2013 GMC Terrain Problems
Compared with other GMC Terrain years
Typical for this model
52/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical GMC Terrain year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 34 of its 365 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported problem: Excessive oil consumption and engine failure (150 complaints, median 90,695 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2016
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 365filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 77,550miles, 241 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 26 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 31 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 GMC Terrain (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2013 GMC Terrain most often write about engine oil problems: the 2.4L four-cylinder uses oil between changes, and in many complaints owners say they were never warned before the engine stalled or failed. Additional, less frequent themes include oil pressure loss after the PCV system freezes in cold weather, transmission and steering symptoms, and noisy or failed windshield wipers. Mileage across the sample ranges widely, from under 50,000 to well past 150,000 miles.
- Engine
Excessive oil consumption and engine failure
- 150 complaints (41%)
- median 90,695 mi at 6.5 yrs old (102 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,000 (median of 31 quotes)
- filed 2015–2025
Owners describe adding a quart or more of oil between changes, sometimes several quarts, with no visible leak and no low-oil warning before the vehicle stalled or the engine was found to need replacement. Complaints mention knocking, rattling or shaking, reduced power, and dealers either confirming heavy oil use or recommending a new engine. In several cases owners say they were told a special coverage or bulletin did not apply to their vehicle. Reported from roughly 39,000 miles upward, with many complaints in the 60,000-100,000 mile range and some past 150,000 miles.
What to check: Check the oil level on the dipstick before and after a test drive, and ask for service records showing how often oil was added between changes. A pre-purchase inspection that looks for low compression or a misfire is worth the cost.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My Terrain is using motor oil excessively. After an oil change, I can drive 1000 miles then I start hearing a knocking noise on startup. I have to add motor oil at every fuel fill till my next oil change sometimes one quart and sometimes two or more. I have no leaks. The engine compartment is clean and dry and nothing is wet under the car ever.”
NHTSA complaint #11407033, filed 2021-04, 140,000 miles“The car consumes oil so much you will stall out due to sensors pressure defect with the exhaust. I have spent so much money trying to fix, keep oil in it. It's not safe. It takes a full quart now every 500 to 700 miles and my car has 116k. It's been doing this for the 2 years I bought it. The stalling out with check engine indicates camshaft sensor but your just low on oil”
NHTSA complaint #11322242, filed 2020-04, 7 miles - Engine
Oil leak from rear main seal after PCV freeze
- 69 complaints (19%)
- median 88,968 mi at 6.3 yrs old (55 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $2,032 (median of 22 quotes)
- filed 2013–2024
Owners report oil pouring out from under the vehicle, often in cold weather, sometimes with a 'low oil pressure stop engine' message. According to complaints, dealers attributed the leak to a frozen or plugged PCV system that built pressure and pushed out the rear main seal, and owners frequently say they were told a special coverage or bulletin for this condition did not cover their vehicle. Several describe the seal being replaced and the PCV cleaned, with some also reporting a cracked exhaust manifold. Complaints cluster around temperatures below freezing, appearing from about 60,000 miles onward.
What to check: Look for oil residue around the rear of the engine and the underside, and ask whether the PCV system or rear main seal has been serviced. In cold climates, ask specifically about the cold-weather PCV special coverage for this engine.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2013 Terrain started shaking while my 16 year old daughter was driving it on the highway. She brought it home and parked it. Then it started leaking oil. On 2/15/21, we had the Terrain towed to the local GM dealership. Service manager, fred, said the rear main seal blew out caused from too much pressure due to frozen/plugged pcv. Gm service bulletin 14882 describes this issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11397101, filed 2021-02, 2 miles“Driving my 2013 Gmc terrein (2.4l) it was about 20 degrees out, a warning light came on that oil pressure is low stop engine immediately. I pulled over at a gas station and as got out of the car I could see a oil spilling from below the engine. I had it towed to my mechanic and he said it had a a rear crankshaft seal oil leak. I had received an extended warranty bulletin 14882 which Gmc recognize the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11385564, filed 2020-12, 10 miles - Engine
Stalling or loss of power while driving
- 97 complaints (27%)
- median 92,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (78 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,000 (median of 15 quotes)
- filed 2014–2025
Complaints describe the vehicle shutting off at speed, at stops, or when shifting into reverse, sometimes with the check engine light and a 'service stabilitrak / engine power reduced' message. Owners report the car restarted in some cases and would not restart in others, and dealers variously diagnosed low oil, timing chain or compression problems, or recommended engine replacement. Several owners describe the shutdown happening without any warning beforehand. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 39,000 to over 200,000 miles.
