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2013 GMC Terrain problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2013 GMC Terrain has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 3safety recalls
- 369owner complaints
- 14crash reports
- 2fire reports
- 25injuries reported
369 complaints, against an average of 153 for the other 14 GMC Terrain model years.
Every GMC Terrain model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2013 GMC Terrain?
The components named most often in the 369 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2013 GMC Terrain owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 369 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why is my 2013 GMC Terrain burning or losing oil?84 owners · 22.8%
- Why does my 2013 GMC Terrain stall, lose power or shut off while driving?52 owners · 14.1%
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2013 GMC Terrain engine?40 owners · 10.8%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 GMC Terrain?34 owners · 9.2%
- Has the 2013 GMC Terrain had engine failures?34 owners · 9.2%
- Why do the windshield wipers stop working on my 2013 GMC Terrain?27 owners · 7.3% · Recall 16V582000
- Why does my 2013 GMC Terrain idle rough, misfire or hesitate?19 owners · 5.1%
- Why does my 2013 GMC Terrain smell of burning or smoke?18 owners · 4.9%
Has the 2013 GMC Terrain been recalled?
3 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Exterior Lighting: Headlights General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.
Visibility: Windshield Wiper/Washer: Motor General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode and wear over time, possibly resulting in one or both of the windshield wipers becoming inoperative.
Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, dealers will repair the AIP-hole, inspect and, if necessary, replace the front wiper module, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 25302.
Electrical System: Ignition General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
What do 2013 GMC Terrain owners report?
12 of the 369 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The paint on top of these kind of vehicles is peeling off tremendously, I've seen several vehicles like the same model& make in my neighborhood that have the same issues like mine with the paint coming off from the top of the vehicle. It's so badd to where it's corroding from the paint coming off!!!
The exhaust and emissions system appears to have failed or is malfunctioning, including the catalytic converter and potentially the exhaust manifold or upstream exhaust components. The engine and fuel/propulsion system are also affected, as evidenced by sputtering and drivability issues. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. Exhaust and/or fuel fumes enter the passenger cabin, particularly when the heater or air conditioning is operating. This creates a risk of exposure to harmful exhaust gases, including potential carbon monoxide, which poses a serious…
Was driving my terrain and suddenly it started to shake and then check engine Light came on. Upon getting out I checked the dipstick and no oil was on dipstick. Start to put oil in and it's running out of the oil pan underneath the vehicle. Towed it home removed oil pan and engine parts laying shattered in bottom. Never got a low oil alert . Had codes misfire and knock sensor.
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the transmission failed to shift as needed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stopped and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a transmission center, which determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and filed…
vehicle started running rough when driven, mechanic found fuel pump putting fuel into oil. could have caught fire! pump replaced and trashed. check engine light was only warning other then rought running engine.
I hit a pot hole and a stabilitrack error popped up. Also reduced engine power I was miles from home and could have easily caused a major accident on the road.
Excessive oil consumption, and had to change out timing belt at 50,000 miles
When driving in the rain going through puddles power steering will intermittently stop working.
My airbag indicator lit up and I was not involved in any accident or even a fender bender. After this the engine indicator lit up as well, I had to replace the battery, change spark plugs at the local Firestone. Now I have a problem with the theft indicator and the vehicle does not turn on. Several problems have come up since the airbag indicator lit up.
