2020 GMC Terrain Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 16%of 198 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,175miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the fuel system of the 2020 GMC Terrain, 16% of the 198 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,175 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle was on 1/8 of a tank,I tried to fill, it would only take on 5 gallons of fuel, gas gauge read full. Reported to dealer, there is a 'bulletin' on the vehicle, fuel tank was replaced. After successfully filling tank 3 times, it happened again, returned vehicle to dealer, they could not replicate, brought vehicle home, dealer was able to fill tank with approx 13 gallons, I ran it to 1/8 of a tank tried to fill and it continues to only fill with 2-6 gallons, and record on the gauge a full tank. Very difficult to tell how much fuel is on board. Meeting with Gmc district rep 11/19/2020. …”
NHTSA complaint #11375306, filed 2020-11, 5,000 miles“2020 GMC Terrain Engine stopped working. Put in new engine. After one week new engine blown. We were 2000 miles away on vacation. I need a free rental I was with no car for a month and after only one week again for 3 weeks. Compensation request: Lost wages Hospital visit Extra hotel nights Gas Food car and insurance payment”
NHTSA complaint #11541806, filed 2023-08“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 and tried again. It did same thing. I tried a 3rd time pushing the gas pedal and it finally started. I made it home 2 miles away. Turned the car off and tried starting it again with same issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11732955, filed 2026-04“The engine cutoff while driving through a major intersection in 3/2022 with no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Dealership replaced the fuel pump module. Subsequently, the engine cutoff while driving in 5/2023. Dealership replaced the fuel pump module. Each of these occurrences placed my life, my passengers life and the lives of others on the road in danger as an accident could have resulted if I was not able to coast out of harms way. …”
NHTSA complaint #11523286, filed 2023-05“I have been having intermittent problems for well over 1 year with my vehicle not accelerating. I try to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle does not respond. I have the accelerator pedal pressed to the floor nothing happens for 10-15 seconds, then vehicle will lurch forward and start responding. This has happened several times as I am pulling into traffic. Major safety concern that could cause severe injury or fatality. I also have other issues with vehicle not shifting gears, engine feels as though it is skipping while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #11684492, filed 2025-09Related 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.
- 11007095Aug 7, 2024This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles…
- 11004727Jun 29, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This 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…
- 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…
- 10250505Feb 7, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 10 | 19% |
| 2023 | 22 | 54% |
| 2022 | 37 | 62% |
| 2021 | 4 | 11% |
| 2020 | 31 | 16% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 17 | 8% |
| 2017 | 4 | 3% |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 | 18 | 6% |
| 2014 | 15 | 5% |
| 2013 | 23 | 6% |
| 2012 | 29 | 8% |
| 2011 | 48 | 12% |
| 2010 | 16 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2020 GMC Terrain
73 complaintsEngine
58 complaintsOther or unknown
36 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