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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10250505Feb 7, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10250503Feb 7, 2024This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249037Jan 11, 2024This informational bulletin advises the tech to validate if oil is leaking into the cooling system and to test and verify were to leak is coming from before replacing all the…
- 10247524Dec 13, 2023This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of Coolant and/or Oil Leak, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminatedâ.
- 10247192Dec 8, 2023This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 10246483Nov 29, 2023This service bulletin provides diagnostic aid information/procedures to perform inspections to determine if the engine needs to be replaced as opposed to just internal parts for…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 2 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 6% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 7 | 2% |
| 2013 | 11 | 3% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 22 | 6% |
| 2010 | 10 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2013 GMC Terrain
198 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
54 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
44 complaintsOther or unknown
27 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsElectronic stability control
8 complaintsBrakes
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