Most common 2013 GMC Terrain problems
Share of the 364 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Terrain complaints by model year
Best Terrain years: 2021, 2016, 2017. Years to avoid: 2024. Compare all years →
2013 GMC Terrain recalls (3)
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.
Remedy: 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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
What 2013 GMC Terrain owners say
Engine & cooling all 205 →
The contact owned a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while attempting to park in a parking lot at 5 mph, the vehicle independently accelerated. As a result, the vehicle ran into a pole. The air bags did deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained some bruising and swelling on her face and left arm and the passenger sustained a bruised knee. No medical attention was required. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under any recall. The contact was relating the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that shortly after having the engine oil changed, the oil percentage information indicated that the engine oil level was quickly decreasing. The contact stated that while checking the oil dip stick, it was discovered that there was very little oil in the oil pan. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who performed an oil consumption test. The result of the test was not yet available. Additionally, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 53 →
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 and all the spark plugs and even bought the crankshaft sensor and it was none of the above until later I found out it was the engine that blew. I have spent so much money on this vehicle it's ridiculous.
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
Transmission & drivetrain all 44 →
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 a claim. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with the check the engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and pulled over in a parking lot, where the vehicle again lost motive power and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the dealer stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 143,083.
2013 GMC Terrain engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 31 / 26 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 GMC Terrain a good car?
Based on 364 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Terrain rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Terrain at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 GMC Terrain?
The engine & cooling — 205 complaints, 56% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system › emission control › crankcase (pcv). Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (53) and transmission & drivetrain (44).
How many recalls does the 2013 GMC Terrain have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2013 GMC Terrain, the most recent from March 8, 2022 (headlights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Terrain?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2021, 2016 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024. See the full GMC Terrain years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 GMC Terrain problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 78,000 miles; 25% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.