Recall 16V5020003 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether the vehicle has ever stalled or lost power, and check that the ignition-related recall work was completed. Have a mechanic scan for stored codes and check the condition of the timing chain and oil level.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I had complete engine failure because of the timing chain breaking twice for this issue. It has stranded me and hundreds of others on the side of the road while driving. There is a facebook page for it and hundreds of people say the same thing and how dangerous this is. Theres no warning, just dies on the road.”
NHTSA complaint #11373834, filed 2020-11, 113,000 miles“Showed stability track. I was driving on the highway when it showed service stability trak then engine power reduced. It took my speed from a 65 to 35 in an instant causing me to almost crash. Then the car started to jerk as I tried to drive to find somewhere safe.”
NHTSA complaint #11297053, filed 2020-01, 125,000 miles - Steering
Power steering assist cuts out
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report a 'service power steering' message and heavy steering or a locked steering wheel while driving, sometimes returning to normal after the vehicle is shut off and restarted. Complaints describe repair shops reprogramming the steering control module and, in one case, an attempted special coverage repair that did not resolve the condition, with owners noting similar coverage applied to earlier model years. Mostly reported under 70,000 miles, with some at higher mileage.
What to check: Ask whether the power steering assist has ever dropped out and whether any software reprogramming was done. During a test drive, make slow full-lock turns in both directions and watch for a warning message.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. Not safe to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #11415043, filed 2021-05, 60,000 miles“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 diagnostic. They tried unsuccessfully to perform 'special coverage 14232a' but as stated on invoice ' problem still exists', . They do cover 2010-2012 models but I have the 2013. …”
NHTSA complaint #11363549, filed 2020-10, 67,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield wipers stop working
- 55 complaints (15%)
- median 56,199 mi at 4.2 yrs old (40 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2026
This model year is covered by a recall for windshield wiper modules in which corroded ball joints can cause one or both wipers to stop working; as of yet no sample complaints yet describe it. Some owners also report headlight and lighting concerns such as a bad bulb connector and dimming lights, which are grouped under visibility and lighting. The wiper condition develops over time with age and exposure; lighting complaints in the sample appear from about 47,000 miles.
Recall 16V582000Recall 22V137000
What to check: Confirm the wiper motor recall and headlight housing recall were performed, and test both wipers on high speed and check that the headlights aim correctly.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have had the passenger side headlight replaced by the dealer two times. It has been shorting out and come to find out the plug that the bulb connects to has been broken and no one fixed the issue. Also I had my front axle's having issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11373930, filed 2020-11, 47,000 miles“Intermittent electrical problems while driving or stopped 1. When the car is running radio controls do not work. Cannot turn off, adjust volume or change station. 2. If the radio is turned off when you start the car, sometimes you cannot turn it on. 3. Control panel below radio is not illuminated at times. 4. Seat heater light on control panel did not turn on when button was pressed. Couldn't turn seat heater off 4. Tire pressure diagram is incorrect. Shows the wrong underinflated tire. 5. …”
NHTSA complaint #11299506, filed 2020-01, 44,122 miles
Buying note. The main thing to establish on this model year is how the engine has been maintained: check oil level and service records, and ask about oil use between changes and any prior engine or seal work. Also confirm the wiper and headlight recalls were completed and test the steering and transmission on a longer drive.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 365 consumer complaints for the 2013 GMC Terrain. 241 of the complaints include a mileage, and 25% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 77,550 miles. Of all complaints, 14 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 25 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1,936 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 GMC Terrain model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 52 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine198 54%
- Other or unknown27 7.4%
- Fuel system23 6.3%
- Electrical system22 6.0%
- Air bags19 5.2%
- Steering15 4.1%
- Body and structure14 3.8%
- Engine cooling11 3.0%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (10), Electronic stability control (8), Brakes (7), Suspension (7), Wheels (6), Vehicle speed control (5), Seats (4), Equipment (3), Forward collision avoidance (2), Seat belts (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Lane departure (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “The engine in my 2013 Gmc Terrain burns excessive amounts of oil. I'm constantly adding oil the the engine. Apparently the 'new' engine that was used in this vehicle is not working correctly. I don't have warrant left and I'm going to be stuck with a blown engine that is clearly the manufacturers error. I will never or will my family ever purchase another Gmc vehicle. Pure junk!