2019 GMC Terrain Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 51 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2019 GMC Terrain, 28% of its 185 total complaints — the highest share of any Terrain model year. A related recall (20V668000) covers the start-stop transmission accumulator, with a median failure mileage of 14,000.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 51
- 28% of 185
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 14,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of power or complete transmission failure while driving at highway speed, sometimes with no warning lights beforehand.
- Some describe transmission slippage or hard clicking/roaring noises when starting or stopping the vehicle.
- Several complaints describe the vehicle refusing to shift out of park or getting stuck between gears such as second and third, accompanied by a grinding noise.
- Owners report the vehicle dropping into neutral or stalling on the highway with a 'service transmission' warning message displayed.
- Some drivers describe delayed acceleration when shifting from reverse to drive on an incline, with the engine revving but the car barely moving before finally lurching forward.
- A few owners mention the transmission control module being reprogrammed by dealers after slow or delayed gear shifts.
When 2019 GMC Terrain transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 22, 2019, latest Sep 23, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2019 GMC Terrain
- NHTSA 20V668000Oct 29, 2020Transmission & Powertrain194,105 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Terrain model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are transmission problems in the 2019 GMC Terrain?
- NHTSA lists 51 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2019 Terrain, which is 28% of the 185 total complaints filed for that model year — the highest share among all Terrain years listed.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2019 GMC Terrain?
- Yes. Recall 20V668000, reported in October 2020, covers the start-stop transmission accumulator; dealers inspect it and replace it if bolts are found loose, per the recall summary.
- At what mileage do 2019 Terrain transmission problems typically start?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 14,000 miles.
- Did the 2019 Terrain transmission issues cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to these transmission & powertrain complaints.