2013 GMC Terrain Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 GMC Terrain, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine20545.7%
- Visibility5412.0%
- Powertrain (other)429.4%
- Fuel system235.1%
- Electrical224.9%
- Airbags194.2%
- Driver assistance153.3%
- Steering143.1%
- Body & structure122.7%
- Exterior lighting102.2%
- Other / unspecified92.0%
- Brakes71.6%
- Suspension71.6%
- Interior & seats40.9%
- Tires & wheels30.7%
- Seat belts20.4%
- Heating & air conditioning10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 HVAC system is in use. These symptoms have recurred over time despite repairs.
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNKNOWN
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 HVAC system is in use. These symptoms have recurred over time despite repairs.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 HVAC system is in use. These symptoms have recurred over time despite repairs.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Sudden Excessive Oil Consumption, Engine Seized, Oil Pressure Alert Warning Failed to alert driver that the car was bone dry with no oil, and the Information Screen indicated that 25% Oil Life was Remaining, when the car was bone dry with no oil. FYI - GM paid for 50% on costs of a replaced repurposed engine. And yet there is/was no recall? They should have paid 100%
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My airbag indicator lit up and I was not involved in any accident or even a fender bender. After this the engine indicator lit up as well, I had to replace the battery, change spark plugs at the local Firestone. Now I have a problem with the theft indicator and the vehicle does not turn on. Several problems have come up since the airbag indicator lit up.
My car is stating that I need to service my air bag.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!
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
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
When driving in the rain going through puddles power steering will intermittently stop working.
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Diagnosis - rear floor boards and trunk well full of water. Diagnose and report - Founds traces of water running down rear pillars, starting just under the taillights. Remove rear taillights and found access hole tape failed, allowing water to enter vehicle.
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed there was extreme rust to the subframe and that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,388.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. While driving, at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. The lights were dim. The contact had to add additional oil every 7 days. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE ABS LIGHT IS ON AND SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE MY WIFE HAS BOUGHT HER CAR IN SEPT 2018 WHEN SHE HAD A WARENTY THE DEALER SOLD HER A CAR MADE HER SIGN PAPER WORK BEFORE SHE COULD EVEN TEST DRIVE VEHICLE KNOW WE HAVE A VEHICLE THAT DOESNT WORK PROPERLY TRACTION CONTROL IS OFF STABILITRACK IS ON DASH NOTIFICATION ALSO TIMING CHAIN IS BAD AND CRANKSHAFT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ACORDING TO DIAGNOSTIC CODE DEALERSHIP IN ALEXANDRIA MN LAKES AREA AUTO SALES ERIC GARDENER IS THE OWNER WHICH REFUSES TO FIX OR GIVE US DIFERENT CAR MY FAMILY HAS 5 DISABLED PEOPLE THAT WE NEED TO TRANSPORT AND KNOW CANT BECAUSE OF THE DEALERSHIP SELLING US A CAR THATS NOT RELIABLE
CRASH CONTROL KEEPS BRAKING FOR A CRASH WHEN THERE IS NOTHING IN FRONT OF. HAD THE BRAKES REPLACED SO I KNOW IT IS NOT THAT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE TWO WEEKS LATER I DEVELOPED A VERY SERIOUS SKIN RASH ON MY FACE AND NECK AND SEVERE HEALTH ISSUES CAUSING ME TO HAVE CARDIAC ARREST SYMPTOMS IN AND OUT OF THE HOSPITAL FOR THE PAST 11 MONTHS MY DAUGHTER HAS BEEN IN THE HOSPITAL AND MY DOG IS ALSO DYING FROM THE SAME SYMPTOMS. MY SITUATION IS LIFE OR DEATH AT THIS MOMENT AND MY CONDITION IS UNKNOWN AND I'M NOT SURE IF I WILL SURVIVE
I REMOTE STARTED MY CAR AND WHEN I GOT NEAR MY CAR I COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING AND I OPENED THE DOOR AND SAW SMOKE COMING UP THROUGH THE DRIVERS SEAT. BURNED A HOLE ABOUT THE SIZE OF A DIME.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE WAS SO LOUD THAT THE CONTACT COULD NOT CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND HAD IT TOWED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE TRANSFER CASE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I WAS REAR ENDED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A STOP. THE IMPACT PUSHED ME INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY SEAT BELTS LOCKED AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT DEPLOYED. BUT THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY (JUST THE LIGHT). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE WHITE PARTICLES EMITTING FROM THE AIR CONDITION VENTS WHILE THE UNIT WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT STATED DEVELOPED A SKIN RASH AND A BURNING SENSATION IN HER LUNGS. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT EVEN WHEN THE AIR CONDITION UNIT WAS NOT ACTIVATED, WHITE PARTICLES EMITTED FROM THE AIR VENTS LOCATED BY THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT WENT TO A DOCTOR WHERE EROSION IN HER LUNGS, PNEUMONIA, AND AN INFECTION ON HER FACE WERE DISCOVERED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HER DAUGHTER HAD RECENTLY STARTED TO COUGH UP BLACK AND RED MUCUS. SHE HAD NOT TAKEN THE CHILD TO A DOCTOR TO BE TREATED. THE CONTACT HAD AN AIR QUALITY TEST PERFORMED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE RESULTS CAME BACK POSITIVE BUT WAS YET TO RECEIVE THE ACTUAL RESULTS AS TO THE CAUSE OF THE POSITIVE RESULTS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN TO THE DEALER REGARDING THE MATTER. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE MATTER AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,660.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .