2020 GMC Terrain Transmission & Power Train Problems
NHTSA component category: POWER TRAIN · data through 07/14/2026
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
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
“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
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: 24 of 181 complaints on file (13.3%). 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 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 7 involved a crash, 1 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.
