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2013 GMC Terrain engine problems

206 complaints (56% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 90,700. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
206
of this car's complaints
56%
typical mileage
90,700
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)
    2
  • Exhaust system
    2
  • Engine: oil/lubrication
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

GMC Terrain engine problems in other years

2010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 GMC Terrain engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Oil consumption 87Stalling 46Check engine light 45Engine failure 41Knocking 20Loss of power 11Won't start 10

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2013 GMC Terrain owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 25, 2026 · Body, Engine · FL

Headlights

Filed Jan 7, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

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 health and safety risk to vehicle occupants. The vehicle also sputters and hesitates, which could lead to unsafe driving conditions, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. Yes. The issue has been confirmed through diagnostic trouble codes indicating catalytic converter efficiency failure. Despite replacement of spark plugs and sensors, the problem continues to recur, indicating an underlying exhaust or emissions system defect rather than routine maintenance. The vehicle has been inspected by service professionals for diagnostic purposes. The manufacturer has not physically inspected the vehicle, and no inspections have been performed by police or insurance representatives to date. The check engine light illuminated prior to and during the issue. Additional symptoms included engine sputtering, loss of smooth acceleration, and a strong exhaust or fuel odor inside the cabin when the HVAC system is in use. These symptoms have recurred over time despite repairs.

Filed Dec 12, 2025 · Engine · MN

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.

Filed Oct 21, 2025 · Engine · 200,000 miles · MS

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.

Filed Sep 17, 2025 · Engine · MS

My 2013 GMC Terrain suddenly began to jerk as I was heading to run an errand in town. I pulled my truck back in the drive way at [XXX] where it is parked now. I had a mechanic to come and tell me the engine will need to be replaced and an estimate of the cost to repair it. I could have been rear ended by another vehicle since this suddenly occurred with no prior warning which could result in my death. I have contacted GMC due to a recall on the engine. GMC is declining to honor my request repair my vehicle based on the estimate I provided. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 6, 2025 · Engine · 88,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle hesitated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while coming to a stop, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed due to the engine consuming oil. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine could be repaired and suggested that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

Filed May 28, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 172,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the transmission failed to shift as needed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stopped and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a transmission center, which determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a claim. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.

Filed Feb 16, 2025 · Engine · KS

Oil consumption rate was too high, roughly 2qts every 1500miles. Caused timing chain to break. Second time with the oil consumption. First fix under 100k mile warranty checked off as recall. It was done before a recall came out. Paying for timing chain to get fixed but recommended a new engine. Prefer GMC to replace engine since it's an ongoing issue. 307373 miles strong and now this.

Filed Jan 28, 2025 · Engine · VA

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that when slowing down to come to a stop, the vehicle was jumping and hesitating, causing the contact to shift into neutral(N) to stop the vehicle and prevent the vehicle from shaking. There was a fuel odor that smelled like rotten eggs. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated at first but became a constant failure. The vehicle was previously included in the emissions recall N192268180; the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 10183214 (Engine and Engine Cooling); with DTC: P0420 and the vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the repair was performed had not matched the repair in the Emissions recall. The contact stated that the dealer had replaced the oxygen sensor instead of the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors as stated in the remedy. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 10183214 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, since the repair was marked completed, there were no additional repairs available due to the mileage. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Dec 16, 2024 · Engine · 113,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that prior to the vehicle stalling, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that one quart of oil was being added every week. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who added engine oil and was conducting an oil consumption test. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Questions about the 2013 GMC Terrain engine

Does the 2013 GMC Terrain have engine problems?

Owners have filed 206 complaints about the engine of the 2013 GMC Terrain, 56% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2013 GMC Terrain engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 90,700 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2013 GMC Terrain engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

Other 2013 GMC Terrain problems

Visibility 54Transmission 44Fuel system 23Electrical 22Airbags 19Steering 15Body 14Driver assistance 11Lights 10Brakes 7Suspension 7Wheels 6Acceleration 5Seats 4Seat belts 2Tires 1

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