This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 GMC Terrain powertrain problems
moderate 42 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 42 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 GMC Terrain, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 42 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30, 6T35, 6T40, 6T45, and 6T50 Transmissions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 GMC Terrain's most severe recurring problem is excessive oil consumption that progresses to engine failure. Owners report burning through 1–3+ quarts between regular oil changes, with the low-oil warning light often failing to illuminate until the engine is critically starved. This leads to piston ring wear, timing chain degradation, rear main seal blowout, and complete engine seizure. Many vehicles stall without warning while driving—at stop lights, in traffic, on highways, or mid-intersection—creating immediate danger of rear-end collision.
In cold weather, the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system freezes, causing pressure buildup that ruptures the rear main seal and dumps oil into the engine. Engines die mid-drive with no power steering and no safe way to coast to a stop.
Transmission problems include hard shifts, slams into gear with jerking, unexpected shifts from Drive to Neutral while moving, and complete loss of motive power. Transfer case failures produce loud popping or grinding noise and can cause wheel binding.
Many owners describe entering "Reduced Engine Power" mode on the highway, limiting speed to 35 mph and creating traffic hazards. Check engine lights and Service StabiliTrak warnings occur frequently, often without corresponding warning lights prior to failure.
GM Service Bulletin 14882 addresses the PCV and oil consumption defect, but coverage is inconsistently applied—many VINs are excluded without explanation. Special Coverage expired at 120,000 miles or 7 years; owners often were never notified of the deadline. Dealerships frequently refuse warranty coverage citing mileage limits, and GM customer service representatives have told owners they are outside coverage parameters despite acknowledging the defect exists.
Same GMC Terrain powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Oil Consumption / Engine Seizure
Engine burns oil at abnormal rates—owners report adding 1–3+ quarts between regular oil changes. Low oil then causes piston ring failure, timing chain wear, rear main seal failure, or complete engine seizure. Many owners say the low-oil warning light does not illuminate until critical. Engine stalls while driving without adequate warning, creating immediate danger.
When: Reported across vehicle ages 5–7 years and 50k–172k miles; some happen early (50k miles for timing belt failure)
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops 1–3+ quarts between changes; Low oil warning light absent or delayed; Engine knocking, rough idle, sputtering, hesitation; Check engine light; Reduced engine power / Service StabiliTrak warnings; Engine stalls while driving (at stop lights, in traffic, on highways); White/blue smoke from engine; Milky/sludgy oil on dipstick (water contamination)
Codes mentioned: P0014 (Camshaft Position B Timing Over-Advanced), P0175 (Fuel System Too Rich), P420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold), Multiple codes after stall events
Repairs/costs cited: Rear main seal failure: $2,065–$2,800. Full engine replacement: $3,500–$5,000+. Piston ring/timing chain replacement quoted at $5,000. Some owners report having replaced entire engine twice. Dealerships often refuse to repair under warranty once mileage exceeds 120k miles or 7 years even if owner was never notified of the defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Service Bulletin 14882 exists for PCV system / oil consumption defect but coverage is inconsistently applied; many owners report VINs excluded without explanation. Special Coverage Adjustment expired 7/2020 at 120k miles—owners often miss deadline because they were never notified. Class Action Lawsuit known to exist for Equinoxes and Terrains. GM initially refused claims citing mileage/age limits; some accounts describe rude customer service reps.
PCV System Freezing / Rear Main Seal Failure
PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) module or port freezes in cold weather, causing pressure buildup in crankshaft. Excessive pressure blows out the rear main seal, dumping oil into engine compartment and causing immediate shutdown. Oil leaks onto driveway; white smoke from engine. Engine dies mid-intersection or on highway without warning.
When: Cold-weather events; -15°F to 6°F conditions documented; can occur around 50k–100k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Service StabiliTrak warning; Engine power reduced message; Engine stalls while driving (no restart ability or very delayed restart); Burning oil smell; White smoke from engine/rear; No power steering (engine shut down mid-drive); Oil pooling under vehicle; oil on driveway; Oil on dipstick shaft
Codes mentioned: Multiple codes after event
Repairs/costs cited: Rear main seal replacement + PCV module replacement: $2,000–$2,800 estimated. Some cases require full engine replacement due to secondary damage. Dealership quoted repairs at $2,065.69.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Service Bulletin 14882 references PCV/rear seal defect, but VINs are inconsistently covered. Owners report dealerships citing bulletin does not apply to their VIN number. Warranty does not cover repairs; GM argues defect is outside parameter of coverage despite knowledge of pattern.
Transmission Failure / Shift Problems
Transmission fails to shift properly, slams into gear with jerking/lurching, or loses all power mid-drive. Vehicle may shift unexpectedly from Drive to Neutral while moving. Some cases involve transmission module failure; others require full transmission replacement. Occurs without warning lights on some vehicles.
