2019 GMC Terrain: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Second year of the redesign with the same brake-vacuum-pump failure pattern and scattered engine/transmission complaints. Pleasant ride and quiet cabin; the 1.5L turbo is adequate, the 2.0L turbo stronger. Verify the brake booster/pump has been addressed. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2019 GMC Terrain ranged from $25,000 to $37,800 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

5/10

Mixed track record

Sources (3)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=terrain&m…
repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/gmc/terrain
slashgear.comhttps://www.slashgear.com/1723418/gmc-terrain-best-worst-years/

Known issues

Brake-vacuum-pump failure causes a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power-assisted braking, concentrated on 2018-2020 models; many owners report the failure without warning at speed.

commonly reported · 160 NHTSA complaints · typically 30k–90k miles · brake
Fuel-pump-module failure causes sudden stalling, loss of propulsion and "Engine Power Reduced" warnings, often at low mileage; most prominent on 2022-2024 models.

commonly reported · 80 NHTSA complaints · typically 10k–60k miles · fuel
The turbocharged engines (1.5L and 2.0L) are sensitive to oil quality and maintenance, with scattered reports of oil consumption, carbon buildup and engine-power-reduced events when service is neglected.

occasional · 120 NHTSA complaints · typically 40k–110k miles · engine
The 9-speed automatic and powertrain draw complaints of rough or harsh shifting, shudder and occasional loss of power.

occasional · 75 NHTSA complaints · transmission
Infotainment and electrical glitches such as frozen touchscreens, dropped Bluetooth connections and unresponsive navigation are reported, rarely affecting drivability.

occasional · 49 NHTSA complaints · electrical

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (7)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=terrain&m…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=terrain&m…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=terrain&m…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=terrain&m…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=terrain&m…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=terrain&m…
us.haynes.comhttps://us.haynes.com/blogs/tips-tutorials/top-problems-with-the-2018-2024-gm…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
SL	$25,000	discontinued	—	—
SLE	$28,100	discontinued	—	—
SLT	$30,900	discontinued	—	—
Denali	$37,800	$42,200	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (2)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2019-gmc-terrain-price
iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/gmc-terrain-price

Depreciation

2019 entry trim from new same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($25,000). Higher trims started higher (up to $37,800), and options added more.

Curve outlook: a typical 2019 loses roughly another 36% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/gmc-terrain/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $550–600/yr
Insurance (medium tier)	≈ $2,200–2,300/yr
Expected lifespan	~210k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/gmc/terrain
moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/how-much-do-new-cars-cost-to-insure/

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2019 GMC Terrain have?

Documented issue patterns include: Brake-vacuum-pump failure causes a sudden hard brake pedal and loss of power-assisted braking, concentrated on 2018-2020 models; many owners report the failure without warning at speed; Fuel-pump-module failure causes sudden stalling, loss of propulsion and "Engine Power Reduced" warnings, often at low mileage; most prominent on 2022-2024 models; The turbocharged engines (1.5L and 2.0L) are sensitive to oil quality and maintenance, with scattered reports of oil consumption, carbon buildup and engine-power-reduced events when service is neglected; The 9-speed automatic and powertrain draw complaints of rough or harsh shifting, shudder and occasional loss of power. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2019 GMC Terrain reliable?

How much did the 2019 GMC Terrain cost new?

Between $25,000 and $37,800 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the GMC Terrain expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $550–600/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.