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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 290 |
| 2011 | 386 |
| 2012 | 364 |
| 2013 | 364 |
| 2014 | 296 |
| 2015 | 297 |
| 2016 | 152 |
| 2017 | 133 |
| 2018 | 218 |
| 2019 | 182 |
| 2020 | 194 |
| 2021 | 35 |
| 2022 | 59 |
| 2023 | 38 |
| 2024 | 49 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 28 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
36% of complaints: service brakes — 69 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20230915
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, 20200919
Also filed under WHEELS
29% of complaints: engine — 57 distinct reports on file.
INJURY14% of complaints: power train — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
14% of complaints: electrical system — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sensor.
FIREShow 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, 20260718
Also filed under SEATS and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
13% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 25 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 20V668000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 23V339000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 GMC Terrain — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (69 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (57 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V668000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V339000 (child seat) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.