2013 GMC Terrain: sudden loss of power

Filed Jul 7, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · PA

I hit a pot hole and a stabilitrack error popped up. Also reduced engine power I was miles from home and could have easily caused a major accident on the road.

Filed Dec 6, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

While driving on the highway at speed limit 75mph, the vehicle (without warning ⚠️) suddenly went into (Reduced Power Engine Mode/ Service Stabilitrack) jerked and slowed down to 35mp almost causing a pile up as cars behind and next to me where still driving above 70mph. If not for my quick reaction to turn on emergency lights cars behind me would have hit me. Immediately after I got off the highway I drove the car (at 35mph as fast as it went) to my nearest Pepboys. Here the vehicle was serviced for nearly a month until the problem was fixed. The cost was almost $6500 GMC has failed to notify customers if this potential issue which not only risks the lives of the drivers and passengers of the 2013 Terrain but those driving alongside it. This is not a new issue as I found the testimonies of many other GMC owners tell a similar dangerous experience. Please help! I have detailed invoices of the repairs.

Filed Mar 13, 2020 · Steering, Transmission · 92,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 gmc terrain. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the moran chevrolet clinton twp located at (35500 s gratiot ave, clinton township, mi 48035) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not subjected to a recall or to tsb-14882. The rear main seal was replaced and the pcv valve cleaned. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.

Filed Apr 18, 2019 · Engine · 98,000 miles · TX

Started my car in the morning before work and it immediately began to shake and knock. Message stating reduced engine power noted on control center. Vehicle would only go 25 MPH. Felt like oil was low so attempted to drive to get oil checked and while on the way there the car quit working and I had to coast into a local business parking lot. The engine would not turn over but I still had battery power. Had to have my vehicle towed to mechanic who just notified me that my engine was burned up and they had to put 4 quarts of oil in for it to just register on the dipstick. My car was running perfectly fine up until that morning. I get my oil changed as I should. Initially thought it was just a blown gasket but it was much worse. I have less than 100,000 miles on this vehicle.

Filed Feb 28, 2019 · Engine · 90,000 miles · MN

This (normally-garaged, 1-owner, religiously-serviced at dealership) vehicle had sat outside for 38 hours without being started. Vehicle was started in +4 degree f temperature, allowed to warm up, driven 15 minutes on a 2-lane road before stopping at a stop sign. Engine began chugging heavily as it left the stop, attempting to cross 2 lanes of a divided 4-lane highway before turning left in the other 2 lanes of that highway. With engine losing power, driver managed the left turn and pulled off on right shoulder just as engine suddenly died. Just as it died, driver noticed a briefly-lit dashboard indicator signifying something about oil. Vehicle was 3 months past 6-year warranty. It was hauled some 200 miles to the original gm dealer, offloaded in parking lot on sunday eve. Dealer was informed next morning, and later responded that it would need a new engine. Owner visited dealer, noticed vehicle had not been moved since dropping it off, but dealer somehow knew engine status. Manager was surprisingly understanding. Rear seal was blown, likely pcv orifice issue (as in gm tsb 14882). Dealer said gm would pay 45%, tsb 14882 would cover $400+, dealership would pay half the rest. Owner respects/appreciates dealership's cooperation, but remains concerned about potential danger of sudden loss of power while crossing 4 lanes of high-speed traffic. Owner learned about tsb 14882 only after this incident, only via google, prior to visiting dealer. Owner still doesn't know if VIN is on the tsb 14882 list, which, if it is, should have LED to a preventive fix prior to this incident.

Filed Feb 15, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 135,000 miles · MN

We bought a 2013 gmc terrain in april 2018 with 129k miles for approximately $15k after tax and title. We had it for about 8 months and were bringing it to a local chevrolet dealership for routine oil changes every 5,000 miles. About 1000 miles before our next oil change in december 2018, we noticed the engine knocking. The dash illuminated the check engine symbol. We connected an obdii reader to the PCM at a nearby part store. The reader displayed the code p0014; which is relative to "camshaft position 'b' timing over-advanced or system performance bank 1". We discovered the code was associated with low engine oil. We checked the oil level and there was no oil on the dip stick. We needed to poor 3 1/4 quarts of oil into the engine. We needed to add approximately 1 quart of oil every 1 1/2 to 2 weeks thereafter. About a month went by, and in january 2019, the dash displayed an engine power loss message and the engine sounded like that of a diesel engine. When the engine was shut off, we noticed the oil had leaked all over the ground. The vehicle was brought to a mechanic who diagnosed it as having a rear main oil seal failure, piston rings were bad, and the timing chain was bad. We called the dealer where it was purchased. They noted the vehicle was no longer under warranty because it has over 135k miles on it and they were unable to compensate for the damage. We called the gm customer service headquarters directly, and they informed us the vehicle was not listed as having any issues or recalls according to the VIN. $3500 estimate to fix by private mechanic. Vehicle is currently being serviced.

