2013 GMC Terrain Problems

Above Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2013 GMC Terrain.

20122014
Complaints
483
Crashes
18
Fires
2
Injuries
45
Fatalities
1
Recalls
3

Worst 2013 GMC Terrain Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1197 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:90,027 mi
Crash-related:1
#250 complaints

Wipers & Visibility

Avg mileage:62,357 mi
#342 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:91,477 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2013 GMC Terrain.

Engine Problems
197
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
90,027
Wipers & Visibility
50
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
62,357
Transmission / Drivetrain
42
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
91,477
Electrical Faults
21
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
48,540
Fuel System
21
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
45,243
Airbags
19
complaints
Crashes
10
Fires
Avg Miles
57,313
Steering Defects
14
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
85,691
Headlight/Taillight Failures
9
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
20,420
Body Structure
9
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
52,160
Electronic Stability Control
8
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
70,332
Brakes
7
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
43,449
Engine & Cooling
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
88,400
Suspension Failures
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
41,300
Wheel Issues
6
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
55,200
Unintended Acceleration
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
55,833
Seat-Related Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv)
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Power Train:Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive)
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Structure:Frame And Members
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Visibility
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention: Camera System
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Carry Handle, Shell, Base
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Instrument Cluster
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Ignition
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 GMC Terrain. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2013 GMC Terrain

3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,116,756 vehicles.

22V137000Exterior Lighting:headlights
~740,581 affected

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."

16V582000Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
~367,808 affected

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.

16V502000Electrical System:ignition · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
~8,367 affected

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."

Other GMC Terrain Years

2013 GMC Terrain — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2013 GMC Terrain reliable?
Verdict: Above Average Complaints. The 2013 GMC Terrain has 483 NHTSA complaints, 18 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Engine Problems with 197 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2013 GMC Terrain?
Top reported problems: Engine Problems (197 complaints, avg 90,027 mi); Wipers & Visibility (50 complaints, avg 62,357 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (42 complaints, avg 91,477 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 GMC Terrain?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 75,862 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2013 GMC Terrain?
NHTSA complaints for the 2013 GMC Terrain include 18 crash-related reports, 2 fire reports, 45 injuries, and 1 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2013 GMC Terrain have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 1,116,756 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2013 GMC Terrain?
Slightly worse than average. Most owners are fine; problem clusters are concentrated around specific components. Check the issues table below and match against the specific car's mileage.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full GMC Terrain reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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