2013 GMC TERRAIN — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
4/5
Safety Rating
483
Owner Complaints
3
Recalls
81
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2013 GMC TERRAIN
The 2013 GMC TERRAIN has received a total of 483 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 81 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (197 complaints), Visibilitywiper (50 complaints), and Power Train (42 complaints).
Recalls for the 2013 GMC TERRAIN
NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 2013 GMC TERRAIN, potentially affecting up to 1,125,123 vehicles.
Recall 22V137000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
| 740,581 vehicles affected
Defect: 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."
Consequence: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
View full details →Recall 16V582000 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
| 367,808 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Inoperative windshield wipers may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service...
View full details →Recall 16V502000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
| 8,367 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782....
View full details →Recall 16V502000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
| 8,367 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782....
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2013 GMC TERRAIN
483 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 GMC TERRAIN. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
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. Despite replacement of spark plugs and sensors, the problem continues to recur, indicating an underlying exhaust or emissions system defect rather than routine maintenance. The vehicle has been inspected by service professionals for diagnostic purposes. The manufacturer has not physically inspected the vehicle, and no inspections have been performed by police or insurance representatives to date. The check engine light illuminated prior to and during the issue. Additional symptoms included engine sputtering, loss of smooth acceleration, and a strong exhaust or fuel odor inside the cabin when the HVAC system is in use. These symptoms have recurred over time despite repairs.
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. Despite replacement of spark plugs and sensors, the problem continues to recur, indicating an underlying exhaust or emissions system defect rather than routine maintenance. The vehicle has been inspected by service professionals for diagnostic purposes. The manufacturer has not physically inspected the vehicle, and no inspections have been performed by police or insurance representatives to date. The check engine light illuminated prior to and during the issue. Additional symptoms included engine sputtering, loss of smooth acceleration, and a strong exhaust or fuel odor inside the cabin when the HVAC system is in use. These symptoms have recurred over time despite repairs.
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. Despite replacement of spark plugs and sensors, the problem continues to recur, indicating an underlying exhaust or emissions system defect rather than routine maintenance. The vehicle has been inspected by service professionals for diagnostic purposes. The manufacturer has not physically inspected the vehicle, and no inspections have been performed by police or insurance representatives to date. The check engine light illuminated prior to and during the issue. Additional symptoms included engine sputtering, loss of smooth acceleration, and a strong exhaust or fuel odor inside the cabin when the HVAC system is in use. These symptoms have recurred over time despite repairs.
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 shattered in bottom. Never got a low oil alert . Had codes misfire and knock sensor.
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. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Safety Rating for the 2013 GMC TERRAIN
The 2013 GMC TERRAIN received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2013 GMC TERRAIN
General Motors, LLC has issued 81 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2013 GMC TERRAIN. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
N192268180 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Emissions Recall. General Motors has decided to conduct a voluntary emissions recall involving certain vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine and certified to the EPA Bin 4 emission standard and the California Cleaner Federal Vehicle option of Bin 4 emission standard. The vehicle?s post-catalyst oxygen sensor may provide inaccurate information...
N192268181 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Emissions Recall. General Motors has decided to conduct a voluntary emissions recall involving certain vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine and certified to the EPA Bin 4 emission standard and the California Cleaner Federal Vehicle option of Bin 4 emission standard. The performance capability of the vehicle?s catalytic converters may...
N192268181 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Emissions Recall. General Motors has decided to conduct a voluntary emissions recall involving certain vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine and certified to the EPA Bin 4 emission standard and the California Cleaner Federal Vehicle option of Bin 4 emission standard. The performance capability of the vehicle?s catalytic converters may...
N192291100 01 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Special Coverage (Revised Warranty). Some vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine (RPO LEA) may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption (less than 2,000 miles [3,200 km] per quart [0.946 L] of engine oil), due to piston ring wear. If this condition is present, an audible rattle or knock from the engine...
N192291100 01 — AIR BAGS
Special Coverage (Revised Warranty). Some vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine (RPO LEA) may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption (less than 2,000 miles [3,200 km] per quart [0.946 L] of engine oil), due to piston ring wear. If this condition is present, an audible rattle or knock from the engine...
18NA061 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This technical bulletin provides a procedure on diagnosing and repair moisture/ice and possibly contamination/debris in the SAI system and how to clean it out.
PIT5302B — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have turn signal indicators on the Instrument Panel Cluster do not match the audible warnings. Technician will need to test the battery using the GR8. Technician should also verify the charging system is operating correctly.
17NA348 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
This informational bulletin advises the new way required to tow a vehicle when using a dinghy or flat towing.
16-NA-238 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the radio using SPS to correct the conditons of a Check DAB message or DAB re-routing message displayed after a recent reprogramming of the radio has been performed.
17-NA-086 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the ECM to correct the MIL.
Showing 10 of 81 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2013 GMC TERRAIN
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the GMC TERRAIN
- 2009 GMC TERRAIN — 0 complaints
- 2010 GMC TERRAIN — 425 complaints
- 2011 GMC TERRAIN — 556 complaints
- 2012 GMC TERRAIN — 496 complaints
- 2013 GMC TERRAIN (current)
- 2014 GMC TERRAIN — 385 complaints
- 2015 GMC TERRAIN — 375 complaints
- 2016 GMC TERRAIN — 174 complaints
- 2017 GMC TERRAIN — 176 complaints
- 2018 GMC TERRAIN — 305 complaints
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