2013 GMC Terrain recalls and problems

The 2013 GMC Terrain has 3 safety recalls and 365 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
365
Crashes / fires
14 / 2
Injuries / deaths
25 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2013 GMC Terrain vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 GMC Terrain recalls

Recall 22V-137: Exterior Lighting

Reported Mar 8, 2022 · 740,581 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

Problem: 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 16V-582: Visibility

Reported Aug 4, 2016 · 367,808 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode and wear over time, possibly resulting in one or both of the windshield wipers becoming inoperative.

Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 25302.

Recall 16V-502: Electrical System, Power Train

Reported Jul 5, 2016 · 8,367 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

2013 GMC Terrain problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine198
Visibility/Wiper50
Power Train44
Unknown or Other25
Electrical System23
Fuel/Propulsion System21
Air Bags19
Steering15
Structure15
Engine and Engine Cooling11
Exterior Lighting10
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)8

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 11
  • Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 2
  • Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 2
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 2
  • Back Over Prevention › Camera System — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 77,550 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 GMC Terrain complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · reported Aug 22, 2026
The paint on top of these kind of vehicles is peeling off tremendously, I've seen several vehicles like the same model& make in my neighborhood that have the same issues like mine with the paint coming off from the top of the vehicle. It's so badd to where it's corroding from the paint coming off!!!
Seat Belts · at 177,000 miles · reported Jun 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the metal base of the seatbelt of the driver side has become exposed. The contact stated area looks frayed and deteriorated. The contact stated that is coming apart and has affected the seatbelt function. The local dealer was not contacted about the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
Engine · reported Jan 7, 2026
The exhaust and emissions system appears to have failed or is malfunctioning, including the catalytic converter and potentially the exhaust manifold or upstream exhaust components. The engine and fuel/propulsion system are also affected, as evidenced by sputtering and drivability issues. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. Exhaust and/or fuel fumes enter the passenger cabin, particularly when the heater or air conditioning is operating. This creates a risk of exposure to harmful exhaust gases, including potential carbon monoxide, which poses a serious…
Engine · reported Dec 12, 2025
Was driving my terrain and suddenly it started to shake and then check engine Light came on. Upon getting out I checked the dipstick and no oil was on dipstick. Start to put oil in and it's running out of the oil pan underneath the vehicle. Towed it home removed oil pan and engine parts laying shattered in bottom. Never got a low oil alert . Had codes misfire and knock sensor.
Engine · at 200,000 miles · reported Oct 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while coming to a complete stop or shifting into reverse, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was shifted into park(P) to regain motive power. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Other GMC Terrain years

Compare all GMC Terrain years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 GMC Terrain have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 GMC Terrain: 22V-137 (exterior lighting), 16V-582 (visibility), 16V-502 (electrical system, power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 GMC Terrain?

Owners report engine problems most often (198 reports), followed by visibility/wiper (50). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 77,550 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.