2020 GMC Terrain Fuel system Problems

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

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

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

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that shortly after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle suddenly stalled while accelerating from a stop light. The contact stated that after the vehicle stalled, the transmission failed to shift out of park, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The fuel pump was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 46,917.

NHTSA ID

11744805

Incident

May 23, 2026

Mileage

46,917 mi

After vehicle acting like it isnt getting power and trying to die, I pulled into a gas station and turned it off. When I went to restart it, the vehicle kept turning over and over automatically not wanting to start and the engine light came on. I let it sit for about 5 minutes and tried again. It did same thing. I tried a 3rd time pushing the gas pedal and it finally started. I made it home 2 miles away. Turned the car off and tried starting it again with same issues.

NHTSA ID

11732955

Incident

Apr 21, 2026

1- at 71,000 miles in 2022 brake vacuum pump “exploded” broke into many small pieces in the middle of driving. Causing brakes to lock. Brake pedal was brick hard. Hard to maneuver the car out of traffic without causing a collision. Luckily car was not being driven at high speed. At time of repair costing $1,000 Mechanic informed me that the pump was made out of a non metal material and he could not fish the small particles out of the motor with a magnet. The motor would need to be taken apart, cleaned out and reassembled….. From this point forward the car drives in “low engine power mode” even with repairs completed and codes cleared. 2- 2 years later the same part “brake vacuum pump” exploded again. Another $1000 repair. At this time we discovered that the fine particles that were not removed from motor has now knocked the timing off by 8%. Also it has caused a knick in a seal causing an oil leak under 100k miles $1800 repair. After these extensive repairs…… The car emits gas fumes into cabin. The smell is so strong it can’t be parked in the garage because it circulates through the house. Even when car is not running. The Car can’t be driven because risk of fire or explosion from gas. Fuel system gets cleaned. Injectors replaced. The car temporarily runs without the gas smell. 2 weeks later the gas smell returns Come to find out the fuel pump failed. Search online and find there is a recall for fuel pumps in this same make model and year. But not this vin number. The car has been a headache from day 1. Recall the whole car at this point, to have so many faulty parts in such major systems of a car is crazy.

NHTSA ID

11727732

Incident

Sep 1, 2022

I noticed a sticker in driver door stating recall however no evidence. The vehicle will not pull hills, back up on a hill and will not accelerate over 25 miles per minute. Dangerous to drive on roads. Took vehicle to a GMC dealer for diagnostic test, received the report for what the report found. Took the report to auto shop to get repaired however the vehicle still continues with same issue. Took the vehicle to another auto shop. I was informed of some differences added issues. I had those issues fixed. The vehicle still running the exact way after all of the repairs. The top hood on the vehicle paint starts peeling after a year of owning it. I purchased the vehicle at Kia of Gardendale 2020. No one had any answer regarding the situation. Very disappointed with a GMC vehicle. I just want to know the mystery.

NHTSA ID

11713540

Incident

Jul 14, 2022

Re: 2020 GMC Terrain. Our fuel pump control module (FPCM) unexpectedly failed after driving a short distance. Vehicle stalled without warning on the street and was unable to be started again. This could have resulted in a crash and/or injury to other people in the area. An independent service center suspected an issue with the module but was unable to make an official diagnosis. The vehicle was towed to the local GMC dealer who confirmed the FPCM failure and needed to be replaced at a cost of $850. There were no warning indicators prior to the incident and the vehicle's display only showed "battery saver mode" after stalling on the street.

NHTSA ID

11704451

Incident

Dec 9, 2025

From a complete stop my car refused to accelerate no matter how much I pushed the gas pedal. I was pulling into traffic and was on a hill so my car rolled forward naturally into the road but would not respond to the gas pedal. The RPMs didn't move, the car had power, I tried putting it in reverse and then back into drive. Nothing worked for a solid 2 minutes at least. Then all of a sudden it registered and worked. I was almost t-boned from a car coming through the curve but luckily, they were able to go around me in time. This put me and my small daughter at risk of being severely injured from a malfunction that I can't recreate to show the technicians. Since this incident, it has happened several times randomly. Sometimes I'm at a red light, or backing out of a parking spot, or pulling out into traffic. When it happens, there are no codes thrown to show any engine malfunctions, but it WILL NOT MOVE! I've noticed more and more the lack of power when driving. Almost as if the transmission is slipping or losing power as well. I bought the car new, only have 38K miles on it, and service it every 5k miles at a GMC dealership. This is going to end up killing someone. The mechanic told me to trade it in, but I just paid it off and it's only 5 years old. There are multiple complaints about this same thing happening with tons of Terrains and there isn't a recall yet.

