2019 GMC Terrain recalls and problems

The 2019 GMC Terrain has 3 safety recalls and 188 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

188

Crashes / fires

7 / 3

Injuries / deaths

12 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2019 GMC Terrain vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2019 GMC Terrain recalls

Recall 20V-668: Power Train

Reported Oct 29, 2020 · 194,105 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

Recall 19V-184: Seats

Reported Mar 7, 2019 · 120 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

Recall 18V-576: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Aug 30, 2018 · 210,628 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

2019 GMC Terrain problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	70
Service Brakes	65
Power Train	53
Electrical System	39
Unknown or Other	21
Vehicle Speed Control	9
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	8
Forward Collision Avoidance	7
Back Over Prevention	7
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	6
Exterior Lighting	5
Steering	4

Most reported parts

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 5
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum — 2
Structure › Body — 2
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper — 1
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 20,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2019 GMC Terrain complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Tires · reported Nov 11, 2026

234/50r19 - tread is coming off/separating.....on both back tires took it to a mechanic thinking is was something like a cv joint or bearings due to the noise it was making and it was the tires. Replaced the tires and noise is gone

Engine · reported Oct 13, 2026

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…

Service Brakes · reported Sep 24, 2026

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.

Power Train · at 60,000 miles · reported Sep 23, 2026

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.

Service Brakes · reported Sep 17, 2026

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…

Other GMC Terrain years

2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 202020192018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010

Compare all GMC Terrain years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2019 GMC Terrain have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 GMC Terrain: 20V-668 (power train), 19V-184 (seats), 18V-576 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2019 GMC Terrain?

Owners report engine problems most often (70 reports), followed by service brakes (65). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 20,000 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.