NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 GMC Terrain Safety Ratings
The 2020 GMC Terrain scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 179 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 GMC Terrain presents a strong safety profile in its segment, earning an overall five-star rating from NHTSA. This performance is reflected in its NHTSA Safety Index score of 88 out of 100, placing it firmly in our "Strong" band. Shoppers considering a used model should note the two recall campaigns issued for this vehicle; verification of their remediation is essential prior to purchase.
The 2020 GMC Terrain earned a five-star overall crash-test rating and an 88/100 NHTSA Safety Index based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 GMC Terrain ranks 27 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 179 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 27 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 GMC Terrain?
The 2020 GMC Terrain marks a meaningful upward step in the NHTSA Safety Index, rising five points from the 2019 model's 83/100 to 88/100, while staying within the Strong band. That five-point gain is driven in part by a near-perfect crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70, backed by a clean five-star overall NHTSA rating. The avoidance technology sub-score is a full 10 out of 10, reflecting that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all come standard on this year's configuration, rather than as optional add-ons. The defect record sub-score of 12.25 out of 20 is the one area holding the Index below 90. Two recall campaigns, one tied to child seat LATCH anchors and one to the automatic transmission, are the structural reason that sub-score sits where it does. With 179 reported complaints and alleged brake and engine concerns leading the tally, this year's Terrain is not without notes of caution. Still, the combination of five-star crash results across three of four NHTSA categories and fully standard crash-avoidance tech makes the 2020 edition one of the stronger safety years in this generation of the Terrain.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 GMC Terrain perform in crash tests?
The 2020 GMC Terrain achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, matching this top score in both frontal and side impact protection. The one area where the Terrain did not achieve a perfect five stars was in rollover resistance, where it earned four stars with a 16 percent risk of rollover. The vehicle did return a "No Tip" result in dynamic testing, a significant factor in evaluating rollover performance.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14178
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2020 GMC Terrain. The first involves the child seat LATCH anchor system across 2020-2023 Equinox and Terrain vehicles. The second addresses the automatic transmission, spanning a broad range of 2018-2020 GM models. Neither campaign has been designated a do-not-drive order, but both warrant VIN-level verification before purchase.
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR23V339000
Risk: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. 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
Reported 2023-05-11
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION20V668000
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.
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 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 reca
Reported 2020-10-29
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 GMC Terrain?
A total of 179 owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2020 GMC Terrain. These are unverified allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Service Brakes with 64 reports, Engine with 54, and Electrical System with 26. Seven alleged crashes and five alleged injuries appear in the dataset.
179 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 GMC Terrain?
The 2020 GMC Terrain presents a mixed safety profile, underscored by two significant federal recall campaigns impacting its LATCH child-seat anchors and automatic transmission. Prospective buyers are advised to verify recall completion through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool.
- The 2020 Terrain's Safety Index of 88/100 represents a five-point improvement over the 2019 model's 83/100, the largest single-year gain in recent Terrain history.
- NHTSA's rollover assessment assigned four stars and a 16 percent risk figure to this model year's AWD configuration, making it the one crash-test category that did not reach five stars.
- Two active recall campaigns from 2020 and 2023 specifically cover this model year, targeting the rear child seat LATCH anchors and the automatic transmission respectively.
- Service Brakes account for 64 of the 179 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, making brake-system behavior the single most frequently alleged concern for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 GMC Terrain places
The 2020 GMC Terrain qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 GMC Terrain safety questions
Was the 2020 GMC Terrain crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 GMC Terrain, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 GMC Terrain crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 GMC Terrain earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 GMC Terrain have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 GMC Terrain. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 GMC Terrain?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 179 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 GMC Terrain. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Terrain years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14178), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Terrain 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 27 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.