This page covers 3 recalls, 171 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 GMC Terrain.
23–27 mpg combined
8.7–10.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2020 GMC Terrain centers on brakes and the engine. Brake complaints are the most common, with many owners reporting vacuum pump failures that damage the brake booster, several describe metal debris spreading into engine components as a result, typically at under 100,000 miles. Engine complaints follow closely, with owners frequently describing hard-start or no-start events where the engine cranks repeatedly without catching, often requiring multiple attempts before the vehicle starts. Some owners also report the engine shutting off unexpectedly while driving or just after stopping, with the vehicle occasionally refusing to restart for several minutes. On the powertrain side, owners describe hesitation and erratic acceleration, including situations where the vehicle fails to move after shifting into drive, then surges forward without warning.
171
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 GMC Terrain has 3 recalls, the most serious involving the automatic transmission's start-stop accumulator, where missing bolts can cause transmission fluid to leak and ultimately lead to a complete loss of drive power.
A transmission that loses propulsion unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving raises the risk of a crash, particularly at highway speeds or in heavy traffic. The remaining two recalls both address the same underlying problem with the rear-seat child seat LATCH anchors: an overly thick coating on the lower anchor bars can prevent a child seat from clicking in and locking properly. A seat that appears installed but is not fully secured to the anchor bars may shift or come loose in a crash, raising the risk of injury to a child passenger.
At a glance
What can fail
The coating on the lower anchorage bars for child seats in the rear seat may be too thick, preventing proper attachment of a child or booster seat using the anchorage system.
What the fix does
The dealer will inspect the lower anchorage bars and remove or replace the coating on them if needed.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The four rear LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating that prevents child seats from being properly installed using the anchorage bars.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the anchorage bars and remove or replace the finish coating as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The endcap on the start-stop transmission accumulator may be missing bolts, which could affect transmission operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the accumulator endcap and replace it if bolts are missing, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
