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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

Structure complaints

13 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2026
Structure

The paint on top of these kind of vehicles is peeling off tremendously, I've seen several vehicles like the same model& make in my neighborhood that have the same issues like mine with the paint coming off from the top of the vehicle. It's so badd to where it's corroding from the paint coming off!!!

NHTSA ODI #11758788

Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2024
Structure

Diagnosis - rear floor boards and trunk well full of water. Diagnose and report - Founds traces of water running down rear pillars, starting just under the taillights. Remove rear taillights and found access hole tape failed, allowing water to enter vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11570646

141,388 miles · Sep 26, 2023
Structure

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed there was extreme rust to the subframe and that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehic…

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The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed there was extreme rust to the subframe and that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,388.

NHTSA ODI #11546611

91,276 miles · Jan 10, 2023
Structure

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to be inspected however, the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be inspected due to the frame, rocker panel, rear bumper support, and the e-brake cable mounting bracket being extremely corroded. The contact was informed that the parts…

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The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to be inspected however, the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be inspected due to the frame, rocker panel, rear bumper support, and the e-brake cable mounting bracket being extremely corroded. The contact was informed that the parts needed to be replaced before the inspection was completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,276.

NHTSA ODI #11501014

Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2022
Structure

The hydraulics that are intended to hold up the rear lift gate have failed. After opening the lift gate and leaning in to get something out of the rear of the car, the lift gate will begin to close and hit or hurt the person that is standing at the back of the car. I have not shown this to a dealer or independent service provi…

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The hydraulics that are intended to hold up the rear lift gate have failed. After opening the lift gate and leaning in to get something out of the rear of the car, the lift gate will begin to close and hit or hurt the person that is standing at the back of the car. I have not shown this to a dealer or independent service provider, but it is easily reproducible. Likewise, I have not shown this to a manufacturer, the police, or an insurance representative. There were no warning lamps regarding this issue. The problem just started happening approximately 12 months ago.

NHTSA ODI #11486071

48,000 miles · Nov 10, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineStructure

I BOUGHT THE VECHILE IN FEB. 2016 RAN FINE. IN JUNE OF 2016. THE VECHILE STARTED ACTING LIKE IT HAD WATER IN THE GAS HESITATEING STALLING AND THE RADIO AND TOUCH SCREEN DON'T WORK TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND HE SAID HAD ATER IN FUEL PUT I A NEW SENORS. BUT STILL DOING THE SAME THING STALLING WHEN COMING TO STOP SIGNS HESITATES NOT G…

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I BOUGHT THE VECHILE IN FEB. 2016 RAN FINE. IN JUNE OF 2016. THE VECHILE STARTED ACTING LIKE IT HAD WATER IN THE GAS HESITATEING STALLING AND THE RADIO AND TOUCH SCREEN DON'T WORK TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND HE SAID HAD ATER IN FUEL PUT I A NEW SENORS. BUT STILL DOING THE SAME THING STALLING WHEN COMING TO STOP SIGNS HESITATES NOT GOING INTO TO GEAR TOOK IT TO GM DEALER IN NEW RICHMOND AND THEY HOOK UP TO A COMPUTER SAID NOTHING WRONG WHEN VECHILE DOSE IT AGAIN BRING IT IN DON'T TURN IT OFF THATS HARD TO DO BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO START IT UP AGAIN TO DRIVE IT THEIR KNOW TODAY THE RADIO IS OFF AND TOUCHSCREEN DON'T COME ON I AM JUST SCARED BECAUSE WE TAKE OUR SON TO ROCHESTER THREE DAYS A WEEK FOR THERPY HELP

NHTSA ODI #11150747

86,000 miles · Oct 6, 2017
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC TERRAIN. WHEN THE LIFTGATE WAS OPENED REMOTELY, IT WOULD OPEN AND THEN CLOSE UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY TIME FOR APPROXIMATELY FOUR MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROX…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC TERRAIN. WHEN THE LIFTGATE WAS OPENED REMOTELY, IT WOULD OPEN AND THEN CLOSE UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY TIME FOR APPROXIMATELY FOUR MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

NHTSA ODI #11032005

148,000 miles · Mar 16, 2017
Structure

TAILGATE DOES NOT STAY OPEN. SLOWLY CLOSES. STARTED HAPPENING 3/1/2017. HAPPENS WHENEVER I OPEN REAR TAILGATE FOR ACCESS.

NHTSA ODI #10966316

78,000 miles · Feb 28, 2017
Structure

THE BACK HATCH OF MY 2013 GMC TERRAIN HAS PERFORATING CORROSION AND THE DEALERSHIP (WHITE'S MOUNTAIN, CASPER, WY) WON'T REPAIR IT AND NEITHER WILL GENERAL MOTORS DESPITE IT STILL BEING UNDER WARRANTY

NHTSA ODI #10957651

30 miles · Mar 3, 2016
Structure

STARTED RIGHT AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN JAN 2013 AND CONTINUES EVERY WINTER. WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE FALLS BELOW 40 DEGREE'S THE VEHICLE WINDSHIELD MAKES A CRACKING SOUND. I LIKE TO REFER TO IT AS MAKING "POPCORN" SAME SOUND. CONTINUES WHILE DRIVING UNTIL I HEAT UP CAR. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO DEALER ATTENTION EVEN HAD I…

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STARTED RIGHT AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN JAN 2013 AND CONTINUES EVERY WINTER. WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE FALLS BELOW 40 DEGREE'S THE VEHICLE WINDSHIELD MAKES A CRACKING SOUND. I LIKE TO REFER TO IT AS MAKING "POPCORN" SAME SOUND. CONTINUES WHILE DRIVING UNTIL I HEAT UP CAR. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO DEALER ATTENTION EVEN HAD IT IN SERVICE DEPARTMENT BUT THEY ARE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE SOUND. I HAVE VIDEO AND SENT TO GMC.

NHTSA ODI #10839643

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.