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2020 GMC Terrain maintenance schedule

The 2020 Terrain is part of the D2XX generation (2018-2024), sold as an SUV. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2020 Terrain needs, and when

1 of these 12 items comes from GMC's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to GMC's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

Requires dexos1/dexosD full synthetic

7,500 mi / 1 yearIndependent
Engine air filter

Inspect at oil changes; 45,000 mi is a check cadence, not a confirmed replacement interval

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent
Cabin air filter

Replace more frequently in dusty environments

22,500 mi / 2 yearsIndependent
Tire rotation

Check tread wear and balance

7,500 mi / 1 yearIndependent
Brake fluid60,000 mi / 5 yearsIndependent
Engine coolant

DEX-COOL drain and replenish

150,000 mi / 5 yearsIndependent
Transmission fluid

Severe duty interval

45,000 miIndependent
Spark plugs (Gas)97,500 miIndependent
Serpentine belt

Inspect accessory drive belts

150,000 mi / 10 yearsIndependent
Differential and transfer case fluid

For AWD models

45,000 miIndependent
PCV valve (Gas)Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
12V battery

Test cold-cranking amps annually

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil
0W-20
Coolant
DEX-COOL
Transmission fluid
DEXRON-VI

Powertrains in this generation

  • 1.5L 4-cyl (LYX), 170 hp, 9-Speed Automatic, FWD/AWD
  • 1.5L 4-cyl (LSD), 175 hp, 9-Speed Automatic, FWD/AWD
  • 2.0L 4-cyl (LTG), 252 hp, 9-Speed Automatic, FWD/AWD
  • 1.6L 4-cyl diesel (LH7), 137 hp, 6-Speed Automatic, FWD/AWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2020 Terrain owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

1.5L LYX oil consumption

high severity

40,000-100,000 mi · $1,500-$3,000 to fix

Low oil, PCV clog, blue smoke

Source: apextechnation.com

1.5L LYX timing chain stretch

high severity

60,000-120,000 mi · $1,200-$3,000 to fix

Rattle, P0016 codes, starvation

Source: apextechnation.com

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA recalls for the 2020 GMC Terrain

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at GMC dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Child seat

NHTSA 23V339000

May 2023

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

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 recall is N232403240.

Power train

NHTSA 20V668000

October 2020

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.

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 recall is N202313440.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$744
Five years of maintenance
$3,720
The major service near 100,000 mi
$1,200

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Terrain model years

D2XX-3 (2025-2026)

20252026

D2XX (2018-2024)

2018201920202021202220232024

Theta (2014-2017)

2014201520162017

Shopping new? The GMC Terrain guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-19. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a Terrain for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2020 Terrain earns before you buy it.

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