2020 GMC Terrain
Common Problems
Ranked from 70 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
15 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
25complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake vacuum pump failed catastrophically, causing a sudden loss of braking ability.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Engine Stall and Power Loss During Operation
11complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine experiences unexpected stalling and power loss, often without warning lights, leading to vehicle shutdown.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Electrical System Issues Causing Dashboard Blackouts
7complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe electrical system causes the dashboard and infotainment panels to black out intermittently, affecting visibility and functionality.
- 4
Backup Camera Failure
6complaintsLow severityElectricalThe backup camera stopped working and displayed a blue screen, indicating an electrical issue.
$250–$800est. backup camera replacement · 1–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Infotainment System Frequent Malfunctions
5complaintsLow severityElectricalThe infotainment system frequently shuts off, disabling features such as the radio and navigation, requiring frequent repairs.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Engine Seizure Due to Camshaft End Cap Detachment
4complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine seized due to a detached camshaft end cap, causing catastrophic internal engine damage.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Brake Booster Failure Causing Hard Braking
3complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake booster failure results in the brake pedal becoming extremely hard to press, posing a significant safety risk.
$500–$1,300est. brake booster replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Engine Stall Due to Fuel System Issues
3complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe vehicle suddenly stalled while accelerating from a stop light due to a failing fuel pump control module.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Fuel Pump Issues Leading to Engine Failure
3complaintsMedium severityFuel systemFuel pump malfunctions lead to engine failure, often requiring replacement of the entire engine.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Back Over Prevention System Failure
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe back over prevention system failed, displaying a blue screen and requiring service.
- 11
Fuel Pump Control Module Failure
2complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe fuel pump control module failed, causing the vehicle to lose motive power and require towing.
$500–$1,100est. fuel pump replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Fuel System Issues Resulting in Inconsistent Fuel Intake
2complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe fuel system intermittently restricts fuel intake, causing the vehicle to run on less than expected fuel, requiring frequent refills.
- 13
Severe Acceleration Issues Due to Turbo Failure
2complaintsMedium severityEngineTurbo failure causes severe acceleration issues, including loss of power and inability to shift gears properly.
$1,200–$2,800est. turbocharger replacement · 4–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Sunroof Drainage System Failure
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe sunroof drainage system failed, causing water to pool in the rear passenger floorboards.
- 15
Unreliable Forward Collision Avoidance System
2complaintsSafety riskOtherThe forward collision avoidance system frequently fails to engage, increasing the risk of accidents.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.