2013 GMC Terrain: gas smell in the cabin

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 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 Apr 7, 2024 · Fuel system · MO

When refueling, and having the fill nozzle locked on for auto shutoff, the fuel overflows and drains out of the fuel fill cavity and drips on the right rear tire. This usually results in gasoline smell in the car. This happens on most fuel nozzles. I should have reported it years ago.

Filed Aug 22, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · 115,000 miles · MS

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the dealer had previously performed an unknown repair for an exhaust leak; however, the failure recurred while starting the vehicle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a fuel odor was detected. The contact was concerned that her and her passenger had experienced carbon monoxide poisoning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who reset the fuel carbon sensor and replaced the fuel cap; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Filed Jul 26, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · MO

I’ve been having a issue with my oil consumption and display messages about servicing the stabilitrak and traction control. I could be driving and suddenly my engine power is reduced asking with these two messages. I received a letter from GMC about the excessive oil consumption due to degraded catalytic converter and/or oxygen sensor. The one oxygen sensor was replaced before I received the letter. The letter states I should get the oil consumption diagnosed. I’ve went 4 times now and the oil dipstick smells like gas but the dealership is saying the special coverage has expired. My letter says otherwise. Why send a letter about a possible issue and then not help to fix it?

Filed Jul 26, 2016 · Fuel system · 18,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 gmc terrain. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact noticed a fuel odor. The contact also noticed that the fuel gauge was lowering. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed a puddle underneath. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000. Updated 09/27/16*lj

Filed Dec 8, 2015 · Fuel system · 37,000 miles · RI

I was about to switch lanes on highway from on ramp travelling aprpox 60 MPH and accelerating when my vehicle suddeling stopped accelerating & someone pulled up on my side to inform me I was leaking fuel everywhere. I lost nearly a full tank of gas on the highway. One of the men who stopped had worked on gm vehicles in the past and was able to clip something together to slow the leak. I drove to the dealership and they were no help and didn't seem to care about the issue or how serious this was for a 2 year old car with 37k miles. I was told I was out of warranty and they would not do anything for me and were going to charge me a $200 diagnostic fee. Disappointed by the poor service I received I took the car to my local mechanic who works on our other vehicle. They were shocked to see a fuel line on a 2013 vehicle break. They ordered the replacement fuel line from gm and I got my car back on 5 days later. The next day I took my car out to run errands and when returning to the vehicle I noticed a strong smell of gas, upon looking under the car I noticed that the fuel line was still leaking and from the same place! We brought the vehicle back to the shop and they immediately go in touch with gm who sent out another replacement part and also recommended also replacing the metal line as they had been seeing some issues with this line. Under the recommendation of gm the shop replaced both lines and I got my car back 3 days later. The problems I have experienced are unacceptable and could be very dangerous. Fortunately no one was hurt but had I been in the high speed lane and traveling at full speed limit when this happen I or someone else could have been seriously injured by this issue. Given the age of the car and low mileage this is not a wear and tear issue, this is 100% a defective part or mfg problem that I expect gm to reimburse $670 for repair.