10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
2,428 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2020 GMC Terrain Owner Comments

problem #20

Jan 122024

Terrain

  • miles

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

Purchased Vehicle brand new- Beck & Masten Buick GM - Houston, TX [XXX] Performed rout maint regularly. Last oil change 1-5-2024 before catastrophic failure and complete engine seizure. Towed to Wiesner GMC [XXX] 1-12-2024: Mileage on car roughly 99K- had no issues no check engine light, no mechanical failure or indication that anything was running other than normal. No Start on [XXX] PM after work, tried to return next day with battery, changed out battery, engine still would not start, after new battery installed and we attempted to start, that is when engine started making loud shaking motion while attempting to start, windshield wipers came on randomly. First initial diagnostic: Found all oils & fluids in check, could not identify cause of failure, would have to break down and take apart. Had to authorize the tear down at a $1800 cost, 2/2/2024: Broke down engine, found that the crankshaft would move one way, but not other, removed the engine from transmission and now crankshaft moves freely. Now the AC comp is locked up (excessive play on magnet & clutch), tech still unable to identify what caused the failure, they advised that they found traces of metal in oil pan, scored cylinder walls, starter shorted as well. They still could not indicate where these metal pieces came from, how or that it was due to owner negligence or manuf defects. Again this is a vehicle with 99K Miles and now we were looking at a 15K price tag for a new engine, turbo, AC, starter on a car that is worth 12K. This is absolutely insane. We reached out for Goodwill Discounts for some assistance since the dealership could not solidify a cause of failure, but GM decided to not warranty and stand behind their product. We were left with a rebuild option for $7500. which we had to do in order to get the car back. I am completely disappointed in GM as a company. This engine should have never failed at 99K. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Rockdale , TX, USA

problem #19

Apr 092023

Terrain

  • miles
On 4/10/2023, I took my vehicle to a local GMC dealership because it was stalling and didn't have any power. Upon accelerating the vehicle it would stall and take off at a high speed. The dealership has had my vehicle periodically from April 2023 and it presently sets at the dealership because they ain't getting a code, But after the dealership drove the truck for over 200 miles, they were finally able to duplicate the stalling yet are not able to diagnose the problem!! This vehicle is very dangerous to be on the road and I have almost gotten hit twice and I'm not driving the vehicle anymore at this time. I have previously reached out to you all and I would be most thankful if you could get in touch with me. Thank you

- Ozark, Al, AL, USA

problem #18

Jul 012023

Terrain

  • miles
GMC 2029 Terrain Our car broke down three times after a new engine was put in. After one week it had to be towed again to put in a third new engine. It has been fixed since Aug. 1st but GMC has yet to reunite us with the car 2000 miles away. We-??ve made car and insurance payments for almost three months with no vehicle in our possession. It was under warranty. No loaner or rental car has been issued to us. Nobody calls us back. Terrible customer service by GMC.

- Sioux Falls , SD, USA

problem #17

Aug 112023

Terrain

  • miles

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

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

- Sioux Falls , SD, USA

problem #16

Aug 062023

Terrain

  • miles
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 #15

May 282023

Terrain

  • miles
My vehicle begin stalling when accelerating (mostly after stopping) June 2023. My vehicle has almost cause me to have two accidents because it intermittently stalls when I try to cross an intersection. This is my fourth time taking my vehicle to the GMC dealership, and they tell me they can't find anything wrong if there is not a code. I have reached out to Corp, and I'm waiting to see if they can help get to the bottom of my problem. My car has been sitting at the dealership since June 30th 2023....I call the dealership periodically, and they never reach out to let me know what's going on. I am afraid to drive my vehicle at this time because next time another car may not be able stop and give me time to get across the road. I'm filing this complaint because I seriously think someone is gonna get killed.. Thank you

