CarBrief

NHTSA has 364 owner complaints on file for the 2013 GMC Terrain, and the engine group is named more than any other[1][2]. Recalls cover headlight glare, wipers that can stop working and a park lock lever problem[3][4][5].

364owner complaints[1]
3recalls[6]
19–26MPG combined (EPA)[7]
4★NHTSA overall rating[8]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 364 complaints with NHTSA for this model year[1]. Of those, 14 mention a crash and 2 mention a fire, and the complaints report 25 injuries and 1 death[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

Here is how the biggest groups look:

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Engine[2] 205 91,000
Visibility/wiper[9] 50 60,000
Power train[10] 44 94,842
Unknown or other[11] 25 68,000
Electrical system[12] 22 48,000
Fuel/propulsion system[13] 21 35,786
Air bags[14] 19 45,000
Steering[15] 14 60,000

Engine. In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 3 describe oil use that needed topping up[2]. 4 describe a warning message with reduced power or the vehicle slowing on its own[2]. 2 mention ticking or rattling noises[2].

Power train. In a sample of 12 complaints, 5 describe the vehicle shutting off or stalling while driving[10]. 3 mention low oil or oil added between changes[10].

Wipers. In a sample of 12 complaints, 9 describe wipers that stopped or came off while driving in rain[9]. 6 say the owner got a recall letter but the repair or the part was not available at the time[9]..

Electrical. In a sample of 12 complaints, 8 describe a radio, touchscreen, instrument panel or display that went dark or failed[12]. Two of those texts are nearly identical, so the real spread is a little smaller[12].

Air bag complaints are fewer at 19, but 10 of them mention a crash and they report 12 injuries[14]. Fuel and propulsion complaints show the lowest median mileage in the table, at 35,786 miles[13].

Recalls

To check a specific vehicle, call GMC customer service[3][4][5].

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and the drive type. In the ratings below, the 2.4L 4-cylinder shows better mileage than the 3.6L 6-cylinder[7][16][17][18].

Engine and drive City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
2.4L FWD[7] 22 / 31 / 26 $2,600
2.4L AWD[17] 20 / 28 / 23 $2,900
3.6L FWD[16] 17 / 24 / 20 $3,350
3.6L AWD[18] 16 / 23 / 19 $3,550

The gasoline or E85 versions carry the same ratings[19][20][21][22]. EPA fuel cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the AWD version 4 stars overall, 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash and 4 stars for rollover[8]. Its rollover risk is 17.4%[8]. The FWD version has the same star ratings, with a rollover risk of 19.1%[23].

Engine and size

Our data lists a 2.4L 4-cylinder and a 3.6L 6-cylinder[17][16]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications.

Measure AWD FWD
Length[24][25] 185 in 185 in
Width[24][25] 73 in 73 in
Height[24][25] 67 in 67 in
Wheelbase[24][25] 113 in 113 in
Curb weight[24][25] 4,019 lb 3,854 lb

How 2013 compares with other years

2010: 290 complaints, 3 recalls20102011: 386 complaints, 4 recalls2012: 364 complaints, 4 recalls20122013: 364 complaints, 3 recalls36420132014: 297 complaints, 2 recalls20142015: 298 complaints, 3 recalls2016: 153 complaints, 2 recalls20162017: 135 complaints, 1 recalls2018: 225 complaints, 5 recalls20182019: 186 complaints, 3 recalls2020: 197 complaints, 2 recalls20202021: 36 complaints, 2 recalls2022: 88 complaints, 4 recalls20222023: 41 complaints, 2 recalls2024: 52 complaints, 1 recalls20242025: 13 complaints, 0 recalls2026: 33 complaints, 1 recalls20262027: 1 complaints, 0 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Terrain model year. The 2013 is highlighted[6].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20102903
20113864
20123644
20133643
20142972
20152983
20161532
20171351
20182255
20191863
20201972
2021362
2022884
2023412
2024521
2025130
2026331
202710

The 2013 model year has 364 complaints and 3 recalls on file[6]. The 2011 model year has 386 complaints and 4 recalls[6]. The 2012 model year ties 2013 at 364 complaints and has 4 recalls[6]. 2013 is tied for second on complaints among the model years we list. For comparison, 2014 has 297 complaints and 2 recalls, and 2015 has 298 and 3[6]. The 2018 model year has the most recalls at 5[6].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2013 Terrain?

The 2013 Terrain has 364 complaints, led by the engine group at 205 of 364 complaints[1][2]. In the small sample we read, owners describe oil use and sudden loss of power[2][10]. Ask for service records and the oil level history, and use the VIN to confirm that the wiper recall and the headlight recall were done[3][4]. The 2.4L FWD is the lowest fuel cost version, at $2,600 a year by EPA estimates[7]. Safety ratings are 4 stars overall[8][23].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 GMC Terrain?
The engine group is named in 205 of 364 NHTSA complaints[1][2]. In a sample of complaint texts, owners describe oil use, reduced power and ticking noises[2].
Does the 2013 GMC Terrain have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 22V137 for headlight glare, 16V582 for wiper ball joints and 16V502 for replacement park lock levers[3][4][5].
What is the gas mileage of a 2013 GMC Terrain?
The 2.4L FWD is rated 22 city, 31 highway and 26 combined MPG[7]. The 3.6L AWD is rated 16, 23 and 19[18].
How safe is the 2013 GMC Terrain?
NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall and 5 stars for side crash, for both AWD and FWD[8][23].
Is 2013 a good year for the GMC Terrain?
It has 364 complaints, behind only 2011 at 386 and tied with 2012, and 3 recalls[6]. Complaints are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 364 owner complaints on file for the 2013 GMC Terrain (14 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 25 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 205 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 91,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 22V137, filed March 8, 2022: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 16V582, filed August 4, 2016: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Motor. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 16V502, filed July 5, 2016: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
  6. Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Terrain model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  7. EPA rating for Terrain FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  8. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 50 complaints name the visibility/wiper component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 44 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 94,842). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 25 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 22 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 21 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,786). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 19 complaints name the air bags component group (10 crashes, 0 fires, 12 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 14 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. EPA rating for Terrain FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Terrain AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Terrain AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Terrain AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Terrain FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Terrain FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Terrain AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TERRAIN SLE/SLT 4DR SUV AWD: length 185 in, width 73 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,019 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TERRAIN SLE/SLT 4DR SUV FWD: length 185 in, width 73 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 3,854 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.