Problem Lookup › GMC › Terrain › 2019
Car problem report
2019 GMC Terrain problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2019 GMC Terrain has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 3safety recalls
- 186owner complaints
- 7crash reports
- 3fire reports
- 12injuries reported
186 complaints, against an average of 166 for the other 14 GMC Terrain model years.
Every GMC Terrain model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2019 GMC Terrain?
The components named most often in the 186 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2019 GMC Terrain owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 186 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2019 GMC Terrain?25 owners · 13.4%
- Why does my 2019 GMC Terrain stall, lose power or shut off while driving?17 owners · 9.1%
- Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2019 GMC Terrain?13 owners · 7% · Recall 18V576000
- Why does the backup camera not work on my 2019 GMC Terrain?10 owners · 5.4%
- Has the 2019 GMC Terrain had engine failures?9 owners · 4.8%
Has the 2019 GMC Terrain been recalled?
3 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission 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.
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.
Seats General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the insufficient welds may result in an increased risk of injury for an occupant seated in the rear-right position.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. 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 N192209550.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components: Disc: Caliper General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
What do 2019 GMC Terrain owners report?
12 of the 186 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
VIN: [XXX] Mileage: Approximately 103,576 Incident location: [XXX] Safety Complaint: While my wife was driving our 2019 GMC Terrain into a shopping center parking lot, the vehicle suddenly experienced a severe loss of braking assistance. The brake pedal became extremely stiff and difficult to depress, and she was barely able to slow the vehicle. This occurred unexpectedly while the engine continued running, creating a serious risk of a collision. Following the incident, I inspected the vehicle using an OBD-II diagnostic scanner, which identified diagnostic trouble code P0016…
While driving on an interstate, vehicle became sluggish when accelerating. Took off on exit, engine was reduced to 50% power, attempted to drive to large parking lot, lost brakes, got the vehicle stopped in an intersection, would not shut off, go into neutral. Finally shut off, had to call tow truck, holding up traffic in a busy intersection. Was told it would be just $900 to fully diagnose problem, but it appeared the vacuum pump failed, threw broken metal into engine and now will have to be replaced at my cost. NO advanced warning of any type of problem, no warning lights, etc.
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after pulling into a parking lot, the vehicle failed to shift into park. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the contact was informed that three fault codes were found. The dealer informed the contact that the transmission needed to be disassembled for a full diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was scheduled for the transmission to be disassembled for the diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
On 9/15/2026, my wife drove her car, a 2019 GMC Terrain, to a doctor's appointment. She reported no known issues with the way the car operated during her drive nor had she or I experienced issues prior to this event. After she finished her appointment, she attempted to start her car and was unable to get the car to start. She also noticed that the brake pedal was stiff and hard to depress. When I arrived, I tried to assist her, thinking that an electrical issue was the fault. However, I was still unable to start the car and I had to have it towed after I couldn't start her car. I had it towed…
While driving my 2019 GMC Terrain with three children as passengers, the vehicle developed a braking/engine problem. The brake pedal became very hard, and the vehicle subsequently became undrivable and would not start. I received no advance warning through the GMC app indicating that the vacuum pump was failing. The vehicle was towed to a GMC dealership. The dealership diagnosed a failed vacuum pump and advised that the engine requires replacement, with an estimate of approximately 11,238. I purchased this vehicle new. I am very concerned that a vacuum-pump failure can result in reduced brake…
On Saturday, August 15th we were driving on the freeway when with no warning the check engine light came on and the vehicle began to run poorly, and then the vehicle lost electrical power and it became difficult to steer and the brake pedal became stiff, making it difficult to stop and pull over. The vehicle would not start on command but kept running very poorly, it also became impossible to shut the vehicle off until it seized. It was later towed to a local repair shop, and today, Friday August 21st the shop confirmed that the vacuum pump on the brake assist failed and it would need a total…
No engine lights are on. When at stops it starts chugging and when I accelerate sometimes it does not go like it should. It idles high and feels like it is slipping. I have almost been hit in the rear several times when this happens. One lady did rear end me but the damage was so little that I did not call the cops. This vehicle has not been inspected and it is available for inspection at any time.
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while stopped and attempting to turn to exit a highway ramp, he observed a loud banging noise emanating from the engine compartment. An "engine reduced power" message appeared. The vehicle then went into limp mode, and when the brake pedal was depressed, it was stiff as a rock. The vehicle coasted while he continued attempting to depress the brake pedal, and it eventually slowed down. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. When the vehicle was turned back on and he attempted to depress the accelerator pedal…
My cars breaks failed by a vacuum pump failer and I almost died on the a hill going home
Vehicle struggles to shift from low gears; seems to completely miss 3rd gear. Codes from maintenance indicate TCC slip
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while reversing the vehicle, the display screen failed to display an image and was instead displaying a blue screen. The backover prevention system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
The contact's wife owns a 2019 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that upon making a left turn, the steering wheel would forcefully jerk to right, thrusting the vehicle into the opposite direction. The contact stated that the service ESC and service brake assist warning lights were illuminated. The warning lights would disappear soon after the failure as well as upon restart. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on multiple occasions where he was repeatedly informed that unless the service light was illuminated upon arrival to the dealer, they would be unable to service the vehicle…
2019 GMC Terrain: questions owners ask
Is the 2019 GMC Terrain reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 186 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 GMC Terrain; the most common categories were service brakes (72, 38.7%), engine (70, 37.6%), power train (52, 28%). There are 3 safety recalls. 7 complaints mention a crash, 3 mention a fire, 12 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 GMC Terrain?
Across 186 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are service brakes (38.7% of complaints), engine (37.6% of complaints), power train (28% of complaints), electrical system (21% of complaints), vehicle speed control (4.8% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2019 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 GMC Terrain; the most recent (campaign 20V668000, 2020-10-29) concerns Power Train: Automatic Transmission. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2019 GMC Terrain?
25 of the 186 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 GMC Terrain (13.4%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "On Saturday, August 15th we were driving on the freeway when with no warning the check engine light came on and the vehicle began to run poorly, and then the vehicle lost electrical power and it became difficult to steer and the brake pedal became stiff,…" (NHTSA complaint 11758591, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2019 GMC Terrain stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
17 of the 186 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 GMC Terrain (9.1%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Engine breakdown 1.5turbo in 11/28/25 with 16820 miles on it. it is not available i heard a bang and smoke out of back lost power while driving on the high way damage was confirmed buy a dealer goodwin chevrolet in brunswick me yes buy gm dealer." (NHTSA complaint 11732575, April 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2019 GMC Terrain?
13 of the 186 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 GMC Terrain (7%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. A related recall exists: campaign 18V576000 (service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper). The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. One owner wrote: "While driving on an interstate, vehicle became sluggish when accelerating. Took off on exit, engine was reduced to 50% power, attempted to drive to large parking lot, lost brakes, got the vehicle stopped in an intersection, would not shut off, go into…" (NHTSA complaint 11766640, September 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does the backup camera not work on my 2019 GMC Terrain?
10 of the 186 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 GMC Terrain (5.4%) describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. One owner wrote: "My 2019 GMC Terrain has a faulty back up camera system. It shows a blue screen that says Service rear view camera system, This has been a faulty system for years until it finally stopped working completely." (NHTSA complaint 11738911, May 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2019 GMC Terrain had engine failures?
9 of the 186 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2019 GMC Terrain (4.8%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "On Saturday, August 15th we were driving on the freeway when with no warning the check engine light came on and the vehicle began to run poorly, and then the vehicle lost electrical power and it became difficult to steer and the brake pedal became stiff,…" (NHTSA complaint 11758591, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Terrain
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2019 only.