- Ozark, AL, USA

problem #14

Jun 062023

Terrain

  • miles

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

2020 GMC Terrain SLE Elevation Package 83,000 miles and needs complete engine rebuild @ cost of $10,700 per Dealership Service. Was told -??I drove the vehicle with low oil-?? which Inturn is the cause of needing engine rebuilt. I have had this vehicle serviced, oil changed regularly etc NOT ONE TIME has the oil pressure/low engine oil nor anything related to oil illuminated on my dash. CEL yes after it apparently was too late and damage was done which showed code P06DD And P0324 through OnStar Diagnostics. There are also other complaints with same issue, and no notification of oil /oil pressure issues with relatively low mileage that have led to engine rebuild. I still owe on this vehicle through GM Financial, and a $10,200 engine rebuild on top of that-?? Not what I would expect out of GMC~

- Germantown, OH, USA

problem #13

Jul 162023

Terrain

  • miles
My 2020 terrain is now at 33k+ miles, I have had repeated instances with my car not accelerating properly. I would be at a full stop try to start to accelerate and not move push down a little further on accelerator and start crawling forward. I would move approximately quarter mile before the vehicle would jerk and accelerate very quickly to a speed well over where it should go to. I.e. I know because I-??m starting in traffic I-??m not trying to take off at thirty but when the jerk happens I can be jolted to 40-45 mph. The other issue is people behind you don-??t realize what-??s going on and I have been hit almost twice thankfully they were able to avoid me by going around. No warning lights have come on. This last insistence not only could I not accelerate, but cruise did not want to turn on, the emergency brake didn-??t want to work, and the air conditioner was loosing power. I plan on having an independent service center inspect the vehicle, my husband was able to repeat the issue so I-??m sure they will also. The first incident was in May and I have had 5 but thankfully I don-??t drive that much.

- Woodstock, VA, USA

problem #12

Mar 172023

Terrain

  • miles
This GMC I just purchased in October 22 2022 and have been complaining since December 9,2022 the vehicle emergency braking will activate when I'm driving down the interstate or local roads I could be doing 70 and brakes will just lock up throwing me and my son forward, this has happened 4x, Gas Pedal when taking off at red light or pulling out the vehicle is hesitant and will not go this has happened on 3 different occasions. I called roadside on star they said there is a problem with the on star saftey feature will not work properly this was towed 2x to different shops, Also while driving this vehicle it will just ingage itself in park while driving called on star they did diagnostic there was all kinds of Coded for Transmission and Engine as well as Emissions this vehicle is a safety hazard.. And I have tried to take back to dealership where I purchased they keep making excuses to not see this CPO with lifetime Warranty and still under warranty from GMC vechle Mileage was at 29k when problems stared vehicle only has 31k I can't drive this vehicle due to my son's and myself along with others saftey this is ridiculous and also GMC just informed me the Vin # they have for my vehicle and whats on it are two different numbers! Yet nothing is being done I'm paying for a vehicle that I can't drive I have proof GMC knows about the fraud from dealership but GMC says its a sales thing This vehicle has been flooded two mechanics have confirmed and GMC is aware so why not do something I don't know exactly the history and GMC doesn't either please someone contact me GMC this is crazy and you know it's a safety issue with this 2020 GMC Terrain you even said

- Plant City, FL, USA

problem #11

Mar 222022

Terrain

  • miles
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. GMC has an existing recall on the fuel pump module for 2021 - 2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles. Why did this happen a second time after replacing the fuel pump module" Are they using a module included in the recall" I was charged $ 591 dollars for the repair in 3/2022 and no charge in 5/2023 as they stated it must have been a faulty module. I have no confidence in my safety and the module they used in 5/2023 is not faulty.

- Deerfield Beach, FL, USA

problem #10

Apr 282023

Terrain

  • miles

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

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

Mar 012023

Terrain 4-cyl

  • 48,552 miles
The contact's friend's son owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while her friend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed. The brakes failed to immediately stop the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle made grinding sounds while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the vacuum pump, exhaust camshaft, and valve cover gasket were replaced; however, the vehicle lost motive power while driving. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 48,552. The contact stated that additionally, the check engine light came on without cause. The contact is unsure why that is because a diagnostic test had just been performed.

