KnownCarProblems2013 GMC Terrain Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 364 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 GMC Terrain, most often about the engine (56% of complaints, typically around 91,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Terrain model year since 2000 and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2013 GMC Terrain problems
Engine
205 complaints · 56%Half of these problems showed up before 91,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, engine.
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where they stated that they were aware of the failure. The technician stated that the positive crankcase ventilation hole in the intake manifold was too small…
I was driving when my car started making a noise and vibration. I drove it 3 miles as the vibration and noise was getting worse to the dealership.according to the dealership the engine pcv valve became clogged with sledge or ice and pushed the oil out the rear seal of the engine causing failure. In addition the ECM…
Visibility and wipers
54 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 59,000 miles. Parts named most often: windshield wiper/washer, defroster/defogger/hvac system.
The wiper transmission disengaged from the wiper motor causing the wipers to not function. This happened while driving in a rain storm causing loss of visibility.
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v582000 (visibility); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While driving in the rain and using the…
Transmission
44 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 95,000 miles. Parts named most often: transfer case (4-wheel drive).
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. While driving 35 MPH, the gear shifted from drive to neutral without warning. The key was unable to be removed from the ignition because it failed to register when the gear was shifted to park. The vehicle was taken to victory chevrolet (717 rhyne rd, charlotte, nc 28214 ([phone])…
GMC 2013 Terrain. Faulty engine make. Causing excessive oil consumption. Never alerted by any warning lights. Safety concern of engine possibly dying at any moment. GMC not willing to cover repair costs, even though there was a settlement reached, and they admitted over 40,000 customers not notified of engine issue.…
Other or unspecified
25 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 68,000 miles.
Our Terrain started knocking right before it's due for an oil change. We checked it and it had no oil. The dealership has brushed it away and stated that it's not leaking but could be burning the oil. It wasn't until we talked to a mechanic that we were told that certain GMC vehicles burning oil and that it is…
I have had my 2013 GMC Terrain for 3 years and it has problems with the oil consumption, starting, traction light comes on by itself and truck cuts off without warning. This started several weeks ago. Oil, it consumes large amounts of oil between the oil changes. I check the digital oil displays, that show how much…
Fuel system
23 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 40,500 miles. Parts named most often: fuel injection system.
We live in california and the carb fuel pump nozzles are cumbersome beasts. But the nozzle pops out of the fuel filler when placed on auto-fill at 4 out of 5 gas stations. It's dangerous when it pops out and falls on the ground sometimes pumping gas all over. I took the Terrain to the dealer and of cource they can't…
Less than a month ago, while driving on interstate 95 in the left lane during rush hour the engine blew on a 2 year old GMC Terrain. How this is at all possible I have no clue, but luckily enough I was able to safely coast over to the right shoulder and await for a tow truck. Below is the background information, as…
Electrical
22 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 47,500 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel, ignition.
I bought the vechile in feb. 2016 ran fine. In june of 2016. The vechile started acting like it had water in the gas hesitateing stalling and the radio and touch screen don't work took it to a dealer and he said had ater in fuel put I a new senors. But still doing the same thing stalling when coming to stop signs…
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. While driving, the instrument panel darkened without warning. The failure was experienced numerous times. When the vehicle was restarted, the instrument panel lighting returned to normal. The contact also stated that the defrost system failed to clear the windshield when driving in…
Air bags
19 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 45,000 miles.
The contact owned a 2013 GMC Terrain. While driving 10 MPH, the vehicle reversed on its own and crashed into a tree. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a body shop. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure…
Takata recall. We were in an accident on 05/12/2017 where someone hit US head on at 50 MPH. We were taken to the hospital, and later discovered the takata air bag failed to deploy. The vehicle was a total loss, with the front end crashed in, frame was bent, and the battery was split in half from the speed of the…
Steering
14 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles.
When driving the power steering will fail and lock up with out warning. You can turn the vehicle off. The computer resets and everything is normal only to fail immediately. This has happened at under 60,000 miles. Previous model years this was a recall. I believe I have a faulty part from the previous recall years.…
When steering wheel turned hard to either side, 'service power steering' light comes on. My repair shop tried twice (first in april, then again in september) to reprogram computer. Took to GMC dealer. I had asked if there was secret warranty or bulletin on problem and they said yes, but I needed to pay $150 for…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2013 GMC Terrain recalls
Lights: headlights
Risk: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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."
Visibility and wipers: motor
Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: ignition
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in park, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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."
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2013 GMC Terrain
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 GMC Terrain?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (205 complaints, typically around 91,000 miles); visibility and wipers (54 complaints, typically around 59,000 miles); transmission (44 complaints, typically around 95,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2013 GMC Terrain have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 8, 2022 (lights). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2013 a bad year for the GMC Terrain?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Terrain model year since 2000, with 364 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.