2013 GMC Terrain Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 197 1 crash 2 injury

“The contact owned a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while attempting to park in a parking lot at 5 mph, the vehicle independently accelerated. As a result, the vehicle ran into a pole. The air bags did deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained some bruising and swelling on her face and left arm and the passenger sustained a bruised knee. No medical attention was required. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under any recall.…”
NHTSA complaint #11422003, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11704787, 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11694674, 2025

Visibility/Wiper 50

“My 2013 engine blew out, I did an oil change around February and a month later took my vehicle to aamco and they found a gallon of coolant in the engine. None of the warning lights came on prior to this happening at all whatsoever. The oil life was still at 32% with no oil in my engine. All 3 of my windshield wipers as well rotted within the year that I purchased the vehicle. Now I do not have a working vehicle at all whatsoever due to the engine and car not wanting to start. When I put the code reader in when it first happened it told me it was the camshaft sensor so I changed both sensors an…”
NHTSA complaint #11471689, 2022

“1. Engine burning oil, had to be replaced at 100,000 miles. In repair shop again, oil coming out of exhaust?? 2. Car would stall out while driving, try to accelerate at a red light, almost crashed a few times. Back window has been covered in oil from exhaust. Couldn't see. 3. Only used White Plains Buick/GMC for repairs. Car is there now. 4. NYS DMV is currently investigating 5. Check engine light just recently came on”
NHTSA complaint #11426320, 2020

“ON 12/15/18 WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY IN MARYLAND ON A HEAVY RAINING NIGHT WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WORKING AND FROZE IN PLACE. HAD TO PULL OFF AND ACQUIRE A RIDE HOME, AND RETRIEVE VEHICLE THE NEXT DAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11161790, 2018

Power Train 44

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11663347, 2025

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11599815, 2024

“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 seriou…”
NHTSA complaint #11709455, 2023

Unknown Or Other 28 9 injury

“AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE TWO WEEKS LATER I DEVELOPED A VERY SERIOUS SKIN RASH ON MY FACE AND NECK AND SEVERE HEALTH ISSUES CAUSING ME TO HAVE CARDIAC ARREST SYMPTOMS IN AND OUT OF THE HOSPITAL FOR THE PAST 11 MONTHS MY DAUGHTER HAS BEEN IN THE HOSPITAL AND MY DOG IS ALSO DYING FROM THE SAME SYMPTOMS. MY SITUATION IS LIFE OR DEATH AT THIS MOMENT AND MY CONDITION IS UNKNOWN AND I'M NOT SURE IF I WILL SURVIVE”
NHTSA complaint #11308401, 2018 · 3 injury(ies)

“THE HATCH BACK DOOR THAT LEFTS UP BY A TOUCH OF A BUTTON CAME CRASHING DOWN ON MY HEAD WHILE PUTTING IN THE GROCERIES. THE NEXT TIME IT CAME DOWN ON MY FINGERS. ALSO CAME DOWN ON MY DAUGHTERS BACK. ALL THE TIME WITHOUT WARNING. IT LEFTS UP JUST FINE BUT IT COMES CRASHING DOWN AT ANY TIME. I TOOK IT TO GMC DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPORTED THAT THE OIL WAS LIKING FROM THE LEFT SIDE TERRAIN LIFT GATE TAILGATE HATCH-ACTUATOR 23432304. PART NUMBER 23432304 FOR 2013 GMC TERRAIN. THIS COULD SERIOUSLY HURT SOMEONE. I HAVE TURN MINE TO OFF AND HAVE TO LIFT IT MANUALLY. NO FUN. IT'S HEAVY.”
NHTSA complaint #10928900, 2016 · 3 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE WHITE PARTICLES EMITTING FROM THE AIR CONDITION VENTS WHILE THE UNIT WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT STATED DEVELOPED A SKIN RASH AND A BURNING SENSATION IN HER LUNGS. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT EVEN WHEN THE AIR CONDITION UNIT WAS NOT ACTIVATED, WHITE PARTICLES EMITTED FROM THE AIR VENTS LOCATED BY THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT WENT TO A DOCTOR WHERE EROSION IN HER LUNGS, PNEUMONIA, AND AN INFECTION ON HER FACE WERE DISCOVERED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HER DAUGHTER HAD RECENTLY STARTED TO COUGH UP BLACK AND RED MUCUS.…”
NHTSA complaint #11301673, 2019 · 2 injury(ies)

Electrical System 23 1 fire 3 injury

“MY CAR SINCE DAY ONE STEERING WHEELS LOCKS UP CONSTANTLY, THE BRAKES DO NOT STOP YOU THE WORST IS THE ENGINES BATTERY WHICH IS LOCATED UNDER THE SEAT CONSTANTLY SAYS I HAVE NO POWER IT WILL TURN ON SEVERAL CODES AND THE START IDLING THE RPMS GO UP LIKE YOUR PRESS G THE GAS BUT YOU NOT THEN YOU STALL YOU CAN BE GOING 70 OR 20 MPH AND IT WILL JUST STALL WITH NO WARNING. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL AND I LOSE TRACTION IN REGULAR ROADS IN PERFECT WEATHER. I CAN'T SEEM TO LOCATE MY AIRBAGS I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE SERVICES A MILLION TIMES THEY ALWAYS SAY NOTHING IS WRONG ALSO WHEN THE RPMS OR GOING UP.AND…”
NHTSA complaint #11165320, 2017 · 3 injury(ies)

“AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 30 MINUTES. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AT THE DRIVER SIDE TAILLIGHT. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE DETERMINED BY THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS FAULTY ELECTRICAL WIRING. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10663729, 2014 · fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11599815, 2024

