Second generation
2020 GMC Terrain
The most reported problem on the 2020 GMC Terrain is brake wear, with 72 complaints, usually around 86,000 miles.
- 197owner complaints
- 2recalls
- 7involved a crash
- 58,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 29, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Terrain doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2020 model year.
Is the 2020 GMC Terrain reliable?
The 2020 GMC Terrain has 197 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, close to the median of 233 for 2020 SUVs on this site. Of the 13 Terrain model years since 2014, it has the 4th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2019 and 2021
- At 28 complaints for each year on the road, the 2020 runs above the 2019 (23) and 4.7 times the 2021 (6).
- Top problem
- One problem takes up much of the file: brake wear, named in 72 of the 197 complaints (37%). A quarter of the 25 owners who gave a mileage for brake wear saw it by about 53,000 miles, and half by about 86,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 11 of the 197 complaints (6%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 7 reports mention a crash, 2 mention a fire and 5 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 5 of 7, fall under brake wear.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- No recall on file is on the same system as brake wear, stalling and infotainment. For those, the complaints are all there is.
- When owners filed
- Filings jumped in 2025, with 63 complaints, 2.2 times the next busiest year. So far in 2026, 42 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: brakes grind, pulse or wear early, 72 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
197 complaints is about the median for a 2020 model on this site and 1.2 times fewer than the median 2020 SUV. Among the 8 Terrain model years here it ranks 4th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2020 GMC Terrain
GMC filed 845 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2020 GMC Terrain. 57 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 4 bulletins · 72 complaints
This preliminary information discusses potential for a code C0010.5A to store in the brake controller which appears to be setting falsely or is induced by the customer.
This preliminary information discusses the possibility of brake module damage caused by performing the rear brake service incorrectly.
2 more on this problem
This service bulletin provides information for tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system concerns.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Service Calibration for Service ESC and/or Service Park Brake Messages.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 10 bulletins · 31 complaints
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of No Crank, No Start, Quick Start/Stall, No FOB Detected, Key FOBs Inoperative, B3924 00, B3925 00, B3926 00, B3927 00, B3928 00 Set.
This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
8 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of No Crank, No Start, Quick Start/Stall, No FOB Detected, Key FOBs Inoperative, B3924 00, B3925 00, B3926 00, B3927 00, B3928 00 Set.
This Preliminary information communicates that a rotational clicking noise heard after engine shut down is a design characteristic and no repairs should be attempted.
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of No Crank, No Start, Quick Start/Stall, Key Fobs Inoperative with DTCs B2924 00, B3925 00, B3926 00, B3927 00, or P0513 set.
This engineering information (EI) is requesting information from technicians to perform the check list provided and contact the engineer listed in regards to the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated and the vehicle is stalling and/or no start.
This engineering informational bulletin is requesting information from technicians to perform the check list provided and contact the engineer listed in regards to the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated and the vehicle is stalling and/or no start.
This Preliminary information communicates A vehicle may have a concern of running poor and stalling. No trouble codes may be set referencing this condition. Fuel trims around -20% may be observed on both banks.
This technical bulletin is providing a procedure to reprogram the ECM to correct a condition of Runs Rough Cold or Stall Condition Upon Cold Start and/or DTC U18A2 Set (Mexico Only) due to software concerns.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 12 bulletins · 25 complaints
This service bulletin provides radio software version 135120 (IOR) update procedures to correct customer concerns of software related issues.
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Radio System Settings Lost or Returning to Default Values.
10 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communicates to the technician that some customers may comment on the operation of their haptic seat during a Lane Keep Assist event. Lane Keep Assist works differently than Lane Departure Warning.
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of software issues with Radio Software Version V808.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of the Service Engine Soon Lamp Illuminated and/or Service Brake Assist Message Displayed, with DTC P0557 Stored.
