2020 GMC Terrain Recalls, Problems & MPG

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 197 owner complaints for the 2020 GMC Terrain. The EPA rates it 23 to 27 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Recalls
2
Owner complaints
197
Crashes / fires reported
7 / 2
EPA combined
23–27 MPG

2020 GMC Terrain recalls

  • Child SeatMay 11, 2023 · NHTSA 23V339000+

    Risk: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

    Fix: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232403240.

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

  • Power TrainOct 29, 2020 · NHTSA 20V668000+

    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.

    Fix: 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.

    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.

Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.

Most reported 2020 GMC Terrain problems

Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.

  • Service Brakes72
  • Engine58
  • Unknown or Other34
  • Power Train28
  • Electrical System27
  • Fuel/Propulsion System25
  • Vehicle Speed Control11
  • Forward Collision Avoidance8

2020 GMC Terrain gas mileage

EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).

VersionEngineCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Terrain FWD1.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic 9-spd263027$2,400
Terrain AWD1.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic 9-spd252826$2,450
Terrain FWD2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic 9-spd222824$3,300
Terrain AWD2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic 9-spd212623$3,450

Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.

Questions

Does the 2020 GMC Terrain have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2020 GMC Terrain, most recently for the child seat (May 11, 2023). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2020 GMC Terrain problems?

Owners filed 197 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are service brakes (72), engine (58), unknown or other (34).

What gas mileage does the 2020 GMC Terrain get?

The EPA rates the 2020 GMC Terrain at 23 to 27 MPG combined (best version: 26 city / 30 highway).

Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.