NHTSA ID

11695299

Incident

Sep 13, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal from a complete stop, the vehicle lost motive power and started shaking and then shut off. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to respond. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the residence first and was then towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

NHTSA ID

11686270

Incident

Sep 8, 2025

Mileage

58,000 mi

I have been having intermittent problems for well over 1 year with my vehicle not accelerating. I try to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle does not respond. I have the accelerator pedal pressed to the floor nothing happens for 10-15 seconds, then vehicle will lurch forward and start responding. This has happened several times as I am pulling into traffic. Major safety concern that could cause severe injury or fatality. I also have other issues with vehicle not shifting gears, engine feels as though it is skipping while driving. I have taken this to the dealership and was told that they could not recreate the issue. No engine code or service lights have ever displayed. Dealership told me is can't be anything major since there are no codes or service lights. Currently have 72,000 miles, did purchase an extended warranty. I have seen many complaints of this same problem from other Terrain owners. GMC needs to fix this problem before someone is killed in a collision because their product won't accelerate.

NHTSA ID

11684492

Incident

Aug 13, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11670353

Incident

Jun 30, 2025

Mileage

88,000 mi

5.25.2025 - Car shut down while at a busy intersection. Called Amherst Police due to location and how dangerous the intersection was. Family member needed to jump start the vehicle. Vehicle started before police arrived. Drove home. Called police to let them know we were no longer at the busy intersection. 5.26.2025 Took out battery to check charge at Auto store - tested Good - 82%. Re-installed battery went to get gas thinking that may be the issue, low on gas, not the case the car wouldn't start at the gas station. Family member needed to jump start the vehicle again. Drove home, called dealer, taking to dealer next week 6.4.2025 due to availability of service. There were no warning lights prior to stalling out both times. This is very dangerous. We are afraid to drive this GMC 2020 Terrain.

NHTSA ID

11663432

Incident

May 25, 2025

Having problems with fuel system

NHTSA ID

11653840

Incident

Mar 13, 2025

Vehicle stalled while stopped in middle lane during rush hour traffic. Vehicle would not start, and could not be put in neutral to be pushed to side of road. Vehicle was towed to repair shop where they needed to replace the fuel pump control module. The automotive repairmen stated they have seen this with multiple GMC vehicles and they do not understand how it has not been recalled yet because, as they stated, it is going to get someone killed one day.

NHTSA ID

11647936

Incident

Mar 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 5 MPH and exiting a parking lot, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The messages "Low Battery" and "Start the Vehicle" were displayed. The contact stated that the brakes had seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump and the fuel pump driver control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 45,175.

NHTSA ID

11630353

Incident

Dec 4, 2024

Mileage

45,175 mi

On Wednesday, June 26, 2024 my 2020 gmc terrain unexpectedly malfunctioned and failed to restart. The engine light came on and I attempted to restart it for nearly 2 hours with no success. Fortunately, it finally started and once I got it home my fiancé plugged the car up to the code reader. P129F “Manufacturer Control” were the results. After further researching, this is for the fuel pump/fuel pump control modular assembly. In January 2023, NHTSA released a notice for my exact vehicle for this very scenario I experienced. And as of June 6th, 2024 a class action lawsuit was filed against gmc for this issue as well. My vehicle is not able to be repaired due to 1) my vin not being included on the recall list and 2) all the parts that were in inventory are also deemed unsafe due to the lawsuit documents shared online and this has caused a nationwide back order per my conversation with 3 gmc/chevy dealerships. At this point my vehicle is unreliable and unsafe to transport myself or my children.