When: Reported at 72k, 93k, 118k, 172k miles; across various ages
Symptoms owners cite: Hard/delayed shifts between gears; Transmission slams into gear with loud noise and jerk; Loss of motive power while driving; Unintended shift from Drive to Neutral while moving at 35–55 mph; Vehicle stalls after losing power; Hesitation and jerking at low speeds or after complete stop; Tachometer speed changes/surges during shifting (warm transmission especially)
Codes mentioned: Transmission Control Module codes, Torque Converter warnings
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission module replacement: approximately $118k miles case. Full transmission replacement: multiple cases at 172k miles. Owners report diagnostic fees charged by dealer before diagnosis; transmission centers also confirm replacement needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted in some cases; did not assist or offer coverage. One owner noted VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign 16V502000 (Electrical System, Power Train) even though failure pattern matched.
Transfer Case Failure
Transfer case intermediate shaft bearing fails, causing the shaft to misalign. Damaged gears mesh incorrectly, creating loud popping or grinding noise from mid-to-rear of vehicle. Continued driving could lead to wheel binding or lockup, causing loss of control. Hole develops in transfer case housing.
When: Reported at 72k, 77k, 103k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud popping noise from middle/rear of vehicle; Grinding noise from transfer case; No warning lights illuminate; Abnormal loud noise at 45–55 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case replacement; one owner reports case previously replaced already (second replacement needed at 77k miles). Intermediate shaft bearing completely destroyed; all attached gears damaged.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case; case opened. Owner notes similar failures on other 2013 Terrains suggest possible design or bearing quality issue.
Engine Knock / Piston Ring / Timing Chain Wear
Engine produces audible knock from inside block, particularly on acceleration. Diagnosis reveals advanced piston ring wear and/or timing chain degradation. Leads to progressive engine failure and eventual stall. Related to low oil condition and excessive consumption cycle.
When: Reported at 50k miles (timing belt/chain), 100k–135k+ miles (piston rings); some early occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knock under car or from engine block; Loud knock sound like axle about to break through floor; Engine sounds like diesel (rough, metallic knock); Check engine light; Reduced engine power messages
Codes mentioned: P0014 (Camshaft Position B Timing Over-Advanced)
Repairs/costs cited: Piston ring replacement: owner quoted $5,000. Timing chain replacement: quoted at $3,500+. Mechanic diagnosed rear main seal failure, piston rings, and timing chain all bad at same inspection (135k miles).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM customer service stated no recalls or known issues per VIN when contacted. Dealership refused coverage due to mileage exceeding warranty (135k miles).
Catalytic Converter / Exhaust System Efficiency Failure
Catalytic converter fails efficiency tests (P420 code); exhaust and fuel fumes enter passenger cabin when HVAC is in use, creating health hazard from potential carbon monoxide exposure. Engine sputters and hesitates despite replacement of spark plugs and sensors, indicating underlying exhaust defect rather than routine maintenance.
When: One case reported 08/2017
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (P420 code); Strong exhaust/fuel odor in cabin when heater or A/C running; Engine sputtering and loss of smooth acceleration; Unsafe drivability in traffic/highway speeds
Codes mentioned: P420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold)
Repairs/costs cited: Problem recurs despite spark plug and sensor replacement; indicates structural catalyst or manifold defect. Service professional diagnostics performed; vehicle available for inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unspecified; manufacturer has not physically inspected vehicle. Owner states problem is a defect not routine maintenance.
Stalling / Loss of Power (Engine Shutdown Without Warning)
Engine shuts off suddenly while driving at highway or city speeds, with no warning lights or only delayed warning lights. Vehicle becomes difficult or impossible to restart immediately. Occurs at stop lights, in traffic, on ramps, or mid-intersection. Distinct from transmission issues—engine dies, not transmission loss of power.
When: Reported across 54k–172k miles; some vehicles 5–6 years old with low miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine shutdown while driving; No warning lights or delayed warnings; Difficulty restarting (may need several attempts or minutes to restart); Check engine light (may illuminate after event); Service StabiliTrak warning (post-event); Engine power reduced warning (post-event); Vehicle rolls backward or coasts into unsafe position
Codes mentioned: Multiple codes detected post-event, Battery code sometimes found but replacement does not solve problem
Repairs/costs cited: One case required engine replacement ($143k miles). Multiple cases involved mechanic stating motor needs replacement. Battery replacement ($200–300) does not resolve issue for most.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer told owner 'outside parameters' for coverage. One owner found Class Action Lawsuit exists for this exact issue on Equinox/Terrain; GM refused coverage citing mileage limits (120k miles special warranty).
Reduced Engine Power / Service StabiliTrak Mode
Vehicle enters Reduced Power mode (engine power capped at 35 mph or lower), triggered by Service StabiliTrak warning. Vehicle cannot accelerate past low speed, creating traffic hazard. Multiple root causes reported: fuel system issues, check engine code, transmission problems, PCV/oil system issues.