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11413977, filed 2021-04, 95,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “This is a life threatening situation. At night the top 3/4 of my windshield goes dark. I cannot see oncoming cars, road lanes, or side lines. This is like driving through overly tinted windows....when turning on unlit roads cannot see a thing. I cannot drive this car after dark..prisoner of the clock. My dealer tells me this is his fifth complaint re this matter. Help!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10597337, filed 2014-06, 500 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “The rear main seal on the engine blew out while driving due to the pcv system being faulty. My car died in the middle of a busy intersection without warning in 10 degree weather with negative 10 degree windchill, leaving my family and stranded without the ability to even get heat into the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11185117, filed 2019-03, 125,300 milesOther or unknown: “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, filed 2021-03, 1 milesMileage when problems were reported
25% of the 241 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 50,000 and 102,110 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 GMC Terrain. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrain · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.4% risk |
| Terrain · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2013 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating; 2014: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2013 GMC Terrain version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrain AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Terrain AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Terrain FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Terrain FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Terrain AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Terrain AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Terrain FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Terrain FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 22V137000Mar 8, 2022Exterior lighting › HeadlightsCovers: GMC Terrain 2010–2017
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…
- 16V582000Aug 4, 2016Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › MotorCovers: GMC Terrain 2013, Chevrolet Equinox 2013
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…
- 16V502000Jul 5, 2016Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: GMC Terrain 2011–2013, Chevrolet Cruze 2011–2016, Equinox 2010–2013 +4 more
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…
Recall details for the 2013 GMC Terrain → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,936 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11032947May 19, 2026Other or unknown. This document provides the technician with a diagnostic tip if the vehicle stalls and set diagnostic trouble code P0191 and may also set P0172. The diagnostic tip has the technician inspect the high…
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Other model years of the GMC Terrain
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 33 | 3,000 | 1 | — | 27 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 13 | 1,126 | 0 | — | 27 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 53 | 8,383 | 1 | 5 | 26 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 41 | 25,500 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 11 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 60 | 49,000 | 2 | 5 | 27 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 36 | 57,422 | 2 | 5 | 27 | 2 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 197 | 47,734 | 2 | 5 | 27 | 58 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 187 | 19,500 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 69 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 226 | 18,750 | 5 | 4–5 | 28 | 87 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 135 | 48,850 | 1 | 4 | 25 | 9 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 153 | 51,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 19 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2015 | 299 | 65,000 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 297 | 79,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 365 | 77,550 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 364 | 81,320 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 58 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 386 | 79,000 | 4 | 4 | 20 | 83 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 290 | 73,925 | 3 | — | 26 | 59 · Typical | Falling |
All GMC Terrain model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 GMC Terrain?
Owners of the 2013 GMC Terrain most often write about engine oil problems: the 2.4L four-cylinder uses oil between changes, and in many complaints owners say they were never warned before the engine stalled or failed. The issues reported most often: Excessive oil consumption and engine failure; Oil leak from rear main seal after PCV freeze; Stalling or loss of power while driving.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 GMC Terrain have?
NHTSA recorded 365 consumer complaints for the 2013 GMC Terrain as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 GMC Terrain is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 198 complaints (54% of the total), followed by visibility with 54.
Has the 2013 GMC Terrain been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2013 GMC Terrain do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2013 GMC Terrain 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2013 GMC Terrain get?
The EPA rates the 2013 GMC Terrain (Terrain FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 22 city and 31 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 GMC Terrain reported?
Among the 241 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 77,550 miles and the middle half falls between 50,000 and 102,110 miles; 25% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.