CarModelProblems.com

2020 GMC Terrain Transmission & Power Train Problems

NHTSA component category: POWER TRAIN · data through 09/08/2026

26Power Train complaints
13.3%Of all 195 complaints
#5Most-reported category

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

How power train ranks on this vehicle

SERVICE BRAKES63 · 32.3%
ENGINE57 · 29.2%
Unspecified / other34 · 17.4%
POWER TRAIN26 · 13.3%

Share of the 195 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2020 GMC Terrain overview page.

What owners report

“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…”NHTSA complaint 11610272 — filed 08/22/2024
“The vehicle is a 2020 and should not already be having electrical issues. The vehicle repair is over 5k for needing a starter motor, water…”NHTSA complaint 11609833 — filed 08/20/2024
“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…”NHTSA complaint 11586371 — filed 05/01/2024

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

Power Train complaints by year filed

22020120213202262023320249202522026

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 GMC Terrain have transmission & power train problems?

Power Train is the #5 most-reported problem area on the 2020 GMC Terrain: 26 of 195 complaints on file (13.3%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

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

195 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 09/08/2026. Across all categories, 7 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, 5 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's power train category include?

NHTSA groups complaints about the transmission (automatic or manual), driveline, axles, transfer case and related parts under a single component category called POWER TRAIN. This page reports that category as NHTSA defines 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 09/08/2026.