2020 GMC Terrain Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 73about this part
- Share
- 37%of 198 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 73 complaints about the brakes of the 2020 GMC Terrain, 37% of the 198 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When reversing out of a parking spot, brakes failed causing accident. Multiple attempts to depress brake pedal with no braking. Hit a parked car. After shutting car off and attempting to move vehicle brakes did engage and respond correctly. Rear damage to Terrain occurred requiring towing.”
NHTSA complaint #11359950, filed 2020-09, 457 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11767839, filed 2026-09“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 caused the cam shafts to fail.The vacuum pump exploded into pieces and sent metal into my engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11722686, filed 2026-03“As I was driving, brakes became very hard to press. I was barely able to slow down to bring the car to a complete stop. Brakes became very stiff and required a ton of force to come to a complete stop. This came with no warning signs or alerts from vehicle. It was only after this occurred that the Service Break Assist light came on.”
NHTSA complaint #11601236, filed 2024-07“I was traveling down the interstate at 70mph. Traffic began slowing ahead of me. I hit the brakes and the pedal was rock hard and I could not stop my vehicle safely. Service brake assist light flashed momentarily. Ended up being the vacuum pump. I was told by the dealership I had it towed to that the vacuum pump had broken off and failed. This was an absolutely horrifying situation that could have caused severe injury or death.”
NHTSA complaint #11751242, filed 2026-07Related service bulletins
- 11017173Mar 21, 2025This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011779Dec 6, 2024This 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.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11004762Jun 29, 2024This service bulletin provides diagnostic/repair information to correct customer concerns of a Crank No Start or Extended Crank, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated or…
- 11000550May 3, 2024This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.
- 10253061Mar 4, 2024This Preliminary information communicates that when removing the fuel line jumper hose care should be taken to be sure the line is reinstalled correctly to avoid a no/low fuel…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 12% |
| 2025 | 3 | 23% |
| 2024 | 3 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 8 | 22% |
| 2020 | 73 | 37% |
| 2019 | 72 | 39% |
| 2018 | 83 | 37% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 4% |
| 2015 | 9 | 3% |
| 2014 | 9 | 3% |
| 2013 | 7 | 2% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 2% |
| 2010 | 8 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2020 GMC Terrain
58 complaintsOther or unknown
36 complaintsFuel system
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsElectrical system
27 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsForward collision avoidance
8 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 GMC Terrain
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology