10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
7,017 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2020 GMC Terrain brakes problems

brakes problem

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2020 GMC Terrain Owner Comments

problem #17

Jun 212022

Terrain

  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost braking power. The driver was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the vacuum pump had shattered. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact reached out to a GMC engineer, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the camshaft reluctor. While driving, the vehicle lost engine power. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbo code had a mass air flow sensor failure. The vehicle was repaired. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the reduced engine power message was displayed. There was blue smoke detected from the exhaust. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the throttle had failed. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Power GMC Chevrolet of Newport (1422 N Coast Hwy, Newport, OR 97365) where it was diagnosed that the air pipe charge and air cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

- Royal Oak, MI, USA

problem #16

Feb 022024

Terrain

  • miles
This Saturday morning driving my family to Bradenton as I was coming off the hwy to my exit when I experienced a brake fail I thought, brakes got real hard and I couldn't stop the car on time like I wanted to, so I had to press the brakes pedal harder to come to a complete stop, three different places no one knew what could be the problem until I took it to GMC dealership they can only give a code P0556 / U0401 SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST, seems it was too late to checked out they where about to close, something to do with the busters not sure yet but it's getting checked out tomorrow morning, I was driving on cruise control at a speed limit when this happened, will let you know what's the result of my situation.

- Sanford, FL, USA

problem #15

Jan 312024

Terrain

  • miles
Brake booster failed with no warning. Brake pad was hard to push down as I exited the freeway. I came close to hitting the vehicle in front of me which would have resulted in a bad car accident. There were no warning. This is extremely dangerous and is a risk to not only the driver but also to vehicles in the path of a vehicle that cannot stop. This needs to be a recall along with the other vehicles that have a recall for this part.

- Little Rock, AR, USA

problem #14

Jan 202024

Terrain

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Heard a ticking noise coming from the engine compartment. I opened the hood to investigate which I first check oil level as sounded like a lifter making the noise but all fluid levels was normal. I drove home and 3 miles later ticking noise went away and my adaptive brake assist came in and the brake pedal was hard to press. Luckily I lived another mile down the road so I got the car home and safely parked it. One of the symptoms is hearing a ticking noise from engine when a braking component fails. Further learned could be a vacuum issue which needs a software update which makes no sense. Had I been traveling highway speeds when this happened this story could have a had a very different tragic ending. Car has less then 53000 miles on

- Carrollton, OH, USA

problem #13

Sep 092023

Terrain

  • miles
Driving down the freeway and all of a sudden got a service break assist notification and without warning I was unable to stop the vehicle. I was able to coast my way off the freeway and upon my exit I tried to pull into an empty parking lot but there was a fire fence I ended up crashing into which is probably what brought the vehicle to a complete stop. This is very dangerous and I have read numerous complaints from other 2020 terrain owners who have experienced the same problem. Mechanic stated I need need vacuum pump for brake booster which of course my warranty doesn-??t cover. Something seriously needs to be done about this. My accident could have been a lot worse

- Warren , MI, USA

problem #12

Sep 102023

Terrain

  • miles
I was driving on the interstate when my brakes went out. I was able to get off at and exit and pull into a gas station but had to put on the emergency brake.

- Fort Calhoun, NE, USA

problem #11

Aug 062023

Terrain

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While on highway service brake system warning light came on, brake became hard to apply almost causing an accident. Vehicle had to be towed to a repair shop(dealer).after paying over $1600 the problem was not resolved and found there are numerous complaints about issues with the terrain and no recall issued.are they waiting til someone dies before a recall?

- Greensboro, NC, USA

problem #10

Apr 282023

Terrain

  • miles
I was driving down The expressway. The traffic in front of me came to a stop. When I went to apply the brakes I had no breaks. The pedal was as hard as A rock So when I realized I couldn't stop I swerved over into the breakdown lane. And continue to pass cars at a high rate of speed until I got the car to stop. There were no check engine lights on Then I had the car towed to the Dealership Where they tell me is a break vacuum pump. That has damaged The Cam shaft. Pistons and rods in the engine. Totaling $7200. In damage. No one seems to care and I still owe 20000 on the car. Car has 71000 miles on it.

- Warren, MI, USA

problem #9

Feb 012023

Terrain

  • miles
The brake system is only working at about 5%. There are known defects with other GMC models of this year and this vehicle should be reviewed.

- Anna, TX, USA

problem #8

Jul 132022

Terrain

  • miles
Service brake assists light flashes on dashboard. Steering wheel locks up and jerk-??s loose suddenly when making a right turn, in these moments when the steering wheel jerks loose ;hands are off taken off the steering wheel otherwise injury can occur. Battery life 2 -yrs old is not performing optimally. Can not hold a sufficient charge and ESC light flashes. Vdnt valve leaks discovered.

- Bradenton, FL, USA

problem #7

Dec 292022

Terrain

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My service brake assist light came on and then within seconds my vehicle then said engine power has been lowered and my vehicle pretty much shut down no steering no brakes couldn't do anything. Took it into the repair shop and my vacuum pump has shattered and now damaged my camshaft. I am aware there's been many other vehicles recalled with GM's vacuum pumps and I'm not sure why my year and model has not been included when it's doing the same thing and not to mention I have seen countless other cases of people saying same things happen to them with their GMC terrains.

- Slidell, LA, USA

problem #6

Mar 262022

Terrain

  • miles
Unknown...acts as if its a smart car that's not really a smart car

- Cottage Grove, OR, USA

problem #5

Feb 182022

Terrain

  • miles
Brakes hard to press. Almost cause an accident on interstate. Was able to contain vehicle. Took to autozone to assessed and it said Powertrain System. Brake Booster Senor Circuit.

- Houma, LA, USA

problem #4

Nov 032021

Terrain

  • 40,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost brake functionality while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the vacuum pump replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Kenilworth, NJ, USA

problem #3

Mar 272021

Terrain

  • 28,830 miles
Service brake assist message came across screen after I was unable to push down brake pedal.

- Beloit, WI, USA

problem #2

Sep 182020

Terrain

  • 457 miles
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.

- Aurora, CO, USA

problem #1

Nov 252019

Terrain

  • miles
Every week it's something different. In motion... no Cruze control. No audio. Don't drive over 50mph brake problem. Parking brake engages randomly and without user engagement. No AWD. No stability traction. This happens so frequently the dash indicators have been reduced to 'idiot lights'. at what point do I become concerned" things appear to resolve when the engine is turned off and back on, sometimes....I compare it to other glitchy technology. However I potentially could be at an 80mph crazing speed when I decide to ignore the idiot lights...what happens when a real problem presents and I ignore the dash indicators do to frequent glitches" I'm so disappointed. My 2 previous Terrains were 10 times the vehicle the 2020 model year.

- Rochester, MN, USA

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