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Electrical systemPart report

2020 GMC Terrain Electrical system Problems

Complaints
27about this part
Share
14%of 197 total for the year
Median mileage
5,600miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the electrical system of the 2020 GMC Terrain, 14% of the 197 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,600 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Twice within the last two months my entire radio shut off, my screen went black and so did my gauges for at least 20 seconds. Then they just came back on and picked up where it left off.”

NHTSA complaint #11374234, filed 2020-11, 5,600 miles

“While starting vehicle the infotainment screen went black and nothing would work. Stayed this way while driving. Stopped turned off car and still didnt work. Was told it was the data communications module.”

NHTSA complaint #11414329, filed 2021-04, 4,200 miles

“Vehicle has not recently been inspected, backup camera has recently gone out leaving only a blue screen with service rear vision system to my knowledge nothing has happened to the unit that would cause this. Regular day to day driving, there was nothing that would have given me any notice that this would be happening.”

NHTSA complaint #11631285, filed 2024-12

“Driving down the road at 40mph when the car shifts to park, the brake and steering wheel lock up and the car won’t accelerate. I had to pull over because I almost crashed due to the abrupt shift. Once pulled over I tried to restart the car but once off and back on it wouldn’t allow me to shift or drive it. The steering wheel and brake remained locked. It has happened several times over the past week.”

NHTSA complaint #11548437, filed 2023-10

“Dash had gone black intermittently, did not know what speed I was going. OnStar called oor phone multiple to notify us that our airbags we're offline for ten days no warning light on dash until one to two days later . Took to service was informed that gear shift control, engine control module, passenger presence module and airbag sensor needed replaced. All within a month of purchase of said USED vehicle. Vixed under warranty. …”

NHTSA complaint #11460096, filed 2022-04

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026515%
2025431%
2024713%
2023717%
2022712%
2021719%
20202714%
20193921%
20183515%
201797%
201696%
20153110%
20143110%
2013226%
2012329%
2011298%
20104817%

Other parts of the 2020 GMC Terrain

Brakes
72 complaints
Engine
58 complaints
Other or unknown
36 complaints
Fuel system
31 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
28 complaints
Vehicle speed control
11 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
8 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
6 complaints
Body and structure
5 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
Air bags
3 complaints
Engine 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 27, 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