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2020 GMC Terrain problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 GMC Terrain has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 2safety recalls
- 197owner complaints
- 7crash reports
- 2fire reports
- 5injuries reported
197 complaints, against an average of 165 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 2020 GMC Terrain?
The components named most often in the 197 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2020 GMC Terrain owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 197 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 2020 GMC Terrain?26 owners · 13.2%
- Why does my 2020 GMC Terrain stall, lose power or shut off while driving?23 owners · 11.7%
- Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2020 GMC Terrain?23 owners · 11.7%
- Has the 2020 GMC Terrain had engine failures?13 owners · 6.6%
- Why won't my 2020 GMC Terrain start?11 owners · 5.6%
- Why does the backup camera not work on my 2020 GMC Terrain?9 owners · 4.6%
- Why does the infotainment screen freeze, reboot or go black in my 2020 GMC Terrain?7 owners · 3.6%
Has the 2020 GMC Terrain been recalled?
2 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Child Seat: Vehicle Latch Anchor 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."
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.
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.
What do 2020 GMC Terrain owners report?
12 of the 197 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.
While driving at the speed limit the vacuum pump failed on my 2020 GMC Terrain. This failure led to me enter an intersection with heavy cross traffic, nearly striking g several vehicles. This is the 3rd time I have had to replace this pump in 2 years. The pump explodes sending chards of metal into the engine leading to more damage and labor intensive work.
While driving my 2020 GMC Terrain, I experienced a sudden loss of normal braking assistance. I had been traveling on the highway and exited onto a main road. As I approached a red traffic light at approximately 50 mph and attempted to brake, the vehicle would not stop normally. I was unable to stop for the red light and went through the intersection before I was able to safely get the vehicle off the roadway. Fortunately, there was no vehicle directly in front of me and I was able to make it through the intersection before any other cars, so no collision occurred. The vehicle was subsequently…
Having the start stop issue on my terrain and recently over the last few months, it has been using oil everything that sounds exactly like the recall but mine is not included. My start stop is not working and I have to get him since it had only 60,000 miles on it years ago, but nothing was done.
Fuel pump control module and or the in tank fuel pump failed and or isn’t making proper connection for car to run correctly. Safety was put at risk as car came to abrupt halt while driving. Driver was outside of vehicle at busy intersection for vehicle diagnostics and battery jump. Battery was removed and new battery installed yet problem persists. Not confirmed by dealer but code is as follows (p129F). Maintenance performed by owner;Code reader used for diagnostics, new battery installed. Problem persists. Car started, drove and stumbled to then die. Check engine now displays.
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 failed vacuum pump. The mechanic informed the contact that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known issue with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately…
The brake suddenly became impossible to depress more than 3/4 of an inch. Almost unable to stop nearly hitting another vehicle. The dashboard then lit up with a "service brake system" warning. Luckily was only a few minutes from home brought it home and began the search for the issue. The brake vacuum pump failed. Unsure of further damage at this point. It being Sunday am unable to contact a shop or dealer.
While driving, I suddenly smelled something burning. Immediately after, a warning popped up stating 'Engine power is reducing,' the check engine light came on, and I experienced a sudden, near-total loss of power braking assist, making the brake pedal extremely hard to press. I had to use intense force to bring the vehicle to a stop. A scan of the vehicle's OBD-II codes revealed codes P0556 (Brake Booster Pressure Sensor Circuit), P0014 (Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced), and P0017 (Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation). This is a known failure where the…
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…
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
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
my vacuum pump went out. my brakes went out at 86k miles. very pour design.
2020 GMC Terrain: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 GMC Terrain reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 197 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 GMC Terrain; the most common categories were service brakes (72, 36.5%), engine (58, 29.4%), power train (28, 14.2%). There are 2 safety recalls. 7 complaints mention a crash, 2 mention a fire, 5 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 GMC Terrain?
Across 197 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are service brakes (36.5% of complaints), engine (29.4% of complaints), power train (14.2% of complaints), electrical system (13.7% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (12.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2020 GMC Terrain; the most recent (campaign 23V339000, 2023-05-11) concerns Child Seat: Vehicle Latch Anchor. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2020 GMC Terrain?
26 of the 197 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Terrain (13.2%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11732955, 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 does my 2020 GMC Terrain stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
23 of the 197 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Terrain (11.7%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "The intercooler has been a document problem on GMC Terrains for awhile now. I had my intercooler replaced and now less than 10 months it is having the same problem." (NHTSA complaint 11705510, December 2025). 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 2020 GMC Terrain?
23 of the 197 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Terrain (11.7%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11752293, July 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 2020 GMC Terrain had engine failures?
13 of the 197 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Terrain (6.6%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11752293, July 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 won't my 2020 GMC Terrain start?
11 of the 197 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Terrain (5.6%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11749649, July 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 the backup camera not work on my 2020 GMC Terrain?
9 of the 197 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Terrain (4.6%) describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11745463, June 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 the infotainment screen freeze, reboot or go black in my 2020 GMC Terrain?
7 of the 197 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Terrain (3.6%) describe the infotainment or touch screen freezing, rebooting or going black. One owner wrote: "Radio goes from normal volume to as loud as possible while just driving.scares ya to death! Can't turn volume down with out 1st shutting off radio and turning it back on.dealship stayed there isn't a problem they could find.Blu tooth cuts in and out and locks…" (NHTSA complaint 11511251, March 2023). 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 2020 only.