Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 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.
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, a noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the transfer case needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The contact stated that the transfer case was previously replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 77,768.
A loud popping noise was coming from the middle to back of vehicle. Upon inspection by independent repair shop a hole in side of transfer casing was found. No warning lamps came on to indicate any problem even after noise was heard. Once problem was determined it was felt that if vehicle had not been taken out of operation when it was and continued to be driven that a possibility could exist of the transfer case gearing becoming bound up and causing loss of control of vehicle due to various wheels possibly binding or maybe locking up. Transfer case has been replaced.The transfer case was disassembled and found to have intermediate shaft bearing (if I have identified it correctly) completely destroyed causing shaft to come out of alignment and all attached gears to mesh incorrectly causing gear damage. …
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! …
When driving my Terrain, my traction control light came on, then a message on the display saying service stabilitrack and engine power is reduced. I couldn't go over a certain speed. I've taken it to Autozone to be put on the computer and it shows up stabilitrack. The car stops running and it takes a few minutes to get it running again. I just bought the car and I'm having problems with these lights and controls. I have read online about this same issue. Is this a recall or does it have to be more complaints about this first? I love my car but these issues are too much. The car has 211k miles on it. Please help me
Vehicle stopped while driving three different times. Whenever alarm is turned on, car sometimes does not start next day. I've had to jump start it over 7 times in 9 months. Vehicle scheduled for review by dealer in three weeks.
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.
My vehicle eats up oil. I just recently found out about the excessive oil consumption investigation. My check engine light has been coming on. Sometimes when I fill it with gas it goes off. A week ago it came on and then as I was driving down a busy street my traction control light came on, then a message on the display saying service stabilitrack and engine power is reduced. I couldn't go over 35mph. I took it to oreily the following morning and the code p0175 showed 'fuel system too rich'. I found a recall of an o2 sensor. I couldn't get into a GM shop for another week. Today they fixed the recall but told me the special coverage adjustment for the oil consumption was expired in 7/2020 for my vehicle. I chatted with GM online and they didn't answer all my questions. …
Transmission complaints in other Terrain years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2013 GMC Terrain?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2013 GMC Terrain, 12% of the model year's 364 complaints. The component named most often is transfer case (4-wheel drive) (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 GMC Terrain transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 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.