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Electrical systemPart report

2013 GMC Terrain Electrical system Problems

Complaints
22about this part
Share
6%of 365 total for the year
Median mileage
47,500miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 GMC Terrain, 6% of the 365 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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

“My car since day one steering wheels locks up constantly, the brakes do not stop you the worst is the engines battery which is located under the seat constantly says I have no power it will turn on several codes and the start idling the rpms go up like your press g the gas but you not then you stall you can be going 70 or 20 MPH and it will just stall with no warning. The steering wheel will and I lose traction in regular roads in perfect weather. …”

NHTSA complaint #11165320, filed 2019-01, 45,000 miles

“My A/C stopped working and my mechanic found the problem to be the circuit board in the fuse box under the hood. This box also controls many of the vehicles features. He had a very difficult time finding a new box. My total cost was $461.00.”

NHTSA complaint #11228365, filed 2019-06, 53,000 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11150747, filed 2018-11, 48,000 miles

“I have called GM on numerous occasions regarding my engine failing while driving. Stalling in the middle of busy intersections. They opened at least 7 cases involving this same situation and knowing my fear of getting killed when this vehicle just shuts off while driving or just turning a corner or waiting at a stop light!! My heater did not work, my radio will freeze up and is non functioning sometimes..I'm afraid to drive with my grandchildren. As I write this my engine light came on again after a $1,000 repair of the timing chain. …”

NHTSA complaint #11376089, filed 2020-11, 65,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026515%
2025431%
2024713%
2023717%
2022712%
2021719%
20202714%
20193921%
20183515%
201797%
201696%
20153110%
20143110%
2013226%
2012329%
2011298%
20104817%

Other parts of the 2013 GMC Terrain

Engine
198 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
54 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
44 complaints
Other or unknown
27 complaints
Fuel system
23 complaints
Air bags
19 complaints
Steering
15 complaints
Body and structure
14 complaints
Engine cooling
11 complaints
Exterior lighting
10 complaints
Electronic stability control
8 complaints
Brakes
7 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 GMC Terrain

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.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology