2020 GMC Terrain recalls

2 safety recalls, 198 owner complaints and a 5-star NHTSA crash rating. Official NHTSA data.

2Recalls
198Complaints
9Crashes & fires reported
5/5NHTSA overall rating

Not every 2020 GMC Terrain is affected by every recall. Check your VIN to see open recalls on your exact vehicle.

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2020 GMC Terrain recall list

Child Seat recall

23V-339
May 11, 2023 · 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."
Safety 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.
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.

Power Train recall

20V-668
October 29, 2020 · 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.
Safety 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.
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.

2020 GMC Terrain owner complaints

198 complaints filed with NHTSA, including 7 crashes, 2 fires, 5 injuries and 0 deaths.

Problems by component

Service Brakes65
Engine58
Unknown or Other34
Power Train28
Electrical System27
Fuel/Propulsion System25
Vehicle Speed Control11
Service Brakes, Hydraulic8
Forward Collision Avoidance8
Back Over Prevention6

Recent complaints

October 27, 2026Service Brakes, Hydraulic

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 contact the dealer. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to co

September 29, 2026Service Brakes

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.

September 23, 2026Power TrainService BrakesEngine

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 inspected and diagnosed by a GMC dealership. A diagnostic scan performed after the incident showed c

September 8, 2026Power TrainEngine

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.

September 2, 2026Fuel/Propulsion System

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.

2020 GMC Terrain crash test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2020 GMC Terrain SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2020 GMC Terrain SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Driver aids on the tested 2020 GMC Terrain: electronic stability control standard, forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard. Rollover risk: 16.4%.

2020 GMC Terrain recall FAQ

Does the 2020 GMC Terrain have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2020 GMC Terrain. The most recent, filed May 11, 2023, concerns the child seat.

What are the most common 2020 GMC Terrain problems?

Owners have filed 198 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported area is service brakes (65 reports), followed by engine.

Is the 2020 GMC Terrain safe?

The 2020 GMC Terrain earned up to a 5-star overall safety rating in NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program crash tests.

How do I get a recall fixed on my 2020 GMC Terrain?

Contact any authorized GMC dealer. Recall repairs are free, even if you are not the original owner or the warranty has expired.