2020 GMC Terrain

The 2020 GMC Terrain is a compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride and stylish design. Engine options included a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 1.5L engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the 2.0L came with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Many owners appreciate the Terrain’s user-friendly infotainment system and its nimble handling. Some common dislikes include the smaller cargo space compared to some competitors and occasionally sluggish acceleration with the base engine.

Engine

1.5L Turbocharged Engine

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-offs between scheduled oil changes. Symptoms may include a burning oil smell, blue exhaust smoke, and low oil level warnings.
  • Solution: A possible fix involves replacing the PCV valve or performing a cylinder leak-down test to assess the engine’s internal condition. If the engine has worn piston rings, a more extensive engine rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $3,000+ depending on the extent of the damage and repair needed.
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Turbocharged Engine

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported premature turbocharger failure. Symptoms include reduced engine power, whistling or whining noises from the engine bay, and potentially a check engine light.
  • Solution: The solution is typically to replace the failed turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported rough or harsh shifting, particularly between certain gears. This can manifest as clunking noises or jerky acceleration.
  • Solution: A transmission fluid flush may resolve minor issues. If the problem persists, a more in-depth inspection of the transmission and valve body is necessary, potentially leading to repairs or replacement of these components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid flush) - $3,000+ (transmission repair or replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

9-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Hesitation/Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced hesitation or delayed engagement when shifting from park to drive or reverse. This can feel like a lag before the transmission engages.
  • Solution: The cause may be related to the valve body or transmission control module (TCM). A software update or valve body replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report experiencing premature wear of suspension components such as struts and sway bar links, leading to noises and a decrease in ride quality.
  • Solution: Replacement of worn struts, sway bar links, or other affected suspension components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per component replaced, depending on the part and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system occasionally freezes, crashes, or becomes unresponsive. This can affect access to navigation, audio, and climate controls.
  • Solution: A software update may resolve the issue. In some cases, the infotainment system module may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,000+ (module replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The backup camera may fail to display an image, show a distorted image, or flicker intermittently.
  • Solution: Check the camera connection and wiring. The camera itself may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Power Liftgate Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The power liftgate may fail to open or close properly, get stuck, or make unusual noises during operation.
  • Solution: Check the liftgate struts, sensors, and motor. Damaged or faulty components may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Air Conditioning Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The air conditioning system may blow warm air or fail to cool the cabin effectively.
  • Solution: The system needs to be diagnosed for leaks, a faulty compressor, or a clogged condenser. Repairs may involve recharging the refrigerant, replacing components, or repairing leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 GMC Terrain has some potential issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. Engine issues, especially related to oil consumption and turbocharger failure, can be costly to repair. Transmission problems, such as rough shifting and hesitation, are also significant concerns. Electrical issues with the infotainment system and backup camera, while less severe, can still be frustrating for owners. The power liftgate problems are more of an annoyance. Overall, the severity of potential issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major engine and transmission repairs, with associated repair costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.