Air Bags 22 10 crash 12 injury

“AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE TWO WEEKS LATER I DEVELOPED A VERY SERIOUS SKIN RASH ON MY FACE AND NECK AND SEVERE HEALTH ISSUES CAUSING ME TO HAVE CARDIAC ARREST SYMPTOMS IN AND OUT OF THE HOSPITAL FOR THE PAST 11 MONTHS MY DAUGHTER HAS BEEN IN THE HOSPITAL AND MY DOG IS ALSO DYING FROM THE SAME SYMPTOMS. MY SITUATION IS LIFE OR DEATH AT THIS MOMENT AND MY CONDITION IS UNKNOWN AND I'M NOT SURE IF I WILL SURVIVE”
NHTSA complaint #11308401, 2018 · 3 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL. WE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT ON 05/12/2017 WHERE SOMEONE HIT US HEAD ON AT 50 MPH. WE WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL, AND LATER DISCOVERED THE TAKATA AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS, WITH THE FRONT END CRASHED IN, FRAME WAS BENT, AND THE BATTERY WAS SPLIT IN HALF FROM THE SPEED OF THE IMPACT. I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT STARTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AFTER THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES PER HOUR.”
NHTSA complaint #10993864, 2017 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“DEAR SAFETY OFFICER, THIS IS TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT I WISH TO PURSUE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST GMC. MY LIFE WAS AT RISK IN AN ACCIDENT. AS IT IS ACCIDENTS ARE UN-WELCOMED, TO ADD TO IT THE SAFETY FEATURE (AIRBAGS) FROM MY GMC VEHICLE CHASIS NO [XXX],ORIGIN CANADA,REGISTER IN UAE DID NOT FUNCTION AT ALL. A DEPLOY SIGN APPEARED ON THE DISPLAY, BUT NONE OF THE AIRBAGS FUNCTIONED AS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW LESS THAN A YEAR AGO UNDER WARRANTY WITH COMPLETE SERVICE HISTORY. THE DAMAGE WAS SO MUCH TO THE VEHICLE THAT MY INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED IT AS TOTAL LOSS AND ARE…”
NHTSA complaint #10550152, 2013 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Fuel/Propulsion System 21

“vehicle started running rough when driven, mechanic found fuel pump putting fuel into oil. could have caught fire! pump replaced and trashed. check engine light was only warning other then rought running engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11624354, 2024

“The engine locked up due to oil leaking into it. This is a known issue with GM on these model cars but instead of issuing a recall they issued a special warranty that expired leaving consumers with these vehicles to be responsible for this repair which cost over $8,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11595939, 2024

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11581591, 2024

Steering 14 3 injury

“MY CAR SINCE DAY ONE STEERING WHEELS LOCKS UP CONSTANTLY, THE BRAKES DO NOT STOP YOU THE WORST IS THE ENGINES BATTERY WHICH IS LOCATED UNDER THE SEAT CONSTANTLY SAYS I HAVE NO POWER IT WILL TURN ON SEVERAL CODES AND THE START IDLING THE RPMS GO UP LIKE YOUR PRESS G THE GAS BUT YOU NOT THEN YOU STALL YOU CAN BE GOING 70 OR 20 MPH AND IT WILL JUST STALL WITH NO WARNING. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL AND I LOSE TRACTION IN REGULAR ROADS IN PERFECT WEATHER. I CAN'T SEEM TO LOCATE MY AIRBAGS I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE SERVICES A MILLION TIMES THEY ALWAYS SAY NOTHING IS WRONG ALSO WHEN THE RPMS OR GOING UP.AND…”
NHTSA complaint #11165320, 2017 · 3 injury(ies)

“When driving in the rain going through puddles power steering will intermittently stop working.”
NHTSA complaint #11562758, 2023

“Hello, I have spent a lot of money on this mobile car and even so, it continues to cause problems and the oil runs out too quickly.”
NHTSA complaint #11463744, 2022

Structure 12

“Diagnosis - rear floor boards and trunk well full of water. Diagnose and report - Founds traces of water running down rear pillars, starting just under the taillights. Remove rear taillights and found access hole tape failed, allowing water to enter vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11570646, 2024

“The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed there was extreme rust to the subframe and that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,388.”
NHTSA complaint #11546611, 2023

“The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to be inspected however, the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be inspected due to the frame, rocker panel, rear bumper support, and the e-brake cable mounting bracket being extremely corroded. The contact was informed that the parts needed to be replaced before the inspection was completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,276.”
NHTSA complaint #11501014, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling 11

“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 repaire…”
NHTSA complaint #11678887, 2025

“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; NHTSA Campaign Number: 10183214 (Engine and Engine Cooling); with DTC: P0420 and the vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stat…”
NHTSA complaint #11639124, 2024

“The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming 1 to 3 quarts of oil for every few miles. The contact stated that the cross member was covered in oil. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the timing chain had jumped and there was no compression in the engine. The contact was informed that the rod bearings were damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11540014, 2023

Exterior Lighting 10

“The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Several local dealers were contacted; however, the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11600248, 2024

“The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11516482, 2023

“The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V137000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11538989, 2022

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 8 3 injury

“MY CAR SINCE DAY ONE STEERING WHEELS LOCKS UP CONSTANTLY, THE BRAKES DO NOT STOP YOU THE WORST IS THE ENGINES BATTERY WHICH IS LOCATED UNDER THE SEAT CONSTANTLY SAYS I HAVE NO POWER IT WILL TURN ON SEVERAL CