2013 GMC Terrain Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 4%of 365 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the steering of the 2013 GMC Terrain, 4% of the 365 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“While driving on the highway and bearing slight left, my vehicle lost power steering. I the message screen read, service power steering , and the center console interactive screen went completely black. This lasted no more than 3-5sec. Everything returned to normal and I was able to proceed without incident. No sign of anything leaking from under my vehicle as I inspected in later in the evening.”
NHTSA complaint #11000738, filed 2017-06, 397,557 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“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. I called Gmc and they acknowledge the problem exists (since 2015) but will not cover my year car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11363549, filed 2020-10, 67,000 miles“I had just purchased the 2013 Gmc Terrain denali and noticed that it has a bogging sensation in the steering at idle when turning. It feels like the steering is going to cut out - almost like not fully engaging the clutch on a manual transmission when the engine is about to die. Very noisy and annoying in the tight parking garage when you have to turn the steering at a standstill during idle. There is a ticking noise coming from under the dash that sounds like a construction worker jackhammering about 1 block away with the windows up. …”
NHTSA complaint #10662902, filed 2014-12, 32,400 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11017868Apr 11, 2025This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low…
- 11014577Feb 18, 2025This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on…
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10235561Apr 4, 2023This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 10233331Mar 8, 2023This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 9% |
| 2025 | 3 | 23% |
| 2024 | 2 | 4% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 3 | 2% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 7 | 3% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 4% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 2% |
| 2013 | 15 | 4% |
| 2012 | 7 | 2% |
| 2011 | 15 | 4% |
| 2010 | 12 | 4% |
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 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 28, 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