2020 GMC Terrain Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 28 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 GMC Terrain, 14% of its 196 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 53,500 miles. A related recall (20V668000) covers the start-stop transmission accumulator. No crashes, fires, or injuries were reported in this area.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 28
- 14% of 196
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 53,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report a violent side-to-side wobble in the front end at highway speeds, often triggered by hitting a bump or turning, sometimes described as feeling like a death wobble.
- Some drivers felt a wobble specifically when accelerating uphill or while turning, which dealers initially addressed by replacing tires without resolving the issue.
- Several owners describe the turbo failing or overboosting, leaving the vehicle unable to accelerate or shift properly and stuck at low speed in high-speed traffic.
- Owners report the vehicle pulling and dragging while driving, suggesting a drivetrain response issue.
- A brake assist warning combined with a burning odor and a stiff brake pedal was reported at a stop, requiring extra force to stop the vehicle.
When 2020 GMC Terrain transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 30, 2020, latest Sep 23, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2020 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
- Are transmission problems common on the 2020 GMC Terrain?
- NHTSA lists 28 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Terrain, making up 14% of its 196 total complaints that year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2020 GMC Terrain?
- Yes. Recall 20V668000 covers the start-stop transmission accumulator; GM dealers inspect it and replace it if bolts show a specific issue.
- At what mileage do transmission issues typically show up on the 2020 Terrain?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 53,500 miles.
- Have transmission problems on the 2020 Terrain caused crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries tied to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Terrain.