Sudden Excessive Oil Consumption, Engine Seized, Oil Pressure Alert Warning Failed to alert driver that the car was bone dry with no oil, and the Information Screen indicated that 25% Oil Life was Remaining, when the car was bone dry with no oil. FYI - GM paid for 50% on costs of a replaced repurposed engine. And yet there is/was no recall? They should have paid 100%
My 2013 engine blew out, I did an oil change around February and a month later took my vehicle to aamco and they found a gallon of coolant in the engine. None of the warning lights came on prior to this happening at all whatsoever. The oil life was still at 32% with no oil in my engine. All 3 of my windshield wipers as well rotted within the year that I purchased the vehicle. Now I do not have a working vehicle at all whatsoever due to the engine and car not wanting to start. When I put the code reader in when it first happened it told me it was the camshaft sensor so I changed both sensors…
1. Engine burning oil, had to be replaced at 100,000 miles. In repair shop again, oil coming out of exhaust?? 2. Car would stall out while driving, try to accelerate at a red light, almost crashed a few times. Back window has been covered in oil from exhaust. Couldn't see. 3. Only used White Plains Buick/GMC for repairs. Car is there now. 4. NYS DMV is currently investigating 5. Check engine light just recently came on
2013 GMC Terrain: questions owners ask
Is the 2013 GMC Terrain reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 369 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 GMC Terrain; the most common categories were engine (197, 53.4%), visibility/wiper (50, 13.6%), power train (44, 11.9%). There are 3 safety recalls. 14 complaints mention a crash, 2 mention a fire, 25 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 GMC Terrain?
Across 369 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (53.4% of complaints), visibility/wiper (13.6% of complaints), power train (11.9% of complaints), electrical system (6.2% of complaints), air bags (6% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2013 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 GMC Terrain; the most recent (campaign 22V137000, 2022-03-08) concerns Exterior Lighting: Headlights. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is my 2013 GMC Terrain burning or losing oil?
84 of the 369 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 GMC Terrain (22.8%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "Oil consumption rate was too high, roughly 2qts every 1500miles. Caused timing chain to break. Second time with the oil consumption. First fix under 100k mile warranty checked off as recall. It was done before a recall came out." (NHTSA complaint 11643011, February 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2013 GMC Terrain stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
52 of the 369 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 GMC Terrain (14.1%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "I have almost been in 3 accidents. My 2013 Terrain has stalled while driving..Cut off at lights. Engine reduced while driving and massive oil leak that gas caused timing chain and engine failure." (NHTSA complaint 11502096, January 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2013 GMC Terrain engine?
40 of the 369 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 GMC Terrain (10.8%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "Oil consumption rate was too high, roughly 2qts every 1500miles. Caused timing chain to break. Second time with the oil consumption. First fix under 100k mile warranty checked off as recall. It was done before a recall came out." (NHTSA complaint 11643011, February 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2013 GMC Terrain?
34 of the 369 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 GMC Terrain (9.2%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "vehicle started running rough when driven, mechanic found fuel pump putting fuel into oil. could have caught fire! pump replaced and trashed. check engine light was only warning other then rought running engine." (NHTSA complaint 11624354, November 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2013 GMC Terrain had engine failures?
34 of the 369 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 GMC Terrain (9.2%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "Oil consumption rate was too high, roughly 2qts every 1500miles. Caused timing chain to break. Second time with the oil consumption. First fix under 100k mile warranty checked off as recall. It was done before a recall came out." (NHTSA complaint 11643011, February 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the windshield wipers stop working on my 2013 GMC Terrain?
27 of the 369 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 GMC Terrain (7.3%) describe windshield wipers stopping or failing. A related recall exists: campaign 16V582000 (visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor). The fix: GM will notify owners, dealers will repair the AIP-hole, inspect and, if necessary, replace the front wiper module, free of charge. One owner wrote: "On 12/15/18 while driving on highway in maryland on a heavy raining night windshield wipers stop working and froze in place. had to pull off and acquire a ride home, and retrieve vehicle the next day." (NHTSA complaint 11161790, December 2018). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2013 GMC Terrain idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
19 of the 369 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 GMC Terrain (5.1%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Was driving my terrain and suddenly it started to shake and then check engine Light came on. Upon getting out I checked the dipstick and no oil was on dipstick. Start to put oil in and it's running out of the oil pan underneath the vehicle." (NHTSA complaint 11704787, December 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2013 GMC Terrain smell of burning or smoke?
18 of the 369 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2013 GMC Terrain (4.9%) describe a burning smell or smoke. One owner wrote: "My 2013 GMC Terrain is currently burning oil and requires an engine replacement. This is a known issue with this engine and needs to be addressed for those not notified of the class action lawsuit, or where GMC CLAIMS it is not impacted." (NHTSA complaint 11485457, September 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Terrain
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2013 only.