQUENTLY THE DASH INDICATORS HAVE BEEN REDUCED TO 'IDIOT LIGHTS'. AT WHAT POINT DO I BECOME CONCERNED? THINGS APPEAR TO RESOLVE WHEN THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON, SOMETIMES....I COMPARE IT TO OTHER GLITCHY TECHNOLOGY. HOWEVER I POTENTIALLY COULD BE AT AN 80MPH CRAZING SPEED WHEN I DECIDE TO IGNORE THE IDIOT LIGHTS...WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A REAL PROBLEM PRESENTS AND I IGNORE THE DASH INDICATORS DO TO FREQUENT GLITCHES? I'M SO DISAPPOINTED. MY 2 PREVIOUS TERRAINS WERE 10 TIMES THE VEHICLE THE 2020 MODEL YEAR.

NHTSA ID

11341949

Incident

Nov 25, 2019

WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ENGAGED AT 71MPH, HOLDING +RES BUTTON TO INCREASE SPEED AND RELEASING IT AT 77MPH SETS CRUISE SPEED TOO HIGH. CAR CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE. CRUISE GETS SET AT 100MPH AND ACCELERATES MORE THEN DESIRED. SEE LINK WITH VIDEO OF EVENT HTTPS://PHOTOS.APP.GOO.GL/O7ZGEQWCSU7KYCV58 SEE ATTACHED PICTURE OF OWNERS MANUAL

NHTSA ID

11277648

Incident

Nov 1, 2019

Mileage

1,000 mi