← New search

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
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…

Read full complaint

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 · 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…

Read full complaint

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

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…

Read full complaint

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

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 …

Read full complaint

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 …

Read full complaint

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 · Nov 22, 2021
SteeringUnknown Or OtherWheels

While driving, the traction control light turns on. Then the gauges all start fluctuation. The dash reads service park assist. Then service stabilitrak. It does not run properly. It shifts hard. I’ve had it to the dealership twice now. The issue is still not resolved and it’s going back next Monday. I feel it will again not be…

Read full complaint

While driving, the traction control light turns on. Then the gauges all start fluctuation. The dash reads service park assist. Then service stabilitrak. It does not run properly. It shifts hard. I’ve had it to the dealership twice now. The issue is still not resolved and it’s going back next Monday. I feel it will again not be resolved after reading multiple forums of others having the same issue after spending thousands of dollars. This is frightening and stressful to say the least. My car has less then sixty thousand miles on it. I should not be having this issue.

NHTSA ODI #11441264

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…

Read full complaint

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…

Read full complaint

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

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.