KnownCarProblems2020 GMC Terrain Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 197 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 GMC Terrain, most often about the brakes (37% of complaints, typically around 92,000 miles). It is 8th of 17 Terrain model years by number of complaints and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2020 GMC Terrain problems
Brakes
72 complaints · 37%Half of these problems showed up before 92,000 miles.
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…
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to stop while driving 55 MPH while depressing the brake pedal. The contact pressed the button that immediately shifted the transmission to park, and the vehicle came to a stop. The contact drove the vehicle to a safe parking space. After…
Engine
61 complaints · 31%Half of these problems showed up before 58,500 miles.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost braking power. The driver was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the vacuum pump had shattered. The vehicle was…
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle started losing motive power and the vehicle shut off while in a parking lot. The contact was notified of the failure and a tow…
Other or unspecified
34 complaints · 17%Fuel system
31 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 45,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.
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 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…
Transmission
28 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 53,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while at a stop, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle, with the service brake assist message displayed. The brake pedal became firm, and the contact used excessive force to stop the vehicle. The contact pulled into a gas station and…
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost braking power. The driver was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the vacuum pump had shattered. The vehicle was…
Electrical
27 complaints · 14%Parts named most often: adas.
Twice within the last two months my entire radio shut off, my screen went black and so did my gauges for at least 20 seconds. Then they just came back on and picked up where it left off.
While starting vehicle the infotainment screen went black and nothing would work. Stayed this way while driving. Stopped turned off car and still didnt work. Was told it was the data communications module.
Speed control
11 complaints · 6%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…
Driver assistance
9 complaints · 5%Parts named most often: automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, assist, blind spot detection.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2020 GMC Terrain recalls
Child Seat: vehicle latch anchor
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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."
Transmission: automatic transmission
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2020 GMC Terrain
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 GMC Terrain?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (72 complaints, typically around 92,000 miles); engine (61 complaints, typically around 58,500 miles); other or unspecified (34 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2020 GMC Terrain have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 11, 2023 (child Seat). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2020 a bad year for the GMC Terrain?
- It is 8th of 17 Terrain model years by number of complaints, with 197 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.