2020 GMC Terrain Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/12/2026

54Engine complaints

29.8%Of all 181 complaints

#2Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

SERVICE BRAKES58 · 32%

ENGINE54 · 29.8%

Unspecified / other31 · 17.1%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25 · 13.8%

POWER TRAIN24 · 13.3%

Share of the 181 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2020 GMC Terrain overview page.

What owners report

“Car was very well maintained 2020 GMC Terrain, no warnings prior to the issues. Car started shaking while driving, would not allow me to accelerate…”NHTSA complaint 11614861 — filed 09/16/2024

“The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light displayed…”NHTSA complaint 11614803 — filed 09/16/2024

“While driving reduce engine power light came on and the brakes gave out. I weigh 250 lbs and took all my strength to get brakes…”NHTSA complaint 11611870 — filed 08/30/2024

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 GMC Terrain have engine problems?

Engine is the #2 most-reported problem area on the 2020 GMC Terrain: 54 of 181 complaints on file (29.8%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2020 GMC Terrain have in total?

181 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 7 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, 5 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.