Owners have filed 485 complaints
about the 2013 GMC Terrain with NHTSA between 2013 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 17 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 95
Against the median year of the GMC Terrain. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 47
9.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 29
17% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
1043.5%
Automatic Emergency Braking
28.7%
Crankcase (Pcv)
28.7%
Transfer Case (4-WHEEL Drive)
28.7%
Hatchback/Liftgate
28.7%
Exhaust System
28.7%
Frame AND Members
28.7%
Oil/Lubrication
14.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
134.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
175.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
92.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
4614.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
7222.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
7323.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
7323.0%
150,000+ miles
154.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2013peak 16Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2013 GMC Terrain
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
22V137000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
16V582000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
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.
16V502000
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."
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201813715,611 units in Canada
Visual System
In certain vehicles, water may drain from the windshield cowl area onto the windshield wiper transmission link joints. Over time, this could result in corrosion and/or wear to the joint, which could result in the separation of the wiper link ball from its corresponding socket. If separation were to occur, the windshield wipers could become inoperative, which could limit the driver's visibility under certain operating conditions and increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will relocate drain holes in the windshield cowl and install a wiper module with revised joints. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2016-318 to include vehicles originally sold or registered in the province of British Columbia.
Recall 2016318141,407 units in Canada
Visual System
In certain vehicles registered and operated in areas where road salt is used on the roadways during winter months for extended time periods (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland-Labrador), water may drain from the windshield cowl area onto one of the windshield wiper transmission link joints. Over time, this could result in corrosion and/or wear to the joint, which could result in the separation of the wiper link ball from its corresponding socket. If separation were to occur, the windshield wipers could become inoperative, which could limit the driver’s visibility under certain operating conditions which may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will relocate drain holes in the windshield cowl and install a wiper module with revised joints.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Columbus, INCrash2 injured1 killed
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
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.
NHTSA complaint #11624467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesBlytheville, ARCrash2 injured
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11422003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11422003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesVictoria, VACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MILES PER HOUR ON A TWO-LANE COUNTRY ROAD, A DEER STRUCK MY VEHICLE. THE FRONT GRILLE, RADIATOR, AND FIBERGLASS WERE DAMAGED. A STRONG BURNING SMELL BECAME APPARENT AND A 'SERVICE AIRBAG' WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED, BUT THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #11406113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1 milesLaporte, IN1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I CAN NOT ROLL DOWN A BACK WINDOW DRIVING ABOVE 25 MPH WITHOUT AN EAR-PIERCING NOISE CREATED IN THE CABIN. IT HAS ALWAYS HAPPENED EVERY TIME THE BACK WINDOW IS OPENED WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE TO CLOSE THE WINDOWS EVERY TIME. IT HURTS OUR EARS AND IS VERY DISTRACTING. I HAVE SIX CARS AND NO OTHER MAKE THAT I HAVE DOES THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11402661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,771 milesHudson Falls, NY3 injured
SEATS
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
NHTSA complaint #11308401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Houston, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
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!!!
NHTSA complaint #11758788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,000 milesMulberry, FL
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11745090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zephyrhilla, FL
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11709455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zephyrhilla, FL
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11709455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zephyrhilla, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11709455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hutchinson, MN
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11704787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesForest, MS
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11694674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Batesville, MS
ENGINE
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)
NHTSA complaint #11687954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesFresno, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11678887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,000 milesVilla Rica, GA
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11663347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,000 milesVilla Rica, GA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11663347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrence, KS
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11643011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prince George, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11639124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesMukwonago, WI
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11630895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Margate, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle emissions issue, catalytic converter and engine light. Vehicle is burning oil
NHTSA complaint #11628963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, INCrash2 injured1 killed
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
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.
NHTSA complaint #11624467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Bend, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11624354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita, KS
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11618166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Independence, MO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11600248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Heidelberg, PA
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11599815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Heidelberg, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11599815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Heidelberg, PA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11599815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oak Lawn, IL
POWER TRAIN
Excessive oil consumption, and had to change out timing belt at 50,000 miles
NHTSA complaint #11595847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oak Lawn, IL
ENGINE
Excessive oil consumption, and had to change out timing belt at 50,000 miles
NHTSA complaint #11595847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
High Point, NC
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11595939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.