2019 GMC TERRAIN — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
269
Owner Complaints
3
Recalls
48
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2019 GMC TERRAIN
The 2019 GMC TERRAIN has received a total of 269 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 3 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, SEATS, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER. 48 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (58 complaints), Service Brakes (55 complaints), and Power Train (47 complaints).
Recalls for the 2019 GMC TERRAIN
NHTSA has recorded 3 recalls for the 2019 GMC TERRAIN, potentially affecting up to 404,853 vehicles.
Recall 20V668000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
| 194,105 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 19V184000 — SEATS
| 120 vehicles affected
Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. 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...
View full details →Recall 18V576000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
| 210,628 vehicles affected
Defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2019 GMC TERRAIN
269 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2019 GMC TERRAIN. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 58 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 55 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Power Train | 47 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 36 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 15 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control Esc | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulic | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuum | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structurebody | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
I am driving a 2019 GMC Terrain SLT, and I have a serious concern regarding a recent service experience. On 02/10/2026, I had an oil change and a complete vehicle inspection performed at Kunes GMC Greenfield, Wisconsin. After the service was completed and I returned home, I noticed an unusual noise coming from under the engine hood. I immediately went back to the dealership and informed them of the issue. I was asked to return the following day (02/11) for further inspection. After their investigation, I was informed that the vacuum booster had failed. It appears that this issue was not identified during the original inspection, and I was the one who brought the noise to their attention. From my understanding, vacuum pump/booster issues are common with many 2019 GMC Terrain models. I am surprised that this has not resulted in a recall, especially considering the potential safety risks it poses to me and my family. What concerns me even more is that this issue was not detected during the dealership’s inspection. If it had worsened, it could have led to a serious safety situation. I had to spend $450 today to repair what appears to be a manufacturing-related defect. I respectfully request that this matter be escalated and that my claim for reimbursement be reviewed. I would appreciate your assistance in helping me pursue compensation for this expense.
I am driving a 2019 GMC Terrain SLT, and I have a serious concern regarding a recent service experience. On 02/10/2026, I had an oil change and a complete vehicle inspection performed at Kunes GMC Greenfield, Wisconsin. After the service was completed and I returned home, I noticed an unusual noise coming from under the engine hood. I immediately went back to the dealership and informed them of the issue. I was asked to return the following day (02/11) for further inspection. After their investigation, I was informed that the vacuum booster had failed. It appears that this issue was not identified during the original inspection, and I was the one who brought the noise to their attention. From my understanding, vacuum pump/booster issues are common with many 2019 GMC Terrain models. I am surprised that this has not resulted in a recall, especially considering the potential safety risks it poses to me and my family. What concerns me even more is that this issue was not detected during the dealership’s inspection. If it had worsened, it could have led to a serious safety situation. I had to spend $450 today to repair what appears to be a manufacturing-related defect. I respectfully request that this matter be escalated and that my claim for reimbursement be reviewed. I would appreciate your assistance in helping me pursue compensation for this expense.
My family and I were returning home from vacation in another state, and while we were driving on the interstate, an alarm popped up on the DTC stating ruduced engine power. I tried to start slowing down so I could take the next off ramp and could not push the brake pedal in. I had absolutely no brakes trying to slow down from interstate speed. I was able to pull into a gas station parking lot while avoiding other vehicles. I was very lucky not to get in an accident. I had to have it towed to the nearest service center and was charged nearly $4000 for repair. The car has not ran right since we recieved it back. I called them back to let them know and was told the only way I would not have to pay to have it looked at was to bring it back to them. That shop was four and a half hours away from my house. The car was less than twenty miles out of the warranty when it broke down (nine miles to be exact), then they lied on the the paperwork and put the milage after they test drove it.
My family and I were returning home from vacation in another state, and while we were driving on the interstate, an alarm popped up on the DTC stating ruduced engine power. I tried to start slowing down so I could take the next off ramp and could not push the brake pedal in. I had absolutely no brakes trying to slow down from interstate speed. I was able to pull into a gas station parking lot while avoiding other vehicles. I was very lucky not to get in an accident. I had to have it towed to the nearest service center and was charged nearly $4000 for repair. The car has not ran right since we recieved it back. I called them back to let them know and was told the only way I would not have to pay to have it looked at was to bring it back to them. That shop was four and a half hours away from my house. The car was less than twenty miles out of the warranty when it broke down (nine miles to be exact), then they lied on the the paperwork and put the milage after they test drove it.
Vehicle was started for the second time that day on 1/5/26 and the engine light was on. I drove the vehicle to an auto parts store to have them check it with an OBD-II scanner. It had code P050F. I had no idea how serious this issue could be at the time. I made an appt with the GMC dealership and dropped it off the evening of 1/6/26. They said there was a software anomaly in the engine control module and needed to be reprogrammed. I paid the $200 diagnostic fee for them to reprogram it. I learned that this anomaly could have caused my brakes to not work while driving it. I had been driving the vehicle back and forth to work until I dropped it off. This issue could have caused serious harm or death to myself and others. While researching online, I've seen that other vehicles have had safety recalls and additional warranties added for these issues, but my vehicle isn't included in this.
Safety Rating for the 2019 GMC TERRAIN
The 2019 GMC TERRAIN received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2019 GMC TERRAIN
General Motors, LLC has issued 48 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2019 GMC TERRAIN. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
18-NA-020 — EQUIPMENT
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the charge air cooler due to moisture getting inside of it and causing a malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with DTC P0300 and/or P0299/P2227.
22-NA-177 — EQUIPMENT
This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Intermittent or Inoperable Rearview Camera, May Display Blue or Black Screen With Error Message.
19-NA-181 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to locate and repair the engine wiring harness.
PIT5578D — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
This Preliminary information communicates the need to replace the heater hose clamps anytime the heater hoses are serviced.
19NA235 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of hearing a rattle or ticking noise coming from the B-pillar area.
PIC6438B — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This Preliminary information communicates a condition where the Video Processing Control Module is not able to be programmed to the vehicle. This PI offeres a couple workarounds while Engineering evaluates the concern.
PIP5708B — POWER TRAIN
This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the vehicle concern of starter flex plate having broken teeth. This can create a noise during starting or may even have the starter spin but not crank over the engine. The document directs the technician to replace the flex plate and inspect the starter pinion...
PIT5696E — SERVICE BRAKES
This preliminary information discusses potential for a code C0010.5A to store in the brake controller which appears to be setting falsely or is induced by the customer.
17NA334 — EQUIPMENT
This informational bulletin explains a normal condition caused by exhaust soot blowing by the VGT pivot seal.
PIE0588 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This engineering information (EI) is requesting information from technicians to perform the check list provided and contact the engineer listed in regards to multiple DTC?s set after a battery discharge, jump start and/or battery replacement.
Showing 10 of 48 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2019 GMC TERRAIN
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the GMC TERRAIN
- 2014 GMC TERRAIN — 385 complaints
- 2015 GMC TERRAIN — 375 complaints
- 2016 GMC TERRAIN — 174 complaints
- 2017 GMC TERRAIN — 176 complaints
- 2018 GMC TERRAIN — 305 complaints
- 2019 GMC TERRAIN (current)
- 2020 GMC TERRAIN — 250 complaints
- 2021 GMC TERRAIN — 46 complaints
- 2022 GMC TERRAIN — 51 complaints
- 2023 GMC TERRAIN — 37 complaints
- 2024 GMC TERRAIN — 44 complaints
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