2020 GMC Terrain
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 196
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 2020
None on file
36% of complaints
Complaints per year
2020: 196 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 290 |
| 2011 | 386 |
| 2012 | 364 |
| 2013 | 365 |
| 2014 | 296 |
| 2015 | 299 |
| 2016 | 153 |
| 2017 | 135 |
| 2018 | 222 |
| 2019 | 186 |
| 2020 | 196 |
| 2021 | 36 |
| 2022 | 61 |
| 2023 | 41 |
| 2024 | 53 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 32 |
| 2027 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
36% · 71 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Driving down the freeway and all of a sudden got a service break assist notification and without warning I was unable to stop the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-15
When reversing out of a parking spot, brakes failed causing accident. Multiple attempts to depress brake pedal with no braking. Hit a parked car. After shutting car off and attempting to move vehicle brakes did engage and respond correctly.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-09-19
Also filed under Wheels
Engine
30% · 58 reportsPower train
14% · 28 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Electrical system
14% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing sensor.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-18
Also filed under Seats
Fuel/propulsion system
13% · 25 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2020-12-15Power train20V668000 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...
Remedy: 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.
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2023-06-02Child seat23V339000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2020 GMC Terrain — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 71 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 58 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 28 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V668000 · Power train
- Recall 23V339000 · Child seat
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2020 GMC Terrain reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 GMC Terrain is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 GMC Terrain?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2020 GMC Terrain have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.