Filed Feb 13, 2019 · Engine · 67,000 miles · IN

During the polar vortex (jan 2019) my main oil seal blew on my 2013 gmc terrain. This was caused by a plugged orifice within the pcv system. This appears to be a design flaw on gm's part that they have recognized and extended special coverage as a result. Despite this special coverage existing they state my VIN number isn't included. My problem and vehicle meet the requirements for the special coverage exactly and nobody can explain why I'm not included. If you search online there are lots of other gm owners experiencing the same thing. This blown oil seal can result in damage to the engine and loss of power. Had I been on the interstate a serious accident could have occurred. The fact gm knows about the problem and is refusing to address is my issue. Special coverage 14882 https://gm.oemdtc.com/1899/special-coverage-adjustment-plugged-pcv-orifice-in-intake-manifold-2010-2014-buick-chevrolet-gmc I drive a 2013 gmc terrain with 4 cylinder engine.

Filed Aug 20, 2018 · Electrical · 33,956 miles · DE

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 gmc terrain. While driving 45 MPH, the center console lost power independently. The vehicle was taken to ig burton lewes automall (17861 coastal hwy, lewes, de 19958), but the failure could not be duplicated. The cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the radio module assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 33,956. **tr consumer stated took vehicle to I.g., burton 8/15/2018 vehicle's controls and displays were not working causing the heating, air conditioning,defrost, navigation system, radio controls as well as the panel illumination to become inoperative. This would happen intermittently. They could not duplicate problem. Went to pick it up on the 16th and it was not working. They kept the vehicle and replaced the radio control module. Invoices attached. Received the vehicle back 8/21/2018. Took vehicle to I.g, burton same issues as before. This time they replaced the radio control display and info screen, the radio control assembly, programmed the radio and the HVAC module. Invoice attached. Received the vehicle back 9/6/2018. 9/24/18 took vehicle to I.g., burton, dropped the vehicle off with the same issues. Today is the oct.3rd and we still don't have our vehicle back, nor have we heard anything. Updated 10/29/18

Filed Dec 8, 2017 · Engine, Fuel system · 34,572 miles · OH

There are several issues with this vehicle which makes me think this car was a lemon, unreported by original owner, or in a flood; 1st, the rear hatch struts were totally rusted out and inoperable (reinforcing my flood thought.) 2nd, the vehicles mpg is nowhere near the advertised 22/32 - I mentioned my concern several times to the service dept, the sales man, and the certified sale manager; their solution - they reset the gauge on the dashboard! 3rd, within days of my purchase, I noticed a knock under my car that sounded like an axle was going to bust through my floorboard it was knocking so hard! After numerous service repair attempts & visits back to the dealer, one visit lasting approximately 7 days, they think they've fixed the problem. Secondary fuel tank fuel pump module - (contributing to fuel consumption issue?) 4th, the windshield wipers stopped working while I was driving to work, in the fast lane, @ 6am one dark, rainy morning, during a torrential down pour almost causing a major pile up! 5th, check engine light, stumbles and misfires on acceleration, shuts off when stopped at a stop sign or traffic light. Repaired/several hundred dollars later. 6th, the continuing issues have been, but not limited to reduced engine power, rough idle, engine sputters, hesitates, poor gas mileage, & excessive oil consumption. 7th, another check engine light, now fuel-injectors need replaced (another contributor to fuel consumption issue?) . After further review of the vehicle's cpo paperwork, this is not the certified vehicle being referred to on the paperwork. There are items checked off on the report that do not apply to this vehicle. I would have never overpaid for a cpo vehicle had I know their "rigorous standards" meant absolutely nothing! I have bought many cars in my life, both new and used cars and never had any of the issues I am having with this vehicle!

Filed Jun 22, 2017 · Steering · 397,557 miles · NJ

While driving on the highway and bearing slight left, my vehicle lost power steering. I the message screen read, " service power steering", and the center console interactive screen went completely black. This lasted no more than 3-5sec. Everything returned to normal and I was able to proceed without incident. No sign of anything leaking from under my vehicle as I inspected in later in the evening.

Filed Aug 18, 2014 · Driver assistance · 26,500 miles · VA

This is the second time in a year that the service stabilititrak light has come on and a message to do that has come up on the information screen on the dash. When this happens the engine power is immediately reduced. Then you cannot turn this off as it locks the controls for this feature which can normally be turned on and off. I took the car in the first time and there we're relay and sensor issues which they fixed. I am waiting for the call as to what is going on this time. Is this a safety issue for not just this vehicle but any vehicle to have a feature that you can turn on and off to immediately cause power loss? Should you not be able to turn this feature off to avoid causing an accident and possibly causing someone to be injured or killed? Especially since this is a feature you can turn on and off anytime you want when it is working correctly. I have read on different web sites that others have had this same issue.