VehicleVerdict

2020 GMC Terrain problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2020 GMC Terrain sits mid-pack among Terrain years: 282 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 282, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (64), engine (56), and other (32), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

282

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Terrain years?

Terrain NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted557 complaints2010: 426 complaints2011: 557 complaints2012: 500 complaints2013: 484 complaints2014: 385 complaints2015: 382 complaints2016: 180 complaints2017: 181 complaints2018: 317 complaints2019: 287 complaints2020: 282 complaints2021: 50 complaints2022: 65 complaints2023: 63 complaints2024: 70 complaints2025: 26 complaints2026: 29 complaints
Terrain NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Terrain years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 GMC Terrain problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes6423%
Engine5620%
Other3211%
Electrical System2910%
Fuel System2710%
Transmission259%
Driver Assistance176%
Speed Control114%
Body & Structure52%
Visibility & Wipers41%
Airbags31%
Steering31%
Suspension21%
Tires & Wheels21%
Seat Belts10%
Lighting10%

Does the 2020 GMC Terrain have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V339000Child SeatMay 11, 2023 · 668,187 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

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. 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.

20V668000TransmissionOctober 29, 2020 · 194,105 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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. 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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. REAR DAMAGE TO TERRAIN OCCURRED REQUIRING TOWING.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 18, 2020 · crash

“While on highway service brake system warning light came on,brake became hard to apply almost causing an accident. Vehicle had to be towed to a repair shop(dealer).after paying over $1600 the problem was not resolved and found there are numerous complaints about issues with the terrain and no…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 6, 2023

“During a vehicle accident, my 2.5 year old daughter's car seat detached from the base and landed in the back part of my part. We were t-boned on the passenger side back seat. We spun and the car seat detached and she was flung around the car. She had severe whiplash, a contusion and possible fabric…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 16, 2025 · crash

“On fairly level ground, reduce speed hill descent control msg has activated (12 mile and maxwell area 2x, Rochester Hills Kohls parking lot exit) and once entering river bend dr. vehicle has also has had activated brakes on oak hill street in rochester. the vehicle has less than 4100 miles. very…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 11, 2021

“The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 22, 2023

2020 GMC Terrain — common questions

Is the 2020 GMC Terrain reliable?

It is close to typical for the Terrain: 282 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2020 Terrain problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (64 complaints), engine (56 complaints), other (32 complaints).

Does the 2020 GMC Terrain have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 GMC Terrain. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which GMC Terrain years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Terrain years to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2013, 2010. The cleanest record among Terrain years belongs to 2025.

How safe is the 2020 GMC Terrain?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 GMC Terrain earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.