NHTSA ID

11598066

Incident

Jun 26, 2024

Purchased Vehicle brand new- Beck & Masten Buick GM - Houston, TX [XXX] Performed rout maint regularly. Last oil change 1-5-2024 before catastrophic failure and complete engine seizure. Towed to Wiesner GMC [XXX] 1-12-2024: Mileage on car roughly 99K- had no issues no check engine light, no mechanical failure or indication that anything was running other than normal. No Start on [XXX] PM after work, tried to return next day with battery , changed out battery, engine still would not start, after new battery installed and we attempted to start, that is when engine started making loud shaking motion while attempting to start, windshield wipers came on randomly. First initial diagnostic: Found all oils & fluids in check, could not identify cause of failure, would have to break down and take apart. Had to authorize the tear down at a 1800.00 cost, 2/2/2024: Broke down engine, found that the crankshaft would move one way , but not other, removed the engine from transmission and now crankshaft moves freely. Now the AC comp is locked up (excessive play on magnet & clutch) , tech still unable to identify what caused the failure, they advised that they found traces of metal in oil pan, scored cylinder walls, starter shorted as well. They still could not indicate where these metal pieces came from, how or that it was due to owner negligence or manuf defects. Again this is a vehicle with 99K Miles and now we were looking at a 15K price tag for a new engine, turbo, AC, starter on a car that is worth 12K. This is absolutely insane. We reached out for Goodwill Discounts for some assistance since the dealership could not solidify a cause of failure, but GM decided to not warranty and stand behind their product. We were left with a rebuild option for 7500.00. which we had to do in order to get the car back. I am completely disappointed in GM as a company. This engine should have never failed at 99K. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11596150

Incident

Jan 12, 2024

2020 GMC Terrain Engine stopped working. Put in new engine. After one week new engine blown. We were 2000 miles away on vacation. I need a free rental I was with no car for a month and after only one week again for 3 weeks. Compensation request: Lost wages Hospital visit Extra hotel nights Gas Food car and insurance payment

NHTSA ID

11541806

Incident

Aug 11, 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

My 2020 terrain is now at 33k+ miles, I have had repeated instances with my car not accelerating properly. I would be at a full stop try to start to accelerate and not move push down a little further on accelerator and start crawling forward. I would move approximately quarter mile before the vehicle would jerk and accelerate very quickly to a speed well over where it should go to. I.e. I know because I’m starting in traffic I’m not trying to take off at thirty but when the jerk happens I can be jolted to 40-45 mph. The other issue is people behind you don’t realize what’s going on and I have been hit almost twice thankfully they were able to avoid me by going around. No warning lights have come on. This last insistence not only could I not accelerate, but cruise did not want to turn on, the emergency brake didn’t want to work, and the air conditioner was loosing power. I plan on having an independent service center inspect the vehicle, my husband was able to repeat the issue so I’m sure they will also. The first incident was in May and I have had 5 but thankfully I don’t drive that much.

NHTSA ID

11532728

Incident

Jul 16, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.

NHTSA ID

11523793

Incident

May 22, 2023

Mileage

42,000 mi

The engine cutoff while driving through a major intersection in 3/2022 with no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Dealership replaced the fuel pump module. Subsequently, the engine cutoff while driving in 5/2023. Dealership replaced the fuel pump module. Each of these occurrences placed my life, my passengers life and the lives of others on the road in danger as an accident could have resulted if I was not able to coast out of harms way. GMC has an existing recall on the fuel pump module for 2021 - 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles. Why did this happen a second time after replacing the fuel pump module? Are they using a module included in the recall? I was charged $ 591 dollars for the repair in 3/2022 and no charge in 5/2023 as they stated it must have been a faulty module. I have no confidence in my safety and the module they used in 5/2023 is not faulty.

NHTSA ID

11523286

Incident

Mar 22, 2022

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The message "Battery Low - Start Vehicle" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel sensor module and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V013000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,510.

NHTSA ID

11513188

Incident

Mar 18, 2023

Mileage

42,510 mi

Service brake assists light flashes on dashboard . Steering wheel locks up and jerk’s loose suddenly when making a right turn, in these moments when the steering wheel jerks loose ;hands are off taken off the steering wheel otherwise injury can occur. Battery life 2 -yrs old is not performing optimally. Can not hold a sufficient charge and ESC light flashes. Vdnt valve leaks discovered.

NHTSA ID

11506056

Incident

Jul 13, 2022