This page covers 3 recalls, 362 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 GMC Terrain.
19–26 mpg combined
9–12.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 8 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2013 GMC Terrain draws complaints heavily centered on the engine, which accounts by far for the largest share of reports. Owners frequently describe sudden power loss, stalling at low speeds or when coming to a stop, and rough running accompanied by the check engine light. A recurring and more serious pattern involves engine failure, owners report discovering catastrophic internal damage, sometimes after noticing shuddering or misfires, with several describing metal debris in the oil pan and complete loss of oil pressure without prior warning. Exhaust-related issues, including catalytic converter and upstream exhaust component failures paired with sputtering and drivability problems, also appear across multiple reports. Visibility and wiper complaints make up the second-largest named category, though engine concerns clearly dominate the complaint picture for this model year.
362
Total Complaints
14
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
14
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 GMC Terrain has 3 recalls, the most serious being a faulty electronic park lock that can allow the ignition key to be removed while the transmission is still in gear, leaving the vehicle free to roll away as occupants step out.
The remaining two recalls both affect visibility in different ways. The windshield wiper module contains ball joints that can corrode and wear over time until one or both wipers stop working entirely, leaving the driver without a clear view in rain or snow. On the lighting side, the headlight housings can cast an excessively bright reflection above the vehicle and into oncoming traffic, creating glare for other drivers that reduces their ability to see the road ahead.
At a glance
What can fail
The headlight housings reflect light upward and outward, creating excessively bright illumination above the vehicle and outside the driver's view, violating federal lamp safety standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will install headlamp appliques at no charge to correct the light reflection and comply with safety standards.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Ball joints in the windshield wiper module can corrode and wear, causing one or both wipers to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the AIP-hole, inspect the front wiper module, and replace it if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electronic park lock lever may allow you to remove the ignition key even when the transmission is not in PARK, which can lead to unintended vehicle movement.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the key cylinder lock housing if necessary, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
