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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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Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2023
EngineUnknown Or Other

I was driving my 2013 GMC Terrain to a friends house, I stopped at a stop light, when I picked up speed, the car stalled and wouldn't get up to speed. Eventually, it did pick up speed. I went to turn into her neighborhood and the same thing happened. Trying to get to the destination, I continued into the neighborhood. I stopped …

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I was driving my 2013 GMC Terrain to a friends house, I stopped at a stop light, when I picked up speed, the car stalled and wouldn't get up to speed. Eventually, it did pick up speed. I went to turn into her neighborhood and the same thing happened. Trying to get to the destination, I continued into the neighborhood. I stopped at a stop sign, and when I tried to accelerate, the car died. No indicator lights were engaged. I turned the car off and waited a minute or so and turned it back on. I got to her house, and charged my battery and drove home without issue. The next day, I went to have my battery checked and they alerted me to a horrible oil leak. I had the car towed to the dealership. The next day, the dealership told me that GMC would specifically have to look at the vehicle to diagnose. I had the car towed to my trusted mechanic and he told me the rear main oil seal blew out and found a service bulletin regarding this issue #14882. I made an appointment with the dealership only to find out that this isn't covered under the bulletin, because it expired in November of 2022, and it's not covered under my warranty. The warranty company stated, "if there isn't evidence of moisture in the PCV it would be covered, but since it's a known issue and a consistent problem with the vehicle, it's not covered." So, my only choice is to pay out of pocket for a defective part that will continue to break and cause the rear main oil seal to blow out of the car, potentially putting me and my 9 year old daughter at risk, because GMC isn't acknowledging this issue and recalling the faulty part that is the ROOT of the problem and has been widely reported. There is also a class action lawsuit that is currently open and ongoing (Case 2:22-cv-10785-MAG-JJCG) which is trying to hold GMC responsible for not recalling the part sooner - when they were made aware of it - putting thousands of consumers at risk. It's also fraudulent for this information to not be disclosed at point of sale.

NHTSA ODI #11500178

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2022
Engine

Was driving vehicle all of a sudden reduce low power engine mode. Sign came on and something about stabilization traction. Not sure exactly what vehicle stalled out will not restart. Also have used too much oil constantly putting oil in one to 2 quarts every two weeks or more.

NHTSA ODI #11499141

Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

While driving on the highway at speed limit 75mph, the vehicle (without warning ⚠️) suddenly went into (Reduced Power Engine Mode/ Service Stabilitrack) jerked and slowed down to 35mp almost causing a pile up as cars behind and next to me where still driving above 70mph. If not for my quick reaction to turn on emergency lights c…

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While driving on the highway at speed limit 75mph, the vehicle (without warning ⚠️) suddenly went into (Reduced Power Engine Mode/ Service Stabilitrack) jerked and slowed down to 35mp almost causing a pile up as cars behind and next to me where still driving above 70mph. If not for my quick reaction to turn on emergency lights cars behind me would have hit me. Immediately after I got off the highway I drove the car (at 35mph as fast as it went) to my nearest Pepboys. Here the vehicle was serviced for nearly a month until the problem was fixed. The cost was almost $6500 GMC has failed to notify customers if this potential issue which not only risks the lives of the drivers and passengers of the 2013 Terrain but those driving alongside it. This is not a new issue as I found the testimonies of many other GMC owners tell a similar dangerous experience. Please help! I have detailed invoices of the repairs.

NHTSA ODI #11496272

Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 2022
Engine

Timing chain broke, No check engine line! Please get a recall going on this motor! I've read hundreds of RECENT posted complaints about this. This is not the trust of an American made supplier. Do the right thing. Please.

NHTSA ODI #11493600

Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

I've been having same issues Occurring since I Signed my purchase agreement. The constant rattle at about 1500 RPM, The oil leaves At such a rapid rate That I have to monitor it every day As to make sure the level doesn't go too low. I've only had the vehicle since September 2022 and here it is Halloween 2022 and I'm down o…

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I've been having same issues Occurring since I Signed my purchase agreement. The constant rattle at about 1500 RPM, The oil leaves At such a rapid rate That I have to monitor it every day As to make sure the level doesn't go too low. I've only had the vehicle since September 2022 and here it is Halloween 2022 and I'm down over $2000 maintenance costs and maintenance costs trying to prevent catastrophic failure with the engine that I know is coming! OBDII code reads P0171

NHTSA ODI #11491488

Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2022
Engine

We purchased the car in September of 2021, had the oil changed about two months after we bought it, no mention of any issues. In January, half of dashboard lights and the digital speedometer went out. The check engine light came on. We took the car to a mechanic and there was no oil registering on the dipstick. They put several …

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We purchased the car in September of 2021, had the oil changed about two months after we bought it, no mention of any issues. In January, half of dashboard lights and the digital speedometer went out. The check engine light came on. We took the car to a mechanic and there was no oil registering on the dipstick. They put several quarts of oil in, the check engine light went off, and the dashboard lights/digital speedometer returned. If the engine had failed it could have caused a serious, possibly fatal accident with other vehicles. Upon research, GMC had issued a special coverage for excessive oil consumption. This appears to be the problem with our vehicle as we need to add oil at least once a week, and the car is not driven over 500 miles in a month. Because the special coverage expired even before we purchased the car, GMC will do nothing to honor the warranty. So what happens to all of the new GMC owners that are inheriting a serious problem they had no control over having remedied?

NHTSA ODI #11491135

Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

Vehicle burns excessive amounts of oil. I need to add oil almost every time I drive. This could result in catastrophic engine failure. GMC and Chevrolet know about this problem, but refuse to issue a recall for this engine.

NHTSA ODI #11490893

Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 2022
EngineExterior LightingVisibility/wiper

UNKNOWN

NHTSA ODI #11490150

Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2022
Engine

Excessive oil consumption, on average this vehicle is burning off 2 or more quarts of oil over approximately 1,000 miles. The vehicle is also hard idling, jerky and lunging forward at a stop. The entire engine shakes until it sounds like it stalls out. The Check engine light turns on and off when it has been over 2500 miles afte…

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Excessive oil consumption, on average this vehicle is burning off 2 or more quarts of oil over approximately 1,000 miles. The vehicle is also hard idling, jerky and lunging forward at a stop. The entire engine shakes until it sounds like it stalls out. The Check engine light turns on and off when it has been over 2500 miles after an oil change and when the gas gauge reads 1/4 of a tank or less. The diagnostic tool plug does not register anything; does not even turn the diagnostic tool on when plugged in. This vehicle has stalled while driving with no warning lights or indicators. I called GMC on 10/11/22 to inquiry about these issues the called me back on 10/12/22 and was told that they could not find a recall. I then mentioned the class action lawsuit and they said they found something. They then tried to tell me that recalls are ONLY VIN specific, which is a lie. I already got the recall notice but when I went to get it done they tried to tell me that I had to get services done with them for 6months before they would do the recall fix. And Now I have a car sitting in the shop that I can’t use because it needs a new engine.

NHTSA ODI #11489063

Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2022
Engine

My 2013 GMC Terrain is currently burning oil and requires an engine replacement. This is a known issue with this engine and needs to be addressed for those not notified of the class action lawsuit, or where GMC CLAIMS it is not impacted.

NHTSA ODI #11485457

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.