2020 GMC Terrain recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2020 GMC Terrain and 198 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are service brakes (73), engine (58), unknown or other (34). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 23–27 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2020 ranks #10 of 15 Terrain model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with more complaints than the average year (168). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2020 GMC Terrain. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Child seat · vehicle latch anchor
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.
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.
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
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 an…
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.
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…
Safety ratings
2020 GMC Terrain SUV AWD
2020 GMC Terrain SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2020 GMC Terrain.
Terrain AWD
Auto 9-spd · 4 cyl · 1.5 L · Turbo
Regular
Terrain AWD
Auto 9-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Premium
Terrain FWD
Auto 9-spd · 4 cyl · 1.5 L · Turbo
Regular
Terrain FWD
Auto 9-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Premium
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2020 GMC Terrain have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2020 GMC Terrain, most recently for child seat · vehicle latch anchor (05/11/2023). 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 2020 GMC Terrain?
Based on 198 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are service brakes (73), engine (58), unknown or other (34).
Is the 2020 GMC Terrain safe?
The 2020 GMC Terrain earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2020 a good year for the GMC Terrain?
The 2020 ranks #10 of 15 Terrain model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with more complaints than the average year (168). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2020 GMC Terrain get?
EPA ratings for the 2020 GMC Terrain range from 23 to 27 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2020 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.