2020 GMC Terrain electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 18, 2026NCFireElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSeats & Seat Belts

   The back passenger seat exploded and caught fire, burning the back of the seat in front and burning the ceilings. Inside the whole vehicle is black from smoke damage. Incident assessed by fire marshal who has ruled as electrical issue. No warning lights or systems displayed anything.

   NHTSA complaint #11751287 · source
2. Filed Feb 9, 2026140,000 miMIElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving in cold weather at various speeds; moisture accumulated and deactivated the charger, causing the vehicle to go into LIMP Mode and lose drive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the charger air cooler was defective and needed to be replaced. The dealer also wanted to place an air deflector on the vehicle. The contact was informed of a service update…

   NHTSA complaint #11716636 · source
3. Filed Dec 29, 2025VAElectrical System

   Towards the tail end of a nearly 2.5 hour drive, the Automatic Theft Deterrent System was activated on the interstate. I lost every display on the dash panel including my speedometer, battery, coolant, gas, turn signals, and windshield wipers. I went into the nearest parking lot and was unable to restart the vehicle. It was towed to the dealership closest to our home and was repaired for $2200. The technicians at the dealership were not sure of what caused it and had never…

   NHTSA complaint #11707653 · source
4. Filed Nov 21, 2025MIElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   My a/c went out within 2 years of having the car in 22’. In 2025 i have had nothing but problems, the radio will go out when im driving for about 2 hours and it resets, the screen goes black, music stops, navigation stops and then it turns on like nothing happened. It happens everytime I drive 2+ hours. Back in September of 2025, I was on my way to work when I was stopped at a red light, it turned green and then my brakes locked up and I couldn’t drive my car had shut off,…

   NHTSA complaint #11700718 · source
5. Filed Oct 24, 2025SCBrakesElectrical System

   Break assist light comes on and brakes stiffen suddenly with no warning. Happened 6 times now in a 3 year span. Gotten it "fixed" each time but it keeps happening

   NHTSA complaint #11695367 · source
6. Filed Oct 5, 2025MAElectrical System

   Backup camera not working and has a blue screen. The camera was replaced. The fuses & wires were inspected and the screen remains blue.

   NHTSA complaint #11691421 · source
7. Filed Jun 3, 2025FLElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   [XXX] once again while diving down the road 45mph Terrain once again goes in to park ,I was lucky the lady behind me wasn't to close .Also I contacted onstar when I was able to get vehicle moving at the store ..I told her what happen she ran diagnostics while parked at store said there was no codes I let onstar know this has happened several times..I had no warning, no indication, no lights came on.And I also let her know that this same vehicle was still stalling I was at…

   NHTSA complaint #11664732 · source
8. Filed May 28, 2025NYElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   5.25.2025 - Car shut down while at a busy intersection. Called Amherst Police due to location and how dangerous the intersection was. Family member needed to jump start the vehicle. Vehicle started before police arrived. Drove home. Called police to let them know we were no longer at the busy intersection. 5.26.2025 Took out battery to check charge at Auto store - tested Good - 82%. Re-installed battery went to get gas thinking that may be the issue, low on gas, not the case…

   NHTSA complaint #11663432 · source
9. Filed Dec 17, 2024MIElectrical System

   Vehicle has not recently been inspected, backup camera has recently gone out leaving only a blue screen with "service rear vision system" to my knowledge nothing has happened to the unit that would cause this. Regular day to day driving, there was nothing that would have given me any notice that this would be happening.

   NHTSA complaint #11631285 · source
10. Filed Nov 30, 2024TXBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

    My Terrain has a light that has been coming on for a couple months. Service Brake Assist. I took it to the dealer after my brakes locked up and about $800 after getting it fixed the light continues to come on. The forward collision light comes on every time I start the car. More the check engine light came on and says engine electrical system. What the heck is going on? I love this car and take very good care of it but I feel like the $800 that I just spent was a waste. I…

    NHTSA complaint #11628017 · source
11. Filed Aug 20, 2024TXElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    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 pump and drive belt. A starter should last up to 100k miles and water pump should last 10 years not 4. This vehicle is a lemon and should not have so many issues.

    NHTSA complaint #11609833 · source
12. Filed Jun 24, 2024TXElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    Purchased Vehicle brand new- Beck & Masten Buick GM - Houston, TX [XXX] Performed rout maint regularly. Last oil change 1-5-2024 before catastrophic failure and complete engine seizure. Towed to Wiesner GMC [XXX] 1-12-2024: Mileage on car roughly 99K- had no issues no check engine light, no mechanical failure or indication that anything was running other than normal. No Start on [XXX] PM after work, tried to return next day with battery , changed out battery, engine still…

    NHTSA complaint #11596150 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology