2013 GMC Terrain problems
The 2013 GMC Terrain has 363 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2013 GMC Terrain has 363 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 152 complaints, typically surfacing around 95,472 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 Terrain | 290 | 0 |
| 2011 Terrain | 386 | 0 |
| 2012 Terrain | 364 | 0 |
| 2013 Terrain (this page) | 363 | 0 |
| 2014 Terrain | 296 | 0 |
| 2015 Terrain | 297 | 0 |
| 2016 Terrain | 150 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 4 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2013 GMC Terrain SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2013 GMC Terrain? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- engine — 152 owner reports · tends to show around 95,472 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- visibility — 50 owner reports · tends to show around 64,566 mi · ~$350 to fix
- powertrain — 42 owner reports · tends to show around 91,390 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- airbags — 17 owner reports · tends to show around 58,733 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 58,733 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2013 GMC Terrain
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
Your road ahead on this 2013 GMC Terrain
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
- ~45,000 miairbags~$1,100
- ~48,000 mielectrical~$850
- ~61,000 mivisibility~$350
- ~67,000 misteering~$700
- ~92,000 miengine~$3,100
- ~96,000 mipowertrain~$2,500
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
When driving in the rain going through puddles power steering will intermittently stop working.
Driving my 2013 GMC terrein (2.4l) it was about 20 degrees out, a warning light came on that oil pressure is low "stop engine immediately. I pulled over at a gas station and as got out of the car I could see a oil spilling from below the engine. I had it towed to my mechanic and…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 GMC terrain. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the following day the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine oil pressure was low and the timing chain had failed. The…
The electrical system has failed to work on a number of occasions. During this time, I have had the user interface screen freeze, not power off and lose services during usage. The electrical panel issues will lead to further complications moving forward. *tr
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2013 GMC Terrain reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 363 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 GMC Terrain is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2013 GMC Terrain?
The 2013 GMC Terrain is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2013 GMC Terrain?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 152 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 95,472 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 GMC Terrain a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 363 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 95,472 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 GMC Terrain?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 152 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 95,472 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 95,472 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my GMC Terrain has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 GMC Terrain?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 363 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.