2020 Gmc Terrain Problems
Shopping for a used 2020 Gmc Terrain? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 169 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Brake System the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2020 Gmc Terrain has 169 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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2020 Gmc Terrain Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2020 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. 4 trims analysed.
2020 Gmc Terrain Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2020 GMC Terrain SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.4% 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 2020 Gmc Terrain has 169 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Gmc
- Model
- Terrain
- Model year
- 2020
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 169
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 26
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 25 / 28
- 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 2020 Gmc Terrain problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues. 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 2020 Gmc Terrain?
The 2020 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 2020 Gmc Terrain
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and brake repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and electrical systems.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and brake repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and electrical systems.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2020 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 2020 GMC Terrain has 169 NHTSA complaints, with the most frequent issues reported in the brake system and engine. There are 2 recalls and 7 crash-related complaints. The data suggests potential concerns with braking and engine performance, but the low confidence level means these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Brake system complaints are the most numerous, with 58 reports.
- Engine problems account for 51 complaints, the second-highest category.
- Uncategorized issues (29 complaints) and electrical faults (25 complaints) are also notable.
- Brake system issues are the most commonly reported problem.
- Engine problems are a frequent complaint area.
- Transmission or drivetrain issues appear in 25 complaints.
Full breakdown
All 2020 Gmc Terrain complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Gmc Terrain. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 58 | 5 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 51 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 29 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 25 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 25 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Carry Handle | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Shell | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Base | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 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 2020 Gmc Terrain. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Filled up with gas and went to leave gas station and was still rolling to come to a stop and car shut off and would not crank back up o couldn't put in neutral to even move out of the way. After about 10 mins I was able to crank it back up. No lights came or was on and battery wa…
After vehicle acting like it isnt getting power and trying to die, I pulled into a gas station and turned it off. When I went to restart it, the vehicle kept turning over and over automatically not wanting to start and the engine light came on. I let it sit for about 5 minutes …
Random problems accelerating. Like I can be pulling out of my parking spot in revese then switch it to drive an try to move and it won’t move at all or very slowly then out of nowhere it accelerates fast
The article below appears online, 4/13/2026. I have the exact same problem with my 2020 GMC Terrain Denali and I would like other GM vehicles added to their Chevy recall. They use the same parts within GM's product lines. As background info, I went to the dealer, Matick Buick …
1- at 71,000 miles in 2022 brake vacuum pump “exploded” broke into many small pieces in the middle of driving. Causing brakes to lock. Brake pedal was brick hard. Hard to maneuver the car out of traffic without causing a collision. Luckily car was not being driven at high speed. …
Catastrophic engine failure; no warning lights,etc. took place on or about end of January 2026. Car completely died and would not start. Car towed to dealer (GMC Blaise Alexander, Hazleton, PA) Vehicle inspected by dealer master mechanic and others. Engine completely disassembl…
The airbag system on my 2020 GMC Terrain has an intermittent malfunction. The airbag warning light turns on and off and the diagnostic code B0014 has been identified by a dealership. When the warning light is on, the airbag system may not deploy properly in a crash, creating a sa…
I was driving 55 miles an hour on an Expressway. And suddenly my truck just shut off.The brake became very hard unable to break very scary situation for me and my children. Engine power was reduced and would not start, many errors came up. The vacuum pump failed, which also cause…
While driving I received a "service brake assist system" alert and a check engine light. After this happened the brakes were extremely hard to press. I had to put my entire weight on the breaks to stop the car. The brake "assist" feature really is making the brakes functional. We…
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving in cold weather at various speeds; moisture accumulated and deactivated the charger, causing the vehicle to go into LIMP Mode and lose drive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the ve…
I own a 2020 GMC Terrain with approximately 110,000 miles. While driving in winter, the vehicle suddenly lost cabin heat and defrosting capability. The temperature gauge began fluctuating and the cooling fans continued running after the vehicle was shut off. A mechanic diagnosed…
I noticed a sticker in driver door stating recall however no evidence. The vehicle will not pull hills, back up on a hill and will not accelerate over 25 miles per minute. Dangerous to drive on roads. Took vehicle to a GMC dealer for diagnostic test, received the report for what …
While driving down the interstate a notice popped up on my dash about the brake assist. When I attempted to slow down the vehicle to safely pull over the brake pedal was very hard to push. I was able to slow the vehicle to a complete stop but needing to use both feed and press …
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. While the contact’s wife was driving approximately 40 MPH and attempting to depress the brake pedal to pull into the parking lot of Walmart, the braking distance was extended while bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. The driver used exces…
Towards the tail end of a nearly 2.5 hour drive, the Automatic Theft Deterrent System was activated on the interstate. I lost every display on the dash panel including my speedometer, battery, coolant, gas, turn signals, and windshield wipers. I went into the nearest parking lot…
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill or making a left or right turn, the tires were skipping, and there was a clicking and whining sound coming from the front of the vehicle. Th…
This message concerns a persistent engine light that activates and generates engine code P0299, indicating an engine underboost issue. There have been several occasions where I am driving over 55mph on the highway and my 2020 Terrain SLT fails to pick up speed over 60mph in traff…
The intercooler has been a document problem on GMC Terrains for awhile now. I had my intercooler replaced and now less than 10 months it is having the same problem. The vehicle will go into reduced power mode which would be a safety hazard because it will also stall sometimes whe…
Since August 2024, my brake booster has gone a total of five times each time with the notification on the dash service brake assist. And it just went again as of two days ago. I’ve brought it to Firestone where they have replaced it each time with a warranty on the part. I called…
Re: 2020 GMC Terrain. Our fuel pump control module (FPCM) unexpectedly failed after driving a short distance. Vehicle stalled without warning on the street and was unable to be started again. This could have resulted in a crash and/or injury to other people in the area. An in…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2020 Gmc Terrain.
Safety recalls
2020 Gmc Terrain recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Gmc Terrain. 2 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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2020 Gmc Terrain buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2020 Gmc Terrain reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 169 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2020 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 2020 Gmc Terrain?▾
#1: Brake System (58 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (51 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (29 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Gmc Terrain?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2020 Gmc Terrain?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2020 Gmc Terrain, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 169 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2020 Gmc Terrain have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2020 Gmc Terrain. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. 2 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 2020 Gmc Terrain?▾
The 2020 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 2020 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.