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2019 Gmc Terrain Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2019 Gmc Terrain carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering caliper and automatic transmission. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission shifts to neutral or park unexpectedly.” GMC trucks and SUVs use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — the same algorithm as Chevrolet. Because GMC's lineup is exclusively trucks and SUVs, severe-service intervals apply to most owners (towing, hauling, off-roading). The schedule below surfaces the items most relevant to GMC's truck-focused buyer.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Campaign #18V576000 · Aug 30, 2018

Issue: 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.

Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #20V668000 · Oct 29, 2020

Issue: 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.

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 crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

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. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

SEATS

Campaign #19V184000 · Jul 3, 2019

Issue: 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.

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.

Fix: 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 is N192209550.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2019 Gmc Terrain.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission shifts to neutral or park unexpectedly

POWER TRAIN

37 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2026-07

“No engine lights are on. When at stops it starts chugging and when I accelerate sometimes it does not go like it should. It idles high and feels like it is slipping. I have almost been hit in the rear several times when this happens”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11748117
“My Transmission went out of my truck. I was told this has happened to others of the same make and model, so this is a known issue with this transmission. I was driving down the road and the car completely stopped in moving traffic”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11726390
“The contact owns a 2019 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly shifted into neutral(N). There was transmission fluid on the ground, and the vehicle became disabled”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11724954

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Backup camera blue screen with rear vision system fault

BACK OVER PREVENTION

16 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2026-05

“My 2019 GMC Terrain has a faulty back up camera system. It shows a blue screen that says Service rear view camera system, This has been a faulty system for years until it finally stopped working completely. I have researched the issue and have discovered this is a known problem”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11738911
“Back up camera service notice”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11666099
“The contact owns a 2019 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while reversing the vehicle, the display screen failed to display an image and was instead displaying a blue screen. The backover prevention system warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634605

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Panoramic sunroof or window glass shatters while driving

VISIBILITY

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2026-05

“While I was driving on a highway, my sunroof suddenly imploded, causing shattered glass to fall all over myself and my car. The outside temperature was 50° and my car’s internal temperature was set to 68°”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11627379
“While driving under normal conditions the panoramic sunroof shattered. This is a serious safety issue and obviously a problem with the manufacturing of the tempered glass”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11652452
“I PURCHASED MY 2019 TERRAIN DENALI ON 2/27/19. I BEGAN MY DRIVE INTO WORK THIS MORNING (3/4/19) AND MERGED ONTO THE FREEWAY AND SECONDS LATER HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSIVE SOUND, ONLY TO REALIZE THE FIRST HALF OF MY PANORAMIC MOONROOF WAS SHATTERED (SEE INSIDE PHOTO)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11184155

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ESC, ABS, or Stabilitrak warning lights illuminate

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

8 NHTSA complaints · 2020-08 → 2025-02

“My ESC randomly comes on. Service parking brake message comes on intermittently. Messages pop a up saying steering wheel assist limited, drive with care. Again, all of these are intermittent but when they happen my steering wheel locks up. Even mid turn”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11629553
“9/30/20 DRIVING HOME AND WAS ACCELERATING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE TCS AND STABILITRAK LIGHTS CAME ON AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. A BRIEF MESSAGE POPPED UP TO SERVICE THE TCS SYSTEM AND WENT AWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11361931
“ON FEBRUARY 9TH, DRIVING HOME ON A ROUGH HIGHWAY, MY SERVICE ESC, ABS, TRACTION CONTROL AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (FLASHING) CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER, FREAKING OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11349201

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Vacuum pump failure causing brake loss and engine damage

SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE

67 NHTSA complaints · 2021-05 → 2026-08

“The brake vacuum pump failed. I am extremely fortunate this happened at a rest stop after being on interstate 80 for numerous miles. Had this happened at highway speeds it would have been catastrophic for myself and most likely others”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11623202
“Driving down load. Brake pedal got stiff as a rock. Brakes started to lock up. Almost caused a collision, as the car would not stop”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11418103
“This is the 4th time my vacuum pump has “broke” my brakes become hard and stiff and my brake assist light comes on. It happens EVERY winter when it drops below freezing. This is the second time this winter it has broke and now my check engine light is on”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11731108

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Turbocharger or charge-air intake failure reduces power

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2019-06 → 2026-06

“The turbo went completely out at around 105k miles while I was driving to work. I had to coast into a repair shop because it was smoking and wouldn’t go over 20mph and then have it towed to the place that repaired it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11743318
“JULY 10, 2019 AT HIGHWAY SPEED UPON ACCELERATION TURBO BODY TUBE BLEW OFF SUDDENLY AND ENGINE REDUCED TO HALF POWER / CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THIS HAPPENED AFTER ONLY 1000 MILES ON NEW CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11232916
“Vehicle has had check engine light and engine reduced power flicking on and off for months, randomly reducing power on highway or nearly causing accidents. Brought car to GMC dealer, they said it was underboost code and needed new turbo. Paid over 7,000$ for repair”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11698842

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when OLS reaches 0% or every 12 months. dexos1-approved synthetic required on Sierra 1500 5.3L/6.2L; dexos2 specified on Duramax diesel.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Sierra and Yukon owners running 4x4 should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Towing accelerates pad wear by 30-50%; check more often if towing regularly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

DOT 3 brake fluid: test annually, replace when moisture exceeds 3% or fluid is darker than copper.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

Long-life cellulose filter rated 45,000 miles. Trucks driven on unpaved roads or construction sites should inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (towing 5,000+ lbs regularly, heavy stop-and-go): every 45,000 miles. Normal: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI for 6L80/6L90, Mobil 1 LV ATF HP for 10L80/10L1000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Sierra and Yukon 4WD: replace every 45,000 miles. Use GM Auto-Trak II for active 4WD; GM 9986115 for selectable 4WD.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Differential Fluid (front + rear)

Every 50,000 mi

Replace front and rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. G80 limited-slip rear axles require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on the L83/L84 5.3L and L86/L87 6.2L V8 are rated 100,000 miles. AFM/DFM cylinder deactivation can cause uneven plug wear — check at 75,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000. Duramax diesel uses ELC (red) — different chemistry, do not mix.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Sierra HD and Yukon XL owners in dusty work environments should replace at 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

41 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2019 Gmc Terrain reflects GMC's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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