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2013 GMC Terrain complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2013 record →

Engine
Filed Jan 4, 2023IL

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 an

Engine
Filed Jan 4, 2023IN

Vehicle stopped running due to timing chain issues at 106,000 miles. Dealer stated the 3.6L V6 is known to not last past 100k miles and they can't do anything. This needs to be a recall as it's a very prevalent problem.

Engine
Filed Dec 28, 2022OH

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.

Power Train
Filed Dec 12, 2022IL

A loud popping noise was coming from the middle to back of vehicle. Upon inspection by independent repair shop a hole in side of transfer casing was found. No warning lamps came on to indicate any problem even after noise was heard. Once problem was determined it was felt that if vehicle had not been taken out of operation when it was and continued to be driven that a possibility could exist of the transfer case gearing becoming bound up and causing loss of control of vehicle due to various wheels possibly binding or maybe locking up. Transfer case has been replaced.The transfer case was disassembled and found to have intermediate shaft bearing (if I have identified it correctly) completely destroyed causing shaft to come out of alignment and all attached gears to mesh incorrectly causing gear damage. In reviewing this site it was noticed that this problem has occurred three to four times over the past few years to other vehicles as well. It would appear that there may be an issue with the bearing associated with the intermediate shaft on the side of the transfer case where the hole in the case is found and could possibly be associated with something in either the design of the transfer case or quality of the bearing itself.

Power Train
Filed Dec 6, 2022TX

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.

Suspension
Filed Nov 29, 2022125,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the contact heard a sound coming from the rear of the vehicle and had the shocks replaced. While the vehicle was getting a routine oil change, the mechanic noticed that the vehicle was rusted, causing the rear suspension trailing arms to detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.

Engine
Filed Nov 15, 2022IL

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.

Engine
Filed Oct 30, 2022WI

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

Engine
Filed Oct 27, 2022IA

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?

Engine
Filed Oct 25, 2022MN

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.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 20, 2022VA

UNKNOWN

Engine
Filed Oct 13, 2022CA

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.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 4, 2022OK

The dealer can not get parts to fix this issue. It appears as a safety recall

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 23, 2022MO

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.

Engine
Filed Sep 20, 202280,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that shortly after having the engine oil changed, the oil percentage information indicated that the engine oil level was quickly decreasing. The contact stated that while checking the oil dip stick, it was discovered that there was very little oil in the oil pan. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who performed an oil consumption test. The result of the test was not yet available. Additionally, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 20, 2022WA

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.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 19, 2022FL

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 unavailable. The contact experienced a failure and was stopped by the police due to the glare from the headlights. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 22, 2022115,000 milesMS

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the dealer had previously performed an unknown repair for an exhaust leak; however, the failure recurred while starting the vehicle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a fuel odor was detected. The contact was concerned that her and her passenger had experienced carbon monoxide poisoning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who reset the fuel carbon sensor and replaced the fuel cap; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Aug 17, 2022FL

2013 GMC TERRAIN. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE RELATED TO HEADLAMPS SAFETY RECALL.

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Aug 9, 2022OH

The key can be removed from the ignition in P, R, N, D, and M after the vehicle has been shut off. The vehicle does not provide any warning that the vehicle is not in park prior to allowing you to remove the key. The vehicle does not indicate the vehicle is not in park after the key has been removed. You are not able to start the vehicle if the vehicle is in anything other than park. I contacted GMC to inquiry about this issue and was told my vehicle’s VIN is not included in the recall for this known issue.

Engine
Filed Aug 9, 2022OH

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, hard shutoff where the engine does not immediately shut off when the key is turned off and the entire engine shakes until it sounds like it stalls out. The vehicle also accelerates slowly with high RPMs, approximately 3500 RPMs before shifting gears. 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 also stalled out while driving with no warning lights or indicators. I called GMC on 8/9/22 to inquiry about these issues and was informed my VIN is not included in any recalls or special conditions related to these known issues.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 8, 2022IL

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

Engine
Filed Jun 30, 2022PA

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.

Power Train › Transfer Case (4-wheel Drive)
Filed Jun 2, 202277,768 milesNC

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.

Engine
Filed Jun 1, 2022OH

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.