This Preliminary information communicates a concern where the radio will reboot when adjusting the volume intermittently and that engineering is investigating.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Navigation System Arrival Time Are incorrect for Certain Locations.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of software issues with Radio Software Version V808.
This Preliminary information communicates a concern on certain 2020 model year vehicles where the navigation estimated time of arrival is incorrect.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a missing Forward Collision System Selection in the radio menu.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Blue Screen and Service Rear Vision System Message on Radio Display.
N192285670 SUB - Certain 2020 model year Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles may have an electronic brake control module (EBCM) that could set diagnostic trouble codes U0125 or U0151.
Check engine light or misfire 20 bulletins · 20 complaints
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Vehicle Will Not Lock and Unlock (Loss of Active Functions) Crank or Start (Loss of Passive Functions) with DTC P0513 Set.
This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce ...
18 more on this problem
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the charge air cooler due to moisture getting inside of it and causing a malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with DTC P0300 and/or P0299/P2227.
This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to ...
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Vehicle Will Not Lock and Unlock (Loss of Active Functions) Crank or Start (Loss of Passive Functions) with DTC P0513 Set.
This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
This Preliminary information communicates the possibility of dtc p0299 p0234 setting due to oil/moisture cndensate freezing in Turbocharger Wastegate Regulator Solenoid Valve (TCV) during cold weather driving
This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of Reduced Engine Power, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated - DTCs P0101, P0172, P0299, P0506, and/or P1101 Set.
This Preliminary information communicates the possiblilty of the charge air cooler tube becoming disconnected from the throttle body and causing reduced power with dtc P0172 P0299 P0101 P0506 P1101
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to install a CAC and a Grille Cover to correct the customers concern of a Malfunction Indicator Lamp Illuminated or Flashing - DTC P0300 Set When Driving In High Humidity Or In Heavy Rain.
This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of a MIL Illuminated with DTC P0172, P06DE and/or P0521 Set.
Plus 8 older ones not listed here.
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 1 bulletin · 14 complaints
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to add flocking to tape the radiator mount sleeves to reduce the knocking noise caused by the excessive movement.
A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 4 bulletins · 8 complaints
PI to help diagnose A/C concern
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air.
2 more on this problem
This technical bulletin provides a procedure for air conditioning refrigerant desiccant replacement due to A/C Not Cooling or refrigerant loss.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Air Conditioning Odor During Restart After Auto-Stop.
Backup camera goes black or freezes 3 bulletins · 8 complaints
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Rear View Camera Issues - DTCs B395A, B395B, B395C, B101E, B101D.
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Rear View Camera Coaxial Related Issues - DTCs B395A, B395B, B395C, B101E, B101D.
1 more on this problem
This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Intermittent or Inoperable Rearview Camera, May Display Blue or Black Screen With Error Message.
Infotainment screen freezes or goes black 3 bulletins · 6 complaints
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Blue or Black Screen and Service Rear Vision System Message on Radio Display Shifting into Reverse.
This engineering informational bulletin is requesting information from technicians to perform the check list provided and contact the engineer listed in regards to having a intermittent and/or inoperable rear camera and blue or black screen may be present ...
1 more on this problem
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Blue or Black Screen and Service Rear Vision System Message on Radio Display Shifting into Reverse.
Complaints filed by year
63 complaints came in 2025, 2.5 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2020 GMC Terrain
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
All 2 recalls on the 2020 GMC Terrain, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2020 GMC Terrain?
Brake wear, with 72 of the 197 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 86,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2020 GMC Terrain problems start?
Of the 76 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 30,000 miles and half by about 58,000.
Is the 2020 GMC Terrain better or worse than the 2019 and 2021?
Counted per year on the road, the 2020 has more complaints than both the 2019 and the 2021: 28 a year against 23 and 6.
How many 2020 GMC Terrain complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
11 of them (6%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for brake wear on the 2020 GMC Terrain?
No recall on file for the 2020 GMC Terrain is on the same system as brake wear. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.