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 FAILU…
2013 GMC Terrain powertrain problems
moderate 42 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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 …
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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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