repaired · 2023 Q2
Power train: automatic transmission
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…
2019 GMC TerrainProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 187 owner complaints about the 2019 GMC Terrain, most often about the engine. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-668 the manufacturer reports only 79% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 23, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2019 GMC Terrain has problems
187 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
70Engine2 crash/fire/injury
65Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
53Power train
39Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
9Vehicle speed control
7Service brakes, hydraulic
7Back over prevention
6Forward collision avoidance
6Electronic stability control (ESC)
2610 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 70 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 65 | 1 |
| Power train | 53 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 39 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 9 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 7 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 7 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 6 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 6 | 1 |
| 10 other systems | 26 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2019 GMC Terrain recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Seats
Risk. In the event of a crash, the insufficient welds may result in an increased risk of injury for an occupant seated in the rear-right position.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Disc: caliper
Risk. A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.
Best & worst years
2019 vs. every other Terrain year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Terrain median. How we score
'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2019 GMC Terrain safety ratings
2019 GMC Terrain SUV FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (18.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What Terrain owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
VIN: [XXX] Mileage: Approximately 103,576 Incident location: [XXX] Safety Complaint: While my wife was driving our 2019 GMC Terrain into a shopping center parking lot, the vehicle suddenly experienced a severe loss of braking assistance. The brake pedal became extremely stiff and difficult to…
While driving on an interstate, vehicle became sluggish when accelerating. Took off on exit, engine was reduced to 50% power, attempted to drive to large parking lot, lost brakes, got the vehicle stopped in an intersection, would not shut off, go into neutral. Finally shut off, had to call tow…
On 9/15/2026, my wife drove her car, a 2019 GMC Terrain, to a doctor's appointment. She reported no known issues with the way the car operated during her drive nor had she or I experienced issues prior to this event. After she finished her appointment, she attempted to start her car and was unable…
Own a 2019 Terrain?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.