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GMC Terrain backup camera problems

53 of the 3,141 owner complaints about the GMC Terrain describe backup camera failure, most of them for the 2019 model year.

owner complaints
53
worst model year
2019
typical repair cost reported
$1,000
typical mileage
53,500
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2024
    4
  • 2022
    3
  • 2021
    1
  • 2020
    11
  • 2019
    14
  • 2018
    4
  • 2017
    3
  • 2016
    2
  • 2015
    5
  • 2014
    2
  • 2013
    1
  • 2012
    3

What owners say

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · MI

I am reporting a recurring backup camera malfunction in my 2024 GMC Terrain AT4. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced repeated instances in which the rearview camera display goes completely black when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. This prevents me from seeing the camera image while backing up. The malfunction presents a safety concern because the rearview camera is an important aid in identifying pedestrians, children, objects, and other vehicles behind the vehicle. When the display goes black, I lose that visual assistance, increasing the risk of backing into a person or object, particularly in parking lots, driveways, and other areas where pedestrians may be present. I have taken the vehicle to authorized dealerships for multiple service visits and repair attempts. Despite these efforts, the same backup camera failure continues to occur. Although different components may have been inspected, repaired, or replaced during these visits, the recurring problem remains the same: the backup camera display goes black when the vehicle is in reverse. The underlying cause has not been adequately resolved. The vehicle has been presented to authorized GM dealerships for diagnosis and repair, and the relevant service records should document the repair attempts and the recurring complaint. I have also submitted a repurchase request to GM because of the ongoing issue, but my request was declined. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document and review this recurring malfunction because of the potential safety risk associated with losing the rearview camera image while reversing. I am concerned that this issue could result in a collision or injury if the driver is unable to see a person or obstacle behind the vehicle. I can provide available service records and make the vehicle available for inspection upon request.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Electrical, Visibility · NY

The vehicle experienced a complete loss of infotainment/audio functions immediately following a GM over-the-air software update. The OnStar indicator turned red, all vehicle audio including turn-signal sounds stopped functioning, and the rear backup camera stopped displaying an image. The backup camera failure creates a safety concern because it eliminates a federally required rear visibility safety feature. GM has advised me that software updates do not cause these problems and instead reveal an underlying issue. However, GM Preliminary Information bulletin PIT5971B identifies a software anomaly associated with loss of audio and a red OnStar LED on affected GMC Terrain vehicles, which closely matches two of my symptoms. I am concerned that a software-related defect may be causing or contributing to the simultaneous loss of multiple vehicle functions, including the backup camera. The loss of the backup camera is a significant safety concern because it prevents me from seeing the area directly behind the vehicle when reversing. The simultaneous loss of multiple functions occurred immediately after the GM software update and has persisted despite completing the recommended reset/troubleshooting procedures. GM is currently requiring me to pay for diagnosis despite the failure occurring immediately after the OTA update. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document and investigate this potential safety-related software defect. GMC Customer Service case 107120047

Filed Jun 21, 2026 · Driver assistance · NY

Backup camera stopped working and displays a blue screen stating “service backup camera.” This was an issue when the vehicle was under 3 year manufacturer bumper to bumper warranty and was fixed by dealer at no cost. Now this same issue has occurred again approximately 3-4 years later. I thought at first this was an issue specific to my vehicle but now after doing research I see this is an issue across several GMC Terrian vehicles and other GM vehicles. This issue should be fixed by the manufacturer for all vehicles affected. Vehicle owners should not be responsible to fix faulty parts from the manufacturer.

Filed May 22, 2026 · Electrical · MO

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2022 GMC Terrain after experiencing a sudden infotainment system failure that also disabled my backup camera functionality. The infotainment screen in my vehicle suddenly went completely black without warning and without any physical damage to the vehicle. The screen failure caused the backup camera to stop functioning as well, creating a significant safety concern while reversing and parking. The vehicle currently has approximately 50,000 miles. When I contacted the GMC dealership regarding the issue, I was informed that this is a common problem with GMC Terrains. However, because my factory warranty expired only weeks before the failure occurred, GMC declined to provide any financial assistance or goodwill repair coverage despite acknowledging the issue is commonly seen. This defect directly impacts federally required rear visibility safety equipment and creates unnecessary risk to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and surrounding vehicles. Backup cameras are an essential safety feature, and the sudden failure of the infotainment system removes access to that safety function entirely. I believe this may be a widespread defect involving the infotainment and electrical systems in the 2022 GMC Terrain and request that the federal safety agency investigate this issue further for potential recall or manufacturer accountability.

Filed May 19, 2026 · OH

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. There was a Service Bulletin 19-NA-076 dated April of 2019. Why has there not been a recall for this safety issue?

Filed Apr 22, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · WI

The head unit quit working around 98k. The head unit is the radio, and screen which includes the back up camera. From what we have been told and find online, this is a known problem with them and affects other models as well. For the most part the head unit doesn't work but once in a while, once a month, it comes on but shows the Chevy logo on the screen which is odd because it is a GMC. Once you turn the car off, it will be gone again until it decides to come back. We took it into a dealer who tried to hook up to it and reprogram or update it, but he had no luck. Now we are without a backup camera that is a safety issue. I do not know why this isn't a recall as it is well known about issue.

Filed Apr 13, 2026 · MI

The article below appears online, 4/13/2026. I have the exact same problem with my 2020 GMC Terrain Denali and I would like other GM vehicles added to their Chevy recall. They use the same parts within GM's product lines. As background info, I went to the dealer, Matick Buick GMC, 29300 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, MI 48034 on Jan. 14, 2026 for repair. I was told water infiltrated my backup camera and its harness. Matick said very few parts are available in the USA. Still not fixed and it is dangerous. Yes is the answer to the 1st 4 general guideline questions. The 5th question is NO. READ MORE TRENDING NEWS: Chevrolet has recalled 271,770 vehicles over an issue with the rearview camera. Some 2023 to 2025 Chevy Malibus were recalled because the camera screen may show a distorted or blank image, the federal safety agency said. Dealers will replace the camera at no cost to correct the issue. Owners will get letters in the mail alerting them to the problem after May 18, the agency said. For more information, call Chevrolet at 800‑222‑1020. The company’s internal recall number is N262551720. The vehicle identification numbers can be searched on

Filed Apr 11, 2026 · FL

this just started on it's own. back up rear camera shows distortion from time to time and appears to be getting worse or happening more.

Filed Mar 4, 2026 · MI

The backup camera in our 2019 GMC Terrain stopped working one day - has blue screen and says Service Rear Vision System - so we’ve been driving a year with no backup camera. The dealership wants almost $1000 to fix this issue. And this issue seems to be very common in 2018-2020 Terrains. We bought the vehicle in December 2023

Filed Jan 20, 2026 · NH · crash

The radio dead out randomly. Which means the back up camera is non working. I wasn’t able to see a stump and hit it. Doesn’t seem safe. Like what would has happened if it was a person instead and they like the stump was in my blind spot while backing up. I feel like this is a safety issue. I have looked it up online and found out this is a common issue with these vehicles.

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignitionReported July 5, 2016 · 8,367 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Buick 1‑800‑521‑7300, and GMC 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Recall number 16V502000 · Recall details

Questions about the GMC Terrain backup camera

Which GMC Terrain years have backup camera failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2019 (14 complaints), 2020 (11 complaints) and 2015 (5 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix backup camera failure on the GMC Terrain?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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