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Engine coolingPart report

2013 GMC Terrain Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
11about this part
Share
3%of 365 total for the year
Median mileage
102,850miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2013 GMC Terrain, 3% of the 365 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 102,850 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

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

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11573190, filed 2024-02, 55,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming 1 to 3 quarts of oil for every few miles. The contact stated that the cross member was covered in oil. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the timing chain had jumped and there was no compression in the engine. The contact was informed that the rod bearings were damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11540014, filed 2023-08, 143,000 miles

“2013 Gmc Terrain. Consumer writes in regards to smelling exhaust in vehicle. The consumer stated the dealer advised there was a cracked manifold and required a new catalytic converter. The vehicle was repaired. Six months later, the vehicle began surging while sitting idle and stalled out. The timing chain was replaced. The consumer requested to be reimbursed for the cost of repairs.”

NHTSA complaint #11450416, filed 2022-02

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11678887, filed 2025-08, 88,000 miles

“The contact's mother owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while she was driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam shaft sensor and timing chain needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer found that the oil level was very low level after having had an oil change the same day. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. …”

NHTSA complaint #11507250, filed 2023-02, 129,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202312%
202223%
202126%
202032%
201810%
201721%
201541%
201472%
2013113%
201251%
2011226%
2010103%

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
Electrical system
22 complaints
Air bags
19 complaints
Steering
15 complaints
Body and structure
14 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