2013 GMC Terrain
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 290 |
| 2011 | 386 |
| 2012 | 364 |
| 2013 | 363 |
| 2014 | 296 |
| 2015 | 295 |
| 2016 | 149 |
| 2017 | 133 |
| 2018 | 212 |
| 2019 | 177 |
| 2020 | 179 |
| 2021 | 33 |
| 2022 | 48 |
| 2023 | 35 |
| 2024 | 45 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 22 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
54% of complaints: engine — 197 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY14% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 50 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: power train — 42 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
When I put car in park it tools Bach about half a foot before it actually stops this happens everytime it's put into park
NHTSA ODI report, 20230918
6% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 21 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY CAR SINCE DAY ONE STEERING WHEELS LOCKS UP CONSTANTLY, THE BRAKES DO NOT STOP YOU THE WORST IS THE ENGINES BATTERY WHICH IS LOCATED UNDER THE SEAT CONSTANTLY SAYS I HAVE NO POWER IT WILL TURN ON SEVERAL CODES AND THE START IDLING THE RPMS GO UP...
NHTSA ODI report, 20190105
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 16V502000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles.
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.
Campaign 16V582000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 22V137000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 GMC Terrain — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (197 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (50 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V502000 (electrical system, power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V582000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V137000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2013 GMC Terrain reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 GMC Terrain is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 GMC Terrain?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 GMC Terrain have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.