Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 GMC Terrain owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 the dealer had previously performed an unknown repair for an exhaust leak; however, the failure recurred while starting the vehicle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a fuel odor was detected. The contact was concerned that her and her passenger had experienced carbon monoxide poisoning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who reset the fuel carbon sensor and replaced the fuel cap; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
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 health and safety risk to vehicle occupants. The vehicle also sputters and hesitates, which could lead to unsafe driving conditions, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. Yes. The issue has been confirmed through diagnostic trouble codes indicating catalytic converter efficiency failure. …
While driving on the highway at speed limit 75mph, the vehicle (without warning ) suddenly went into (Reduced Power Engine Mode/ Service Stabilitrack) jerked and slowed down to 35mp almost causing a pile up as cars behind and next to me where still driving above 70mph. If not for my quick reaction to turn on emergency lights cars behind me would have hit me. Immediately after I got off the highway I drove the car (at 35mph as fast as it went) to my nearest Pepboys. Here the vehicle was serviced for nearly a month until the problem was fixed. The cost was almost $6500 GMC has failed to notify customers if this potential issue which not only risks the lives of the drivers and passengers of the 2013 Terrain but those driving alongside it. This is not a new issue as I found the testimonies of many other GMC owners tell a similar dangerous experience. Please help! …
I've been having a issue with my oil consumption and display messages about servicing the stabilitrak and traction control. I could be driving and suddenly my engine power is reduced asking with these two messages. I received a letter from GMC about the excessive oil consumption due to degraded catalytic converter and/or oxygen sensor. The one oxygen sensor was replaced before I received the letter. The letter states I should get the oil consumption diagnosed. I've went 4 times now and the oil dipstick smells like gas but the dealership is saying the special coverage has expired. My letter says otherwise. Why send a letter about a possible issue and then not help to fix it?
I've been having same issues Occurring since I Signed my purchase agreement. The constant rattle at about 1500 RPM, The oil leaves At such a rapid rate That I have to monitor it every day As to make sure the level doesn't go too low. I've only had the vehicle since September 2022 and here it is Halloween 2022 and I'm down over $2000 maintenance costs and maintenance costs trying to prevent catastrophic failure with the engine that I know is coming! OBDII code reads P0171
When refueling, and having the fill nozzle locked on for auto shutoff, the fuel overflows and drains out of the fuel fill cavity and drips on the right rear tire. This usually results in gasoline smell in the car. This happens on most fuel nozzles. I should have reported it years ago.
The engine locked up due to oil leaking into it. This is a known issue with GM on these model cars but instead of issuing a recall they issued a special warranty that expired leaving consumers with these vehicles to be responsible for this repair which cost over $8,000.
Vehicle burns excessive amounts of oil. I need to add oil almost every time I drive. This could result in catastrophic engine failure. GMC and Chevrolet know about this problem, but refuse to issue a recall for this engine.
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.
Fuel System complaints in other Terrain years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2013 GMC Terrain?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2013 GMC Terrain, 6% of the model year's 364 complaints. The component named most often is fuel injection system › throttlebody/manifold (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 GMC Terrain fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2013 GMC Terrain, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 GMC Terrain fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 44,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.