2013 GMC Terrain

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 364 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 3 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

241 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000105,000 miles; the median is 77,550 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine175
000
Visibility/Wiper47
000
Air Bags19
10012
Power Train16
000
Electrical System14
010
Unknown or Other11
006
Steering11
000
Structure › Body10
000
Fuel/Propulsion System8
000
Exterior Lighting7
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights22V137000
Filed Mar 8, 2022740,581 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor16V582000
Filed Aug 4, 2016367,808 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Electrical System › Ignition16V502000
Filed Jul 5, 20168,367 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 22, 2026TX

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!!!

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 18, 2026177,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the metal base of the seatbelt of the driver side has become exposed. The contact stated area looks frayed and deteriorated. The contact stated that is coming apart and has affected the seatbelt function. The local dealer was not contacted about the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.

Engine
Filed Jan 7, 2026FL

The exhaust and emissions system appears to have failed or is malfunctioning, including the catalytic converter and potentially the exhaust manifold or upstream exhaust components. The engine and fuel/propulsion system are also affected, as evidenced by sputtering and drivability issues. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. Exhaust and/or fuel fumes enter the passenger cabin, particularly when the heater or air conditioning is operating. This creates a risk of exposure to harmful exhaust gases, including potential carbon monoxide, which poses a serious health and safety risk to vehicle occupants. The vehicle also sputters and hesitates, which could lead to unsafe driving conditions, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. Yes. The issue has been confirmed through diagnostic trouble codes indicating catalytic converter efficiency failure. Despite replacement of spark plugs and sensors, the problem continues to recur, indicating an underlying exhaust or emissions system defect rather than routine maintenance. The vehicle has been inspected by service professionals for diagnostic purposes. The manufacturer has not physically inspected the vehicle, and no inspections have been performed by police or insurance representatives to date. The check engine light illuminated prior to and during the issue. Additional symptoms included engine sputtering, loss of smooth acceleration, and a strong exhaust or fuel odor inside the cabin when the H

Engine
Filed Dec 12, 2025MN

Was driving my terrain and suddenly it started to shake and then check engine Light came on. Upon getting out I checked the dipstick and no oil was on dipstick. Start to put oil in and it's running out of the oil pan underneath the vehicle. Towed it home removed oil pan and engine parts laying shattered in bottom. Never got a low oil alert . Had codes misfire and knock sensor.

Engine
Filed Oct 21, 2025200,000 milesMS

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while coming to a complete stop or shifting into reverse, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was shifted into park(P) to regain motive power. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 17, 2025MS

My 2013 GMC Terrain suddenly began to jerk as I was heading to run an errand in town. I pulled my truck back in the drive way at [XXX] where it is parked now. I had a mechanic to come and tell me the engine will need to be replaced and an estimate of the cost to repair it. I could have been rear ended by another vehicle since this suddenly occurred with no prior warning which could result in my death. I have contacted GMC due to a recall on the engine. GMC is declining to honor my request repair my vehicle based on the estimate I provided. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 6, 202588,000 milesCA

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.

Power Train
Filed May 28, 2025172,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the transmission failed to shift as needed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stopped and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a transmission center, which determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a claim. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.

Engine
Filed Feb 16, 2025KS

Oil consumption rate was too high, roughly 2qts every 1500miles. Caused timing chain to break. Second time with the oil consumption. First fix under 100k mile warranty checked off as recall. It was done before a recall came out. Paying for timing chain to get fixed but recommended a new engine. Prefer GMC to replace engine since it's an ongoing issue. 307373 miles strong and now this.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 28, 2025VA

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.

Engine
Filed Dec 16, 2024113,000 milesWI

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that prior to the vehicle stalling, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that one quart of oil was being added every week. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who added engine oil and was conducting an oil consumption test. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 5, 2024FL

Vehicle emissions issue, catalytic converter and engine light. Vehicle is burning oil

Chest Clip, Buckle, HarnessCrash2 injured1 killed
Filed Nov 11, 2024IN

Vehicle involved in a significant head on crash. Child was restrained in the right rear in Cosco Easy Elite All in One forward facing car seat. The buckle positioned between the legs failed by ripping through the plastic base of the car seat. The plastic base was damaged and the buckle was no longer attached to the car seat. Child sustained fatal injuries from this crash.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 9, 2024IN

Vehicle started running rough when driven, mechanic found fuel pump putting fuel into oil. could have caught fire! pump replaced and trashed. check engine light was only warning other then rought running engine.

Engine
Filed Oct 4, 2024KS

Excessive oil consumption before first oil change due, bought vehicle used less then month before service due. Vehicle has 102,102 miles oil dipstick showed no oil on dipstick. Bought oil and filled to recommended level 2 days before 1st oil change. Made dealership aware and scheduled a appointment for oil consumption issue.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 8, 2024MO

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Several local dealers were contacted; however, the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 7, 2024PA

I hit a pot hole and a stabilitrack error popped up. Also reduced engine power I was miles from home and could have easily caused a major accident on the road.

Engine
Filed Jun 22, 2024IL

Excessive oil consumption, and had to change out timing belt at 50,000 miles

Engine
Filed Jun 22, 2024NC

The engine locked up due to oil leaking into it. This is a known issue with GM on these model cars but instead of issuing a recall they issued a special warranty that expired leaving consumers with these vehicles to be responsible for this repair which cost over $8,000.

Engine
Filed Jun 10, 2024153,514 milesCT

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact stated that there was compression failure in each cylinder, causing the timing belt to jump timing, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,514.

20 of 364 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2011
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202629120Routine
202513000Routine
202449110Routine
202338210Routine
202259200Routine
202135200Routine
2020195220Routine
2019183330Routine
2018220510Above average
2017133120Routine
2016152200Routine
2015297310Above average
2014296220Above average
2013 — this page364321Fatalities reported
2012364450Above average
2011386480Above average
2010290300Above average

Compare every Terrain year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 8, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.