2020 GMC Terrain Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 GMC Terrain, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes6726.2%
- Engine5822.7%
- Fuel system2911.3%
- Electrical2710.5%
- Powertrain (other)259.8%
- Driver assistance259.8%
- Body & structure52.0%
- Visibility41.6%
- Other / unspecified41.6%
- Airbags31.2%
- Steering31.2%
- Suspension20.8%
- Seat belts10.4%
- Interior & seats10.4%
- Transmission10.4%
- Exterior lighting10.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
See attached document for complaint.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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?
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Transmission wouldnt shift. Sensor in car is causing issue, code is N 202321840
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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?
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill or making a left or right turn, the tires were skipping, and there was a clicking and whining sound coming from the front of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that a friend test-drove the vehicle and informed that the vehicle had experienced transmission failure. Neither the independent mechanic nor the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 104,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the tire well was filled with water. The contact stated that the unknown box on the side was filled with water. In addition, the contact stated that the water dripped onto the ground underneath the rear tire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into reverse(R); the rear-view camera screen was not functioning as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The message "Service Rear Camera System" was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,500.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that rain water had leaked from the sunroof drainage into the vehicle causing the floor carpets to become saturated with water and mold had developed inside the vehicle. The contact also discovered a pool of water inside the spare tire well. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the sunroof motor and sunroof liner, unclogged the sunroof drainage assembly and replaced the carpets. The contact indicated that later the failure had reoccurred although the sunroof drainage assembly was consistently unclogged each time the vehicle was in for service. The contact had also experienced respiratory illness due to the mold present inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 12,300.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
During a vehicle accident, my 2.5 year old daughter's car seat detached from the base and landed in the back part of my part. We were t-boned on the passenger side back seat. We spun and the car seat detached and she was flung around the car. She had severe whiplash, a contusion and possible fabric burn on her head. She was buckled in properly and the car seat was properly installed. Yes, all parties (other than manufacturer) saw and inspected the car seat.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The airbag system on my 2020 GMC Terrain has an intermittent malfunction. The airbag warning light turns on and off and the diagnostic code B0014 has been identified by a dealership. When the warning light is on, the airbag system may not deploy properly in a crash, creating a safety risk. The vehicle has approximately 49,000 miles. The problem has occurred for about three years. The dealership repaired the issue when the vehicle was first purchased and the light went off temporarily, but it returned a few months later. A second dealership attempted a repair and again the light went off temporarily before returning. The issue continues to occur intermittently. The warning lamp for the airbag system appears on the dashboard. The vehicle has been inspected by dealerships but the problem has not been permanently fixed.
Brakes hard to press. Almost cause an accident on interstate. Was able to contain vehicle. Took to autozone to assessed and it said Powertrain System. Brake Booster Senor Circuit.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving 55 miles an hour on an Expressway. And suddenly my truck just shut off.The brake became very hard unable to break very scary situation for me and my children. Engine power was reduced and would not start, many errors came up. The vacuum pump failed, which also caused the cam shafts to fail.The vacuum pump exploded into pieces and sent metal into my engine.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE DUE TO A VIOLENT SIDE TO SIDE WOBBLE IN THE FRONT END MUCH LIKE THE JEEP DEATH WOBBLE. THIS HAPPENS CONSTANTLY ANYWHERE FROM 30MPH - 70MPH USUALLY AFTER HITTING A SMALL BUMP OR WHEN TURNING HARD. THE TURNING ASPECT IS WHERE IT HAS BECOME VERY DANGEROUS ON SLIPPERY SURFACES AS THE CAR THEN SLIDES OUT. I LIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS WHERE THIS IS A NORMAL OCCURANCE. I AM ACTUALLY AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ANY LONGER. THE DEALERS HAVE CONFIRMED THE ISSUE, BUT STATES THAT GM DOES NOT HAVE A FIX FOR THIS AS OF NOW. I HAVE HEARD THIS IS AFFECTING ONLY THE AWD TERRAINS AND EQUINOX PLATFORMS. GM HAS BEEN UNRESPONSIVE TRYING TO GET AN ANSWER OR GETTING THIS FIXED. THE CAR HAS BEEN INTO MULTIPLE DEALERSHIPS SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS SAME ISSUE AND HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE CAR TURNED ABOUT 2400 MILES AND HAS BEEN HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY SINCE THEN FOR THE PAST 6000 MILES.
THE COMPLAINT I HAVE IS THE INSIDE FRONT OF THE CAR IS TOO SMALL AND I CANT REACH THE GAS PEDAL EXCEPT WITH MY TOE. MY FOOT KEEPS SLIPPING OFF AS I AM DRIVING. I HAVE TO HAVE THE SEAT WAY UP OR I CANT REACH. I AM 5 FOOT TALL WOMAN. THIS IS A RIDICULOUS THING THAT I HAVE TO PUT UP. I DROVE IT FOR 10 MINUTES AND DIDN'T REALIZE IT. I ASKED FOR A PEDAL THAT IS LONGER AND CLOSER TO THE FLOOR AFTER I HAD BOUGHT IT AND SERVICE PEOPLE TOLD ME THEY DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO TO FIX IT. THEY ASKED IF I HAD A BUTTON TO ADJUST IT AND I DON'T. ITS ON THE EXPENSIVE ONE. THIS SHOULD BE ON ALL VEHICLES FOR SAFETY. I WANTED TO GIVE IT BACK BUT THEY NEVER HELPED ME. I HAVE 1100 MILES ON IT .IT NEW STILL. THE OTHER THING THIS CREATES IS I AM UP SO CLOSE TO THE STEERING WHEEL THAT ITS ALMOST ON MY CHEST IN ORDER TO REACH PEDAL WITHOUT HAVING TO STRAIN AND LATER HAVING PAIN IN MY LEG FROM DOING THAT. I AM SO DISAPPOINTED WITH CHUCK NASH GMC IN SAN MARCOS , TEXAS. IS THERE ANYTHING TO BE DONE BY THE GMC COMPANY. I ALSO TOLD THE SALESMAN I WANTED A CANYON PICKUP LIKE I HAD BEFORE. I TRADED THAT ONE IN DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE 2017 CANYON WAS ALWAYS IN THE SHOP. ONLY HAD IT FOR 2 YRS AND 1 MONTH. THEY WERE NO HELP! THANK YOU, [XXX] PLEASE HELP ME INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driver seat belt exhibits signs of fraying in area of belt hidden from view when not in use. When extended, hair-like fibers extend out, primarily from the car-forward side of the belt in the area coming out of the B-pillar and from behind the trim. It is available for inspection. Concerned that this may continue to degrade the integrity of the seat belt over time. There could be something sharp in the retractor, or flash on a piece of plastic trim hidden from view causing this. My understanding is that if there is a small nick on the edge of a safety belt it can tear across, and concerned that this condition could lead to a similar outcome over time and if the vehicle were involved in an accident. Upon taking to local dealership, was advised that this is a normal condition and not a concern. Advisor said technician told him that it is not fraying, it is a normal condition that can be exhibited by the belt fibers, especially towards the edges. They said the central portion of the belt is not exhibiting a similar condition and therefore not a concern. The fibers seem to have grown in quantity since vehicle purchase. I first recall seeing them during the pandemic, although became more concerned over time and finally took in prior to warranty expiration for review.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
2020 GMC TERRAIN. CONSUMER STATED THAT THEIR VEHICLE STARTED PULLING AND DRAGGING WHILE DRIVING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Interior lights stays on at night while driving and when parked. Tried turning it off but it won’t turn off
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .