2019 GMC Terrain recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 GMC Terrain and 187 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are service brakes (72), engine (70), power train (53). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 24–32 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2019 ranks #9 of 15 Terrain model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with more complaints than the average year (168). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2019 GMC Terrain. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Power train · automatic transmission
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.
Seats
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic · foundation components · disc · caliper
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Transmission leak caused but start and stop accumulator
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 w…
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…
Safety ratings
2019 GMC Terrain SUV FWD
2019 GMC Terrain SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2019 GMC Terrain.
Terrain AWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Diesel · Turbo
Diesel
Terrain AWD
Auto 9-spd · 4 cyl · 1.5 L · Turbo
Regular
Terrain FWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Diesel · Turbo
Diesel
Terrain FWD
Auto 9-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Premium
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2019 GMC Terrain have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 GMC Terrain, most recently for power train · automatic transmission (10/29/2020). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 GMC Terrain?
Based on 187 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are service brakes (72), engine (70), power train (53).
Is the 2019 GMC Terrain safe?
The 2019 GMC Terrain earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2019 a good year for the GMC Terrain?
The 2019 ranks #9 of 15 Terrain model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with more complaints than the average year (168). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2019 GMC Terrain get?
EPA ratings for the 2019 GMC Terrain range from 24 to 32 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2019 GMC Terrain in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: TERRAIN, Terrain.