Should I buy a 2013 GMC Terrain with documented steering problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented steering issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2013 GMC Terrain steering problems

severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →

Failure mileage

Complaints

Recalls

Avg fix

$700

3injuries

What stands out

Among the 10 model years of GMC Terrain in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.

The failure pattern owners describe

Buyer takeaway: The 2013 Terrain has a documented power steering failure pattern, including seizure and intermittent loss of assist, with GMC refusing warranty coverage despite acknowledging the issue exists in earlier model years. Repair costs run $2,000+, and some remain unresolved even after dealer service and steering gear replacement.

The 2013 GMC Terrain shows a clear pattern of power steering failures. Most common is intermittent steering wheel seizure accompanied by a SERVICE POWER STEERING warning light. The wheel locks up without warning—sometimes at idle while turning, sometimes at highway speed—making steering extremely difficult. Owners report this happens repeatedly; one vehicle failed four separate times, recurred after steering gear replacement at a different dealer, and happened twice more even after that. The failure resets when the vehicle is shut off and restarted, only to fail again minutes or miles later.

A few owners experienced power steering loss in wet conditions—driving through puddles or heavy rain triggered intermittent assist dropout. One owner reported the steering pulling hard left during highway acceleration, which a dealer attributed to normal hydraulic system design.

Early-model owners also describe bogging sensation and lost engagement when turning at standstill idle, paired with loud mechanical noise from under the dash.

On repair: dealerships have attempted computer reprogramming twice without success, replaced entire steering gears ($2,000 with diagnostics), and swapped steering column components. GMC issued Special Coverage 14232A for 2010–2012 models but explicitly refuses coverage for 2013. The manufacturer acknowledges the problem has existed since 2015 but will not extend warranty to 2013 owners.

Same GMC Terrain steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011

Failure modes owners describe

Power steering warning light with steering seizure/lockup

Steering wheel seizes or locks up, often while turning or at low speeds; SERVICE POWER STEERING warning light illuminates. Occurs intermittently and can recur even after repair attempts. Owners report loss of power steering assist making steering very difficult or impossible.

When: Under 100,000 miles; reported from purchase/early ownership through higher mileage

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seizes or locks up; SERVICE POWER STEERING warning light appears; Power steering assist lost or severely reduced; Failure can occur multiple times in same trip or after weeks apart; Resets if vehicle is turned off then restarted

Codes mentioned: SERVICE POWER STEERING warning indicator

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempts included computer reprogramming (unsuccessful in multiple cases), steering gear replacement (~$2000 total including diagnostic), steering column part replacement, rear main seal replacement and PCV valve cleaning. Replacements did not always resolve recurring issue.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special Coverage 14232A attempted but unsuccessful; covers 2010-2012 models only. GMC acknowledges problem exists since 2015 but refuses coverage for 2013 model year. No recall issued for 2013 MY. TSB-14882 mentioned in one complaint as not applicable.

Steering bogging/engagement loss at idle during tight turns

Steering feels sluggish or loses engagement when turning at standstill or low speed during idle, accompanied by loud mechanical noise from under dash. Sensation described as clutch not fully engaging before stall.

When: Present from time of purchase

Symptoms owners cite: Bogging sensation in steering at idle when turning; Feels like steering will cut out; Loud ticking or jackhammering noise from under dash; Noise audible inside cab only

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GMC dealer stated condition is normal and requires no repair.

Steering pull/handling anomaly during acceleration

Vehicle abruptly pulls left when accelerating to pass other vehicles at highway speeds. Occurs on multiple passing attempts. Dealer attributed to normal hydraulic steering behavior; no repair attempted.

When: At 60 miles on odometer

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls abruptly to the left during acceleration when passing; Failure recurred on multiple passing attempts

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised this is designed behavior of hydraulic steering system.

Intermittent power steering loss during wet conditions

Power steering assist cuts out intermittently when driving through rain or puddles. Returns to normal without warning.

When: Mileage not specified

Symptoms owners cite: Power steering stops working while driving in rain; Failure triggered by driving through puddles; Intermittent nature

Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.

What owners are reporting 1 most recent

steering · filed 12/30/2023

When driving in the rain going through puddles power steering will intermittently stop working.

Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2013 GMC Terrain?

It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.

At what mileage does the steering typically fail?

Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 45,000 and 92,000 miles, with the median around 67,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 92,000. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?

No active recalls currently cover steering 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.

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.