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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 And Engine Cooling complaints

11 reports
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88,000 miles · Aug 6, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle hesitated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while coming to a stop, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, …

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The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle hesitated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while coming to a stop, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed due to the engine consuming oil. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine could be repaired and suggested that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

NHTSA ODI #11678887

Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that when slowing down to come to a stop, the vehicle was jumping and hesitating, causing the contact to shift into neutral(N) to stop the vehicle and prevent the vehicle from shaking. There was a fuel odor that smelled like rotten eggs. The check engine warning light was i…

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The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that when slowing down to come to a stop, the vehicle was jumping and hesitating, causing the contact to shift into neutral(N) to stop the vehicle and prevent the vehicle from shaking. There was a fuel odor that smelled like rotten eggs. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated at first but became a constant failure. The vehicle was previously included in the emissions recall N192268180; NHTSA Campaign Number: 10183214 (Engine and Engine Cooling); with DTC: P0420 and the vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the repair was performed had not matched the repair in the Emissions recall. The contact stated that the dealer had replaced the oxygen sensor instead of the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors as stated in the remedy. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 10183214 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, since the repair was marked completed, there were no additional repairs available due to the mileage. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11639124

55,000 miles · Feb 21, 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. While driving, at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. The lights were dim. The contact had to add additional oil every 7 days. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehic…

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The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. While driving, at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. The lights were dim. The contact had to add additional oil every 7 days. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ODI #11573190

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2023
Engine And Engine Cooling

See attached document from complainant

NHTSA ODI #11548449

143,000 miles · Aug 22, 2023
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming 1 to 3 quarts of oil for every few miles. The contact stated that the cross member was covered in oil. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the timing chain had jumped and there was no compression in the engin…

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The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming 1 to 3 quarts of oil for every few miles. The contact stated that the cross member was covered in oil. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the timing chain had jumped and there was no compression in the engine. The contact was informed that the rod bearings were damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

NHTSA ODI #11540014

129,000 miles · Feb 14, 2023
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact's mother owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while she was driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam shaft s…

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The contact's mother owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while she was driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam shaft sensor and timing chain needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer found that the oil level was very low level after having had an oil change the same day. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI #11507250

115,000 miles · Aug 22, 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the dealer had previously performed an unknown repair for an exhaust leak; however, the failure recurred while starting the vehicle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a fuel odor was detected. The contact was concerned that her and her passenger…

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The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the dealer had previously performed an unknown repair for an exhaust leak; however, the failure recurred while starting the vehicle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a fuel odor was detected. The contact was concerned that her and her passenger had experienced carbon monoxide poisoning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who reset the fuel carbon sensor and replaced the fuel cap; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ODI #11480498

Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2022
Engine And Engine Cooling

2013 GMC TERRAIN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SMELLING EXHAUST IN VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS A CRACKED MANIFOLD AND REQUIRED A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. SIX MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SURGING WHILE SITTING IDLE AND STALLED OUT. THE TIMING CHAIN WAS REPLACED. THE CON…

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2013 GMC TERRAIN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SMELLING EXHAUST IN VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS A CRACKED MANIFOLD AND REQUIRED A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. SIX MONTHS LATER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SURGING WHILE SITTING IDLE AND STALLED OUT. THE TIMING CHAIN WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS.

NHTSA ODI #11450416

127,000 miles · Mar 15, 2019
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO 500 AUTOMOTIVE CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (1700 IN-163, CLINTON, IN 47842, (765) 832-2421) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO 500 AUTOMOTIVE CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (1700 IN-163, CLINTON, IN 47842, (765) 832-2421) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

NHTSA ODI #11187112

90,700 miles · Feb 19, 2019
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION HOLE IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS TOO SMALL AND NE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION HOLE IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS TOO SMALL AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO CALL NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,700. *BF CONSUMER STATED MANAGED TO RESTART THE MOTOR AND PULLED INTO PARKING LOT. I CHECKED THE CAR OVER AND FOUND OIL OM THE GROUND UNDER THE CAR AND A TRAIL OF OIL COMING INTO THE PARKING LOT. CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THESE VEHICLES HAVE THIS PROBLEM. 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

NHTSA ODI #11181083

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.