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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

364 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2022
Air Bags

My car is stating that I need to service my air bag.

NHTSA ODI #11478225

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

77,768 miles · Jun 2, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, a noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the transfer case needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The con…

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The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, a noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the transfer case needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The contact stated that the transfer case was previously replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 77,768.

NHTSA ODI #11467124

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

Mileage unknown · May 24, 2022
SuspensionUnknown Or Other

Water in spare tire component area stays there even when it rains and during car washes; also I replace the suspension and still hearing cracking noise as I make turns

NHTSA ODI #11465866

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 7, 2022
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainSteering

Hello, I have spent a lot of money on this mobile car and even so, it continues to cause problems and the oil runs out too quickly.

NHTSA ODI #11463744

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 28, 2022
Steering

Previously wrote to NHTSA and filed complaint about problem with steering rack. Steering Rack BECAME a safety issue as the steering would lock up intermittently and even while driving. Repair (complete replacement) cost nearly $2000 with diagnostic fee from dealer. I feel my year should be covered as other years are. Other issu…

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Previously wrote to NHTSA and filed complaint about problem with steering rack. Steering Rack BECAME a safety issue as the steering would lock up intermittently and even while driving. Repair (complete replacement) cost nearly $2000 with diagnostic fee from dealer. I feel my year should be covered as other years are. Other issues with GMC quality of parts, so I will probably not buy another GMC product. 2013 GMC Terrain SLE. GMC needs to address this issue and treat ALL customers fairly.

NHTSA ODI #11458619

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

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.