- Ogden, UT, USA

problem #8

Jan 012023

Terrain

  • miles
I just purchased this vehicle about 2 weeks ago, and was driving through the fog/cold weather and my check engine light came on. Went to O'Reillys and had them check the code. Came up as P0299 (My car was telling me that the engine power was decreased) I had a loss of power I could feel while driving as well. The code said turbo under boost. After I got back into town and the weather was warmer and no fog was present, the turbo started working again. I brought my vehicle into the dealer where I bought it from and they took it to their mechanic and supposedly performed an "update". I will see if I continue to have the same issue in cold weather as I live in Idaho and go to the mountains often.

- Twin Falls, ID, USA

problem #7

Sep 272022

Terrain

  • miles
Turbo failed. Car ran fine with no warning lights. Stopped at red light entering interstate and then could not accelerate which left us stuck in traffic. When it did move it would not shift and took over a mile to get above 20mph in a 65mph zone.

- Sardinia, OH, USA

problem #6

Jan 172022

Terrain

  • miles
The engine will never go into 9th gear! What's the point of GMC doing a 9 gear transmission to help with fuel, if it never actually goes into the 9th gear?

- Antioch , CA, USA

problem #5

Mar 262022

Terrain

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

- Cottage Grove, OR, USA

problem #4

Jan 152022

Terrain

  • miles
As I was driving on the highway in New York on Route 17 south near exit 111, I tried to accelerate but when I did the car went slower and the check engine light and traction control lights came on. I was right in front of a huge truck and thank God I was in the right lane that I was able to quickly get on the shoulder and turn the car off. I was able to make it to where I was going, but it was very nerve wracking. I took the car to the dealer service center and was told that it was probably a fuse issue. It turns out my entire engine has to be rebuilt. I have approximately 25,000 on my car, how could it require an entire engine rebuild? The dealer has gotten me two rentals cars that only last 5 days at a time each time and now I-??m driving a dealer loaner. It-??s been 3 weeks and still nothing. I-??m still making payments on my car.

- Deposit , NY, USA

problem #3

Dec 302021

Terrain

  • miles
This 2020 GMC Terrain has a "feature" called autostop. This is not a switch to turn this off. It would not be so bad if the engine would run for 5 minutes at a stoplight before stopping the engine but it immediately shuts down the engine after a stop. This is getting annoying and dangerous due to the delay in getting the car moving. I have only had the car for a month. I understand that later gmc cars have a disable switch. This car should be recalled and either disable the auto stop permanently or be able to disable the "feature" on demand. Problem: potential crash hazard due to car not starting and damage to battery and starter.

- Catawba, NC, USA

problem #2

Sep 272021

Terrain

  • miles
loss of oil due to engine defect and need new engine. engine and car at dealership. engine has not been torn apart to find cause. occupants could have died because of engine stoppage... GM wants owner to pay over 15,000 for new engine and instillation. car under new car warranty has 24211 miles. no early warning lights of low oil.... Owner took car in immediately when warning lights appeared 9-27-21 and GMC dealership improperly serviced. on 10-14-21 same warning lights reappeared and taken immediately to same close dealership. Now told new engine needed.

- Waterford, MI, USA

problem #1

Aug 302020

Terrain

  • miles
We drove to a farm with a family of 5M kids and an elderly, and parked my car for 2-3 hours in the farm's open area parking lot. Vehicle showed no warning lights, no problems, no issues during our drive to the farm and prior to this trip. Everything was fine when we go there and parked. We were ready to leave the farm to drive back home, but the car simply wouldn't start.the neutral gear didn't work, I attempted many times in 30 minutes to start the car, but it didn't start, continued making the sound of engine attempting to start but not suceeding. 30 minutes later, I decided to give it another try, I was afraid to burn down the starter after attempting so many times. It sounded terrible, screeching metal sound. All of a sudden, the car started. I let it run, afraid to turn it off again. After 15 minutes of running, while we were waiting for roadside assistance to arrive, the vehicle turned off again, all by itself. No one was inside the car, we were waiting outside with the driver door wide open. I called roadside assistance, waited 40 minutes to get a live agent to talk to. The yellow engine light is on. I tried to look in the manual to be able to find anything remotely close to what was happening. Came up with nothing. This was so far the trickiest thing to happen to me. I scheduled an appointment to take the car to the dealership for diagnosis.

- North Hollywood, CA, USA

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