Recall 20V668 affects 194,105 2018-2020 GMC vehicles for missing start-stop accumulator bolts. Repair is free at any franchised GMC dealer.
GMC is recalling 194,105 2018-2020 vehicles, including Terrain, Cruze, Equinox, Traverse, Acadia, and Blazer models, because the start-stop accumulator endcap has missing bolts. The defect can cause a transmission oil leak, loss of propulsion, crash risk, or fire risk near an ignition source, and GMC dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The start-stop transmission accumulator on affected 2018-2020 GMC vehicles stores transmission fluid pressure for the automatic start-stop system. When the engine shuts off at a stop and restarts, that stored pressure helps the transmission engage as designed. The accumulator endcap is held in place by attachment bolts, so the unit depends on those bolts being installed and tightened correctly.
On these vehicles, a supplier assembly-line software error allowed some accumulators to leave the bolt torque station without two required bolts. With bolts missing, the endcap is not secured as designed. Over time, the accumulator housing can lose its sealing force, which lets fluid pressure escape and interferes with the start-stop transmission function.
There is no warning sign before failure. The defect was traced through manufacturing history, supplier part data, and accumulator serial numbers, so the VIN decides whether a specific Terrain, Cruze, Equinox, XT4, Encore, Enclave, XT6, Lacrosse, Traverse, Malibu, Acadia, or Blazer is included.
Who's affected?
The scope spans 2018-2020 vehicles across several badge lines, all tied to the same automatic transmission component.
| 2019 GMC Terrain | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2019 Chevrolet Cruze | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Chevrolet Equinox | automatic transmission |
| 2018 Chevrolet Cruze | automatic transmission |
| 2019 Chevrolet Equinox | automatic transmission |
| 2018 Chevrolet Equinox | automatic transmission |
| 2018 GMC Terrain | automatic transmission |
| 2020 GMC Terrain | automatic transmission |
| 2019 Cadillac XT4 | automatic transmission |
| 2019 Buick Encore | automatic transmission |
| 2019 Buick Enclave | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Cadillac XT6 | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Buick Encore | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Buick Enclave | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Cadillac XT4 | automatic transmission |
| 2018 Buick Lacrosse | automatic transmission |
| 2018 Chevrolet Traverse | automatic transmission |
| 2018 Chevrolet Malibu | automatic transmission |
| 2019 Buick Lacrosse | automatic transmission |
| 2019 Chevrolet Traverse | automatic transmission |
| 2019 GMC Acadia | automatic transmission |
| 2019 Chevrolet Blazer | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Chevrolet Traverse | automatic transmission |
| 2020 Chevrolet Blazer | automatic transmission |
| 2020 GMC Acadia | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 194,105 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap can let transmission oil leak. The leak can progress to loss of propulsion, which increases crash risk. Transmission fluid near an ignition source also raises fire risk. Schedule the inspection soon and watch for fluid under the vehicle. Repair is free at any franchised GMC dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2020 GMC vehicle or listed model is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised GMC dealer to schedule the free start-stop transmission accumulator inspection.
- Schedule the accumulator bolt repair or replacement if the inspection finds missing bolts, which addresses the transmission oil leak and loss-of-propulsion risk.
- Bring the recall notice if GMC sent one. Reference recall number 20V668 when you call.
- Avoid driving if you see a transmission fluid leak or notice loss of propulsion; ask the dealer about towing.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a GMC technician inspects the start-stop transmission accumulator endcap for missing bolts. If bolts are missing, the technician replaces the start-stop transmission accumulator, and the repair is free. Parts and labor are covered under recall 20V668. Owners do not pay for the inspection or the replacement when the VIN is included. The service desk can confirm GM recall number N202313440 when scheduling the appointment.
Timeline
| October 29, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 29, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| October 29, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 14, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 14, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 15, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V668?
Recall 20V668 covers 194,105 2018-2020 GMC vehicles with start-stop transmission accumulators that have missing endcap bolts. Missing bolts can cause a transmission oil leak, loss of propulsion, crash risk, or fire risk if leaking fluid reaches an ignition source. Dealers inspect the accumulator and replace it for free if bolts are missing.
What should I do if my 2018-2020 GMC vehicle is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V668. If it is, contact a franchised GMC dealer and ask for the start-stop transmission accumulator inspection. Reference recall number 20V668 or GM recall number N202313440 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 20V668?
The safety risk is loss of propulsion or fire. Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap can let transmission oil leak. The leak can progress to loss of propulsion, increasing crash risk, and leaking transmission fluid near an ignition source increases fire risk.
What if I bought this GMC vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner or where the vehicle was purchased. Check your VIN to confirm whether your vehicle is included, then call a franchised GMC dealer with recall number 20V668.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V668000 |
|---|---|
| GMC customer service | 1-888-988-7267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V668 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V668000 |
Source documents
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Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
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Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
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Download Misc. Document (PDF)
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Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
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Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
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Download Owner Notice (PDF)
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Download Recall Report (PDF)
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Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →