2019 Gmc Terrain Problems
Shopping for a used 2019 Gmc Terrain? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 171 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Brake System the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2019 Gmc Terrain has 171 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Brake System.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2019 Gmc Terrain Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2019 Gmc Terrain trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2019 Gmc Terrain Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2019 GMC Terrain SUV FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
18.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
18.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2019 Gmc Terrain has 171 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Gmc
- Model
- Terrain
- Model year
- 2019
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 171
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 28
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 26 / 30
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2019 Gmc Terrain problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2019 Gmc Terrain?
The 2019 Gmc Terrain shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2019 Gmc Terrain
Inspection Focus
- Inspect brake system for unusual noises or pedal feel.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect brake system for unusual noises or pedal feel.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2019 Gmc Terrain, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2019 GMC Terrain has 171 NHTSA complaints, with the most reported issues in the brake system, engine, and transmission. There are 3 recalls and 7 crash-related complaints. The data suggests potential concerns with braking and powertrain components.
- Brake system complaints are the most numerous at 64.
- Engine problems account for 60 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues total 48 complaints.
- Brake system performance or failure
- Engine stalling or loss of power
- Transmission slipping or hesitation
Full breakdown
All 2019 Gmc Terrain complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Gmc Terrain. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 64 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 60 | — | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 48 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 37 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 19 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Gmc Terrain. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
My cars breaks failed by a vacuum pump failer and I almost died on the a hill going home
ENGINE BREAKDOWN 1.5TURBO IN 11/28/25 WITH 16820 MILES ON IT. IT IS NOT AVAILABLE I HEARD A BANG AND SMOKE OUT OF BACK LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGH WAY DAMAGE WAS CONFIRMED BUY A DEALER GOODWIN CHEVROLET IN BRUNSWICK ME YES BUY GM DEALER. NO THERE WERE NO WARNING LAMPS OR…
This is the 4th time my vacuum pump has “broke” my brakes become hard and stiff and my brake assist light comes on. It happens EVERY winter when it drops below freezing. This is the second time this winter it has broke and now my check engine light is on. It is not cheap to fix a…
Brake assist light came on and brake pedal became stiff/hard to push. Vehicle struggled to brake. Replaced brake pads and checked brake fluid. Brakes still inoperable. Check engine light came on for vacuum pump. When replacing pump, metal shards and pieces were falling out when o…
My Transmission went out of my truck. I was told this has happened to others of the same make and model, so this is a known issue with this transmission. I was driving down the road and the car completely stopped in moving traffic. I was almost hit by other vehicles and then had …
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly shifted into neutral(N). There was transmission fluid on the ground, and the vehicle became disabled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was dia…
Vacuum pump exploded into camshaft and engine area, causing me to lose brakes completely on the highway. Costly repairs to clear out metal shrapnel and replace camshaft.
The backup camera in our 2019 GMC Terrain stopped working one day - has blue screen and says Service Rear Vision System - so we’ve been driving a year with no backup camera. The dealership wants almost $1000 to fix this issue. And this issue seems to be very common in 2018-2020 T…
I am driving a 2019 GMC Terrain SLT, and I have a serious concern regarding a recent service experience. On 02/10/2026, I had an oil change and a complete vehicle inspection performed at Kunes GMC Greenfield, Wisconsin. After the service was completed and I returned home, I noti…
My family and I were returning home from vacation in another state, and while we were driving on the interstate, an alarm popped up on the DTC stating ruduced engine power. I tried to start slowing down so I could take the next off ramp and could not push the brake pedal in. I ha…
Vehicle was started for the second time that day on 1/5/26 and the engine light was on. I drove the vehicle to an auto parts store to have them check it with an OBD-II scanner. It had code P050F. I had no idea how serious this issue could be at the time. I made an appt with the G…
Drove car approximately 15 miles. Parked car. Car would not turn off. Message- Transmission/Park. Wouldn't Car stayed neutral. Had to call wecker to take dealership. ... Diagnostic Solenoid Valve Body faulty.... 2019 Terrain Miles 91669. Is there recall. Have more reports of iss…
Failure of the cam driven vacuum pump causing brake failure. Leading to a hard brake pedal which increases risk of a crash. Debris from the broken vacuum pump can fall down into the engine causing a catastrophic failure of the engine needing a replacement. This happens with littl…
I bought this Terrain brand new from Betten Baker Chevrolet in Muskegon Mi in 2019 with 500 miles. That same year we had transmission Slippage causing it to slip out of gear then slam back into gear while driving. I took it to the dealer to have it looked at. They did nothing and…
Vehicle has had check engine light and engine reduced power flicking on and off for months, randomly reducing power on highway or nearly causing accidents. Brought car to GMC dealer, they said it was underboost code and needed new turbo. Paid over 7,000$ for repair. Next morning,…
When approaching a stop sign, the brake pedal became extremely hard I was unable to stop, and rolled through the intersection avoiding collision. I was able to slow down enough to engage the emergency brake. There are no lights on the dash.
I was driving home from vacation the vehicle went into limp mode and started to run very poorly with a brake pedal that was almost impossible to push. I limped the vehicle a couple of miles to the next exit. I had the car trailered home and taken to a service center the following…
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the warning light turned off after approximately three miles of driving. The contact…
Driving approximately 70mph on interstate. Came to a slight hill, gently applied brake pressure, brakes become hard to apply/would not apply. After diagnostics, found Brake Vacuum Pump with damaged fins.
We have been having varying issues with this GMC, and have found numerous others with the same issue. Vacuum pump went out while driving. Thankfully I was not going very fast and it stopped prior to hitting someone. This is a known issue, yet no recall from GMC. Vacuum pump is…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2019 Gmc Terrain.
Safety recalls
2019 Gmc Terrain recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2019 Gmc Terrain. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SEATS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2019 Gmc Terrain buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2019 Gmc Terrain reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 171 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2019 Gmc Terrain shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Gmc Terrain?▾
#1: Brake System (64 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (60 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (48 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2019 Gmc Terrain?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2019 Gmc Terrain?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2019 Gmc Terrain, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 171 total complaints. 12 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2019 Gmc Terrain have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2019 Gmc Terrain. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2019 Gmc Terrain?▾
The 2019 Gmc Terrain shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Brake System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Gmc Terrain reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2019 Gmc Terrain based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.