2013 GMC Terrain Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 44about this part
- Share
- 12%of 365 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,842miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 44 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 GMC Terrain, 12% of the 365 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,842 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The rear main seal on the engine blew out while driving due to the pcv system being faulty. My car died in the middle of a busy intersection without warning in 10 degree weather with negative 10 degree windchill, leaving my family and stranded without the ability to even get heat into the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11185117, filed 2019-03, 125,300 miles“The car has oil consumption issues which is causing it to stall. My car stalled while driving in traffic which could very easily cause a bad accident GM is aware of the issue but won't fix it. I am already on my second engine do to this excessive oil consumption.”
NHTSA complaint #11301724, filed 2020-01, 60,000 miles“I have to check and add oil to my 2013 Gmc Terrain every single time I get gas. This is a huge hazard, because when it is low, the oil light does not illuminate. I am worried for mine and my daughters safety that I will get stranded on the road.”
NHTSA complaint #11207571, filed 2019-05, 97,000 miles“On a cold 12 degree day on 1/19/2020 I was driving my 2013 Gmc Terrain on a busy state highway doing the speed limit of 55 MPH. Out of no where I began to smell the odor of burning oil and seen white smoke coming from the rear of my vehicle. As soon as I noticed it my car's gauges started coming on. The check engine light, a warning to for service stabilitrak , then the warning for engine power reduced . At the moment my car all the sudden shut off while driving down a major highway! …”
NHTSA complaint #11300673, filed 2020-01, 93,600 miles“08/17 check engine light came on, took vehicle to a mechanic, he plugged in the computer to assess the code which was p420 after assessing my Terrain he decide that there was not an issue with the converter and reset the computer, told me if the check engine light came on again to bring it back. For the past year I have noticed that I had to add 1 to 2 quarts of oil in between oil changes. I made a right turn and went to excelerate up a small incline and my dash went completely black and my vehicle shut off and started rolling backwards. …”
NHTSA complaint #11121138, filed 2018-08, 165,263 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.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 15% |
| 2025 | 4 | 31% |
| 2024 | 23 | 43% |
| 2023 | 8 | 20% |
| 2022 | 8 | 13% |
| 2021 | 8 | 22% |
| 2020 | 28 | 14% |
| 2019 | 53 | 28% |
| 2018 | 42 | 19% |
| 2017 | 24 | 18% |
| 2016 | 11 | 7% |
| 2015 | 21 | 7% |
| 2014 | 33 | 11% |
| 2013 | 44 | 12% |
| 2012 | 37 | 10% |
| 2011 | 76 | 20% |
| 2010 | 51 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2013 GMC Terrain
198 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
54 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 30, 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