repaired · 2024 Q2
Exterior lighting: headlights
Risk. The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
2013 GMC TerrainProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 365 owner complaints about the 2013 GMC Terrain, most often about the engine. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-137 the manufacturer reports only 32% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 25, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 GMC Terrain has problems
365 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
198Engine1 crash/fire/injury
50Visibility/wiper
44Power train
22Electrical system
21Fuel/propulsion system
19Air bags
15Steering
14Structure
11Engine and engine cooling
6618 other systems11 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 198 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 50 | 0 |
| Power train | 44 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 22 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 21 | 0 |
| Air bags | 19 | 11 |
| Steering | 15 | 1 |
| Structure | 14 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 11 | 0 |
| 18 other systems | 66 | 11 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2013 GMC Terrain recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Windshield wiper/washer: motor
Risk. Inoperative windshield wipers may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
91kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 133 engine complaints. 62% were reported before 100,000 miles.
9under 30k miles82under 100k miles51100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Engine
22 owners mentioned a cost$2,500median
Middle half: $1,575 – $3,450
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other Terrain year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Terrain median. How we score
'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 GMC Terrain safety ratings
2013 GMC Terrain SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
- Rollover: 4 stars (17.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What Terrain owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while coming to a complete stop or shifting into reverse, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was shifted into park(P) to regain motive power.…
Own a 2013 Terrain?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.