When: Reported at various ages and mileages; one case at 75 mph highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Service StabiliTrak message on display; Engine Power Reduced message; Traction Control light illuminated; Vehicle speed limited to 35 mph or lower; Sudden speed loss mid-highway (75 mph to 35 mph); Jerking/hesitation; Engine sputtering
Codes mentioned: P0175 (Fuel System Too Rich), Check engine codes (various)
Repairs/costs cited: O2 sensor recall addressed in one case ($0 under recall). One case required ~$6,500 in repairs at repair shop over month-long service period. Fuel injector replacement in another case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall for O2 sensor exists (one owner found it). GM special coverage for oil consumption expired 7/2020 in one case; customer not notified of time limit.
Engine Rattle / Tick at Low RPM
Ticking or rattling noise from under hood at idle speeds (500–1500 RPM), particularly in gear (Drive or Reverse). Noise disappears in Park or at cruise control. Not consistent with traditional low-oil knock. Likely loose component or early bearing wear.
When: Present from purchase; one owner purchased vehicle used and did not notice until later
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking/rattling sound from under hood; Noise occurs at low idle RPM in Drive/Reverse; Noise louder when backing into garage (sound amplified); Disappears when in Park or on cruise control; Occurs when foot on gas pedal; stops when releasing pedal or speeding up
Repairs/costs cited: Not reported as repaired in narrative; owner characterized as 'not a low oil tick' but 'something loose and rattling.'
Fuel Economy Defect / MPG Display Reset
Advertised EPA ratings (22/32 mpg) not achieved in actual driving. Owner raised concern with dealership multiple times; dealership responded by resetting the dashboard fuel economy gauge rather than investigating root cause. Likely related to fuel injector issues and fuel system over-rich condition.
When: Early post-purchase (within days or weeks)
Symptoms owners cite: Actual fuel economy significantly below advertised ratings; Owner concerned and reported to service department and sales staff
Codes mentioned: P0175 (Fuel System Too Rich) in related cases
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership reset gauge. Later fuel injector replacement performed in same vehicle ($several hundred). No cost detail for MPG issue itself.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership reset gauge instead of diagnosing; no recall or service bulletin cited in narrative.
Windshield Wiper Failure
Windshield wipers stopped working suddenly while driving in heavy rain at highway speed (fast lane, 6 AM). Created immediate safety hazard—almost caused pileup due to zero visibility.
When: Early post-purchase (within days)
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers stopped operating mid-drive; No warning before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired (cost/parts not detailed); characterized as one of multiple defects on vehicle
Transmission/Park Latch Failure
Ignition key cannot be removed from ignition because transmission shift lever fails to register when shifted to Park. Vehicle may move even when in Park or key released. Creates safety hazard and prevents normal vehicle operation.
When: Reported at 93k–136k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Key cannot be removed from ignition after shifting to Park; Shift lever does not register Park position; Vehicle moves when key is released from ignition (parked in Drive gear); Vehicle shuts off and restarts without warning while parked in Drive; Check engine indicator illuminated; Transmission Control Module and Torque Converter warning messages
Codes mentioned: Transmission Control Module codes, Torque Converter warnings
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired in reported cases; dealership unable/unwilling to provide diagnostic work
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer did not assist. One case VIN not included in NHTSA Campaign 16V502000.
Rough Idle / Hesitation / Stumble
Engine runs rough at idle, hesitates on acceleration (especially from stop or at low speeds), and stumbles under load. Often accompanied by check engine light and multiple misfire codes.
When: Reported from days post-purchase to later in ownership; some cases cite cold weather triggering (6°F overnight parking)
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle; Engine hesitation on acceleration; Stumble/lurch forward; Engine sputtering; Check engine light; Jerky acceleration at low speeds or from complete stop
Codes mentioned: Misfire codes (implied in narratives), P0175 (Fuel System Too Rich)
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple repair attempts at dealer; one owner reported 'several hundred dollars' of repairs. Fuel injector replacement performed in one case. Air induction cleaning suggested by dealer ($200+) in another.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall for E85 fuel system mentioned in one case; unclear if applied to subject vehicle.
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 GMC terrain. While driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The noise was so loud that the contact could not continue to drive the vehicle and had it towed. The dealer diagnosed that there was a hole in the transfer case. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The VIN was invalid. The…
My 2013 GMC terrain died while I was driving down the road, it was found to have excessive oil consumption, none of the warning lights in the car came on not even the oil light to indicate low oil. The car had bad piston rings which was part of the cause. Gm knew about this issue but didn't properly notify everyone involved. I knew nothing about this issue until it happened to me & later received…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 GMC Terrain?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2013 GMC Terrain?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 42 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 31 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 60,000 and 118,000 miles, with the median around 96,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 118,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/GMC/Terrain.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.