2020 GMC Terrain recalls and problems

The 2020 GMC Terrain has 2 safety recalls and 198 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
198
Crashes / fires
7 / 2
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2020 GMC Terrain vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2020 GMC Terrain recalls

Recall 23V-339: Child Seat

Reported May 11, 2023 · 668,187 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

Problem: 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.

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.

2020 GMC Terrain problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes65
Engine58
Unknown or Other34
Power Train28
Electrical System27
Fuel/Propulsion System25
Vehicle Speed Control11
Forward Collision Avoidance8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic8
Back Over Prevention7
Fuel System, Gasoline7
Structure5

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 5
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 4
  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
  • Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 2
  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 2
  • Electrical System › Adas › Hill Descent Assist › Sensor — 1
  • Lane Departure › Assist — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 48,552 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 2020 GMC Terrain complaints

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

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 90,000 miles · reported Oct 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The transmission then sputtered. The vehicle was uncontrollable, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle accelerated and drove through an intersection and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with vacuum pump failure. The contact was informed that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The contact was advised to…
Service Brakes · reported Sep 29, 2026
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.
Service Brakes · reported Sep 23, 2026
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…
Engine · reported Sep 8, 2026
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/Propulsion System · reported Sep 2, 2026
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.

Other GMC Terrain years

Compare all GMC Terrain years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 GMC Terrain have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2020 GMC Terrain: 23V-339 (child seat), 20V-668 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 GMC Terrain?

Owners report service brakes problems most often (65 reports), followed by engine (58). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 48,552 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.