2013 GMC Terrain Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 198about this part
- Share
- 54%of 365 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 198 complaints about the engine of the 2013 GMC Terrain, 54% of the 365 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 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 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“My vehicle is using oil. I am adding 4-6 quarts between oil changes. It is not leaking out anywhere. I have taken it to the shop multiple times and they cannot find a leak. Sometimes the engine feels like it shakes when I crank the vehicle or when I shut the engine if. There seems to also be less power.”
NHTSA complaint #11398812, filed 2021-03, 160,000 miles“Driving on a city street when the vehicle oil light came on, then it proceeded to tell me to turn off the vehicle, which I did and turn it back on. The engine revved up and started to spurt until I made it home. Later found out that the issue I was having was part of recall 14882, but my VIN is not included on the list to be repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #11190583, filed 2019-03, 78,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11017263Mar 25, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This 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…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 2 | 15% |
| 2024 | 11 | 21% |
| 2023 | 15 | 37% |
| 2022 | 10 | 17% |
| 2021 | 10 | 28% |
| 2020 | 58 | 29% |
| 2019 | 70 | 37% |
| 2018 | 55 | 24% |
| 2017 | 79 | 59% |
| 2016 | 46 | 30% |
| 2015 | 81 | 27% |
| 2014 | 123 | 41% |
| 2013 | 198 | 54% |
| 2012 | 169 | 46% |
| 2011 | 178 | 46% |
| 2010 | 107 | 37% |
Other parts of the 2013 GMC Terrain
54 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
44 complaintsOther or unknown
27 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsEngine cooling
11 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