2020 GMC Terrain Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 14%of 198 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 GMC Terrain, 14% of the 198 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Only a month after purchasing my vehicle I started to feel a wobble in the front end when accelerating up hills and turning while on the gas. I took it to the dealer and they changed out the front tires stating that the problem had been fixed. Once again while driving the problem persisted. I took the car back to the dealer again and they said that they could not find anything wrong and suggested that I make an appointment to go for a drive with the mechanic to show them what is happening. I made an appointment. …”
NHTSA complaint #11375056, filed 2020-11, 5,000 miles“Having the start stop issue on my terrain and recently over the last few months, it has been using oil everything that sounds exactly like the recall but mine is not included. My start stop is not working and I have to get him since it had only 60,000 miles on it years ago, but nothing was done.”
NHTSA complaint #11762749, filed 2026-09“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“While driving I had to push the brake to the floor and a light came on saying reduced engine power. I pulled over right away and had my car towed to mechanic. The vacuum brake pump exposed and parts went into the engine. The mechanic got all the parts out but now engine has low compression and needs a new timing chain. This is over $3,000 so far. Gm recalled other vehicles with the exact same pump ? Why not the terrain.”
NHTSA complaint #11610272, filed 2024-08“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 when it is having performance issues. That could lead to someone colliding into me if it suddenly stops when someone is behind me. I believe this part should be recalled and fixed for free.”
NHTSA complaint #11705510, filed 2025-12Related recalls
- 20V668000Oct 29, 2020General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain…Covers: GMC Terrain 2018–2020, Chevrolet Equinox 2018–2020, Traverse 2018–2020 +9 more
Related service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011904Nov 18, 2024This service bulletin provides 9th gear operation information to respond to customers that may comment on transmission shift operation.
- 11011225Oct 29, 2024This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 15% |
| 2025 | 4 | 31% |
| 2024 | 23 | 43% |
| 2023 | 8 | 20% |
| 2022 | 8 | 13% |
| 2021 | 8 | 22% |
| 2020 | 28 | 14% |
| 2019 | 53 | 28% |
| 2018 | 42 | 19% |
| 2017 | 24 | 18% |
| 2016 | 11 | 7% |
| 2015 | 21 | 7% |
| 2014 | 33 | 11% |
| 2013 | 44 | 12% |
| 2012 | 37 | 10% |
| 2011 | 76 | 20% |
| 2010 | 51 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2020 GMC Terrain
73 complaintsEngine
58 complaintsOther or unknown
36 complaintsFuel system
31 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