2019 GMC Terrain: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2019 GMC Terrain: 3 recalls, 185 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #18V576000 · 2018 · 210,628 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear brake caliper pistons May have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Why it matters: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018.
Seats Vehicle recall #19V184000 · 2019 · 120 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear-right seat May have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #20V668000 · 2020 · 194,105 vehicles
What's wrong: The start/stop accumulator endcap May have missing bolts.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 12 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (69): the most common themes are warning light on (21), stalls / loses power (13), electrical failure (10).
- Brakes (64): the most common themes are warning light on (13), brake failure / soft pedal (10).
- Transmission & drivetrain (51): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (27), warning light on (16), stalls / loses power (12).
- Electrical (39): the most common themes are warning light on (12), electrical failure (9).
The 2019 GMC Terrain has 185 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 17 Terrain model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 184). Complaints peaked in 2025 (37 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 19,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2018 (223 complaints, 5 recalls), 2020 (197 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 38 | 32 | Diesel |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 39 | 32 | Diesel |
| 1.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 30 | 28 | Regular |
| 1.5 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 28 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | Premium |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2019 GMC Terrain.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2019 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2019 GMC Terrain. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2019 GMC Terrain problems?
Owners have filed 185 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (69), brakes (64), transmission & drivetrain (51).
What gas mileage does the 2019 GMC Terrain get?
EPA ratings run up to 32 mpg combined (1.6 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2019 GMC Terrain repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.