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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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89,000 miles · Dec 27, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that he noticed oil spots on his driveway that were coming from his vehicle. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the next appointment would not be available until six weeks. One day as the contact's wife was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled …

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The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that he noticed oil spots on his driveway that were coming from his vehicle. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the next appointment would not be available until six weeks. One day as the contact's wife was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where after a few weeks in their possession, they diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and gave him the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

NHTSA ODI #11445055

Mileage unknown · Dec 22, 2021
Engine

Oil consumption is high causing car to burn all oil out and car to make loud noises/stop running.

NHTSA ODI #11444751

Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

While pulling out of my driveway the car stalled and the stabilitrak light came on. Car would not start again. Had it towed to dealership because it seemed something electrical was the issue and now they say it needs a complete new engine because it lost oil compression. No oil light has ever come on, no other lights and no oil …

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While pulling out of my driveway the car stalled and the stabilitrak light came on. Car would not start again. Had it towed to dealership because it seemed something electrical was the issue and now they say it needs a complete new engine because it lost oil compression. No oil light has ever come on, no other lights and no oil leaking on our driveway or anywhere else that we’ve noticed. Dealership says they can’t tell us exactly why the engine failed. The car only has 53000 mikes on it. We bought it in august of 2014 and maintain it appropriately

NHTSA ODI #11442308

Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2021
Engine

I purchased a 2013 GMC Terrain from dealer. It had 80017 miles. I have had over $4000 dollars worth of work done . Replaced spark plugs, vvt sensor,map sensor,oil change,brakes, battery, ecm, fuel induction device. I drove it about two weeks, and it drove fine. (All receipts available) my truck now starts up and just shuts off…

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I purchased a 2013 GMC Terrain from dealer. It had 80017 miles. I have had over $4000 dollars worth of work done . Replaced spark plugs, vvt sensor,map sensor,oil change,brakes, battery, ecm, fuel induction device. I drove it about two weeks, and it drove fine. (All receipts available) my truck now starts up and just shuts off, it feels as if the idle is so low. Starts up again and then shuts off , I am afraid to use it. I called gm customer service ,and gave me a case # 9-6969510190. They told me to take it to a dealership, and have them look at it. The previous owner , had a lot service done. The problem that I had before , and currently is the same situation. An independent mechanic shop told me that the oil , and engine is a common problem , and the gm dealer that I am taking to should look at that. A recall should be instituted, there are over 40k complaints.

NHTSA ODI #11435905

Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 2021
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

When driving my Terrain, my traction control light came on, then a message on the display saying service stabilitrack and engine power is reduced. I couldn't go over a certain speed. I've taken it to Autozone to be put on the computer and it shows up stabilitrack. The car stops running and it takes a few minutes to get it runni…

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When driving my Terrain, my traction control light came on, then a message on the display saying service stabilitrack and engine power is reduced. I couldn't go over a certain speed. I've taken it to Autozone to be put on the computer and it shows up stabilitrack. The car stops running and it takes a few minutes to get it running again. I just bought the car and I'm having problems with these lights and controls. I have read online about this same issue. Is this a recall or does it have to be more complaints about this first? I love my car but these issues are too much. The car has 211k miles on it. Please help me

NHTSA ODI #11432439

Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2021
Engine

We have a 2013 Terrain that was repaired for excessive oil consumption (N192291100). Since that time, the vehicle has been experiencing catalytic converter/O2 sensor issues (N192287100), however GM says our vehicle doesn’t qualify for the converter/O2 special coverage adjustment because it’s not an affected VIN. I don’t underst…

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We have a 2013 Terrain that was repaired for excessive oil consumption (N192291100). Since that time, the vehicle has been experiencing catalytic converter/O2 sensor issues (N192287100), however GM says our vehicle doesn’t qualify for the converter/O2 special coverage adjustment because it’s not an affected VIN. I don’t understand how it would have undergone the initial SCA repairs, but then the new SCA doesn’t apply to it? The new one is a direct result of the first. The customer service reps I spoke with at GM couldn’t answer this question or provide me a way to go up the chain to get an answer. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11429085

Mileage unknown · Aug 13, 2021
Engine

excessive oil consumption. This is a known problem with this car...you all know it is and GM should issue a recall.

NHTSA ODI #11428996

Mileage unknown · Jul 27, 2021
Engine

Vehicle sputters on the highway sometimes shuts off at highway speed, when I turn my key off the car continues to run for 3-5 seconds. When I turn a corner vehicle sputters and tries to die sometimes does. When stopped at a stop sign vehicle will die. High pressure fuel pumps are known to do this and I have excess fuel in my oil…

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Vehicle sputters on the highway sometimes shuts off at highway speed, when I turn my key off the car continues to run for 3-5 seconds. When I turn a corner vehicle sputters and tries to die sometimes does. When stopped at a stop sign vehicle will die. High pressure fuel pumps are known to do this and I have excess fuel in my oil.

NHTSA ODI #11426717

Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

I’ve been having a issue with my oil consumption and display messages about servicing the stabilitrak and traction control. I could be driving and suddenly my engine power is reduced asking with these two messages. I received a letter from GMC about the excessive oil consumption due to degraded catalytic converter and/or oxygen …

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I’ve been having a issue with my oil consumption and display messages about servicing the stabilitrak and traction control. I could be driving and suddenly my engine power is reduced asking with these two messages. I received a letter from GMC about the excessive oil consumption due to degraded catalytic converter and/or oxygen sensor. The one oxygen sensor was replaced before I received the letter. The letter states I should get the oil consumption diagnosed. I’ve went 4 times now and the oil dipstick smells like gas but the dealership is saying the special coverage has expired. My letter says otherwise. Why send a letter about a possible issue and then not help to fix it?

NHTSA ODI #11426576

Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2021
EngineVehicle Speed ControlVisibility/wiper

1. Engine burning oil, had to be replaced at 100,000 miles. In repair shop again, oil coming out of exhaust?? 2. Car would stall out while driving, try to accelerate at a red light, almost crashed a few times. Back window has been covered in oil from exhaust. Couldn't see. 3. Only used White Plains Buick/GMC for repairs. Car is…

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1. Engine burning oil, had to be replaced at 100,000 miles. In repair shop again, oil coming out of exhaust?? 2. Car would stall out while driving, try to accelerate at a red light, almost crashed a few times. Back window has been covered in oil from exhaust. Couldn't see. 3. Only used White Plains Buick/GMC for repairs. Car is there now. 4. NYS DMV is currently investigating 5. Check engine light just recently came on

NHTSA ODI #11426320

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.