Suspension
Filed May 24, 2022NC

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

Engine
Filed May 9, 2022138,000 milesWV

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.

Power Train
Filed May 7, 2022IN

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.

Engine
Filed May 2, 2022VA

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

Steering
Filed Mar 28, 2022NY

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.

Engine
Filed Mar 11, 2022MN

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!

Engine
Filed Mar 3, 202267,800 milesMN

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Feb 4, 2022MI

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.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 28, 2022IN

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.

Engine
Filed Jan 24, 2022MO

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 "

Engine
Filed Dec 27, 202189,000 milesMI

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.

Engine
Filed Dec 22, 2021KY

Oil consumption is high causing car to burn all oil out and car to make loud noises/stop running.

Engine
Filed Dec 1, 2021OH

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

Steering
Filed Nov 22, 2021MI

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.

Engine
Filed Oct 7, 2021NY

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.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 10, 2021GA

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

Engine
Filed Aug 14, 2021OH

We have a 2013 Terrain that was repaired for excessive oil consumption (N192291100). Since that time, the vehicle has been experiencing catalytic converter/O2 sensor issues (N192287100), however GM says our vehicle doesn’t qualify for the converter/O2 special coverage adjustment because it’s not an affected VIN. I don’t understand how it would have undergone the initial SCA repairs, but then the new SCA doesn’t apply to it? The new one is a direct result of the first. The customer service reps I spoke with at GM couldn’t answer this question or provide me a way to go up the chain to get an answer. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thank you.

Engine
Filed Aug 13, 2021NC

Excessive oil consumption. This is a known problem with this car...you all know it is and GM should issue a recall.

Visibility
Filed Aug 4, 2021HI

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number: 16V582000 (Visibility). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The part was available for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Engine
Filed Jul 27, 2021ID

Vehicle sputters on the highway sometimes shuts off at highway speed, when I turn my key off the car continues to run for 3-5 seconds. When I turn a corner vehicle sputters and tries to die sometimes does. When stopped at a stop sign vehicle will die. High pressure fuel pumps are known to do this and I have excess fuel in my oil.

Engine
Filed Jul 26, 2021MO

I’ve been having a issue with my oil consumption and display messages about servicing the stabilitrak and traction control. I could be driving and suddenly my engine power is reduced asking with these two messages. I received a letter from GMC about the excessive oil consumption due to degraded catalytic converter and/or oxygen sensor. The one oxygen sensor was replaced before I received the letter. The letter states I should get the oil consumption diagnosed. I’ve went 4 times now and the oil dipstick smells like gas but the dealership is saying the special coverage has expired. My letter says otherwise. Why send a letter about a possible issue and then not help to fix it?

Engine
Filed Jul 25, 2021NY

1. Engine burning oil, had to be replaced at 100,000 miles. In repair shop again, oil coming out of exhaust?? 2. Car would stall out while driving, try to accelerate at a red light, almost crashed a few times. Back window has been covered in oil from exhaust. Couldn't see. 3. Only used White Plains Buick/GMC for repairs. Car is there now. 4. NYS DMV is currently investigating 5. Check engine light just recently came on

Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
Filed Jul 24, 2021OK

On the car seat the latch does not come unlatched as soon as you press he red release button it in the font part of the car seat and the big red latch in the back of the car seat does not detach the car seat from the base of the car seat . My baby was chocking and I couldn’t get him out of the car seat ,I had to place my hands on my baby and flip the car seat over until the chocking stopped. And on the stroller the car seat doesn’t attach well and when it did it’s very hard to detach the car seat from stroller as in you would have to remove the baby from car seat just to remove the car seat from stroller.

Engine
Filed Jul 12, 202194,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shut-off without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed her that the variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid needed to be replaced. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Throttlebody/ManifoldCrash2 injured
Filed Jun 23, 2021170,000 milesAR

The contact owned a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while attempting to park in a parking lot at 5 mph, the vehicle independently accelerated. As a result, the vehicle ran into a pole. The air bags did deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained some bruising and swelling on her face and left arm and the passenger sustained a bruised knee. No medical attention was required. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under any recall. The contact was relating the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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