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2013 GMC Terrain

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Terrain years

Owner complaints for the 2013 GMC Terrain are substantially higher than the model-year median of 182.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

241 reports with mileage · 123 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 197 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility/wiper. Review the 50 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

14 crash reports2 fire reports14 injury reports

Engine complaints

197 reports
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80,000 miles · Sep 20, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that shortly after having the engine oil changed, the oil percentage information indicated that the engine oil level was quickly decreasing. The contact stated that while checking the oil dip stick, it was discovered that there was very little oil in the oil pan. Additional…

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The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that shortly after having the engine oil changed, the oil percentage information indicated that the engine oil level was quickly decreasing. The contact stated that while checking the oil dip stick, it was discovered that there was very little oil in the oil pan. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who performed an oil consumption test. The result of the test was not yet available. Additionally, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #11485392

Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2022
Engine

Excessive oil consumption, on average this vehicle is burning off 2 or more quarts of oil over approximately 1,000 miles. The vehicle is also hard idling, jerky and lunging forward at a stop, hard shutoff where the engine does not immediately shut off when the key is turned off and the entire engine shakes until it sounds like i…

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Excessive oil consumption, on average this vehicle is burning off 2 or more quarts of oil over approximately 1,000 miles. The vehicle is also hard idling, jerky and lunging forward at a stop, hard shutoff where the engine does not immediately shut off when the key is turned off and the entire engine shakes until it sounds like it stalls out. The vehicle also accelerates slowly with high RPMs, approximately 3500 RPMs before shifting gears. Check engine light turns on and off when it has been over 2500 miles after an oil change and when the gas gauge reads 1/4 of a tank or less. The diagnostic tool plug does not register anything; does not even turn the diagnostic tool on when plugged in. This vehicle has also stalled out while driving with no warning lights or indicators. I called GMC on 8/9/22 to inquiry about these issues and was informed my VIN is not included in any recalls or special conditions related to these known issues.

NHTSA ODI #11478509

Mileage unknown · Jun 30, 2022
EngineVisibility/wiper

My 2013 engine blew out, I did an oil change around February and a month later took my vehicle to aamco and they found a gallon of coolant in the engine. None of the warning lights came on prior to this happening at all whatsoever. The oil life was still at 32% with no oil in my engine. All 3 of my windshield wipers as well rott…

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My 2013 engine blew out, I did an oil change around February and a month later took my vehicle to aamco and they found a gallon of coolant in the engine. None of the warning lights came on prior to this happening at all whatsoever. The oil life was still at 32% with no oil in my engine. All 3 of my windshield wipers as well rotted within the year that I purchased the vehicle. Now I do not have a working vehicle at all whatsoever due to the engine and car not wanting to start. When I put the code reader in when it first happened it told me it was the camshaft sensor so I changed both sensors and all the spark plugs and even bought the crankshaft sensor and it was none of the above until later I found out it was the engine that blew. I have spent so much money on this vehicle it’s ridiculous.

NHTSA ODI #11471689

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2022
Engine

2013 GMC TERRAIN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR MAIN SEAL FAILED DUE TO A FROZEN AND BLOCKED PCV LINE AT THE AIRBOX. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS.

NHTSA ODI #11466927

138,000 miles · May 9, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle inadvertently stalled without warning. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that timing chain pretensioner and rear main seal had failed causing the engine to lose engine oil and cause severe dam…

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The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle inadvertently stalled without warning. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that timing chain pretensioner and rear main seal had failed causing the engine to lose engine oil and cause severe damage to the engine. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 138,000.

NHTSA ODI #11463831

Mileage unknown · May 2, 2022
Engine

The vehicle lost sudden speed and stalled in the road and had to be pushed off the road to a safe location so I wouldn't get hit and be towed. The mechanic done an assessment to find out my timing chain broke and damaged my head and pistons. I was also advised by the mechanics that this goes along with the engine consumption iss…

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The vehicle lost sudden speed and stalled in the road and had to be pushed off the road to a safe location so I wouldn't get hit and be towed. The mechanic done an assessment to find out my timing chain broke and damaged my head and pistons. I was also advised by the mechanics that this goes along with the engine consumption issue that my Terrain had that GMC has refused to look at and take blame for. My car now needs a new motor. Consumer stated she has 5,000 worth of damages.*JB

NHTSA ODI #11462992

Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2022
EngineVehicle Speed Control

Bought my 2013 Gmc Terrain with 84,000 miles for $16,000. At 97,774 miles had to have it serviced for excessive oil consumption with timing cover and front crank seal cleaned and timing cover gasket replaced. Cost over $700. Then at 100333 miles had to have a new timing chain put in and water pump also the camshaft and cam phas…

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Bought my 2013 Gmc Terrain with 84,000 miles for $16,000. At 97,774 miles had to have it serviced for excessive oil consumption with timing cover and front crank seal cleaned and timing cover gasket replaced. Cost over $700. Then at 100333 miles had to have a new timing chain put in and water pump also the camshaft and cam phasers cost over $2,000. Now it is around 121000 miles and the lights on dash light up while driving to service stability track and I can not go faster then about 30 miles an hour. It then goes off and randomly comes back on while driving at any speed. Also there is a HUGE OIL PROBLEM with oil not just dripping like a small leak but spewing basically from underneath vehicle. I have to literally put oil in my car before I drive it anywhere because it all leaks out while I drive. Was told by a macanic I have a leak where the engine meets the transmission and my options for fixing it are to totally replace the engine hahaha or get a new vehicle. Wtf GMC this is not ok!

NHTSA ODI #11456254

67,800 miles · Mar 3, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop sign, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted however, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact exited the vehicle to inspect the vehicle b…

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The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop sign, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted however, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact exited the vehicle to inspect the vehicle but found no issues. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The Extended Warranty company notified the dealer of a possible recall however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The failure mileage was 67,800.

NHTSA ODI #11455093

Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2022
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

Vehicle stopped while driving three different times. Whenever alarm is turned on, car sometimes does not start next day. I've had to jump start it over 7 times in 9 months. Vehicle scheduled for review by dealer in three weeks.

NHTSA ODI #11449269

Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2022
Engine

Bulletin 14882 from March 2015 - My Vehicle has all the same issues as this Bulletin along with Oil Consumption issue . Dealer stated there are 4 more of my exact vehicle under 100,000 mils with the same issue at GMC dealer . GMC will not honor extension on my vehicle and neither will Extended warranty corp. CNA - because deale…

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Bulletin 14882 from March 2015 - My Vehicle has all the same issues as this Bulletin along with Oil Consumption issue . Dealer stated there are 4 more of my exact vehicle under 100,000 mils with the same issue at GMC dealer . GMC will not honor extension on my vehicle and neither will Extended warranty corp. CNA - because dealer said it was due to "mother nature & Freezing "

NHTSA ODI #11448704

Official recalls

3

22V137000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Mar 8, 2022

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.

16V582000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

Aug 4, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode and wear over time, possibly resulting in one or both of the windshield wipers becoming inoperative.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Inoperative windshield wipers may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, dealers will repair the AIP-hole, inspect and, if necessary, replace the front wiper module, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2017. 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 25302.

16V502000 · Electrical System:ignition; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Jul 5, 2016

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:ignition

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."

Consequence: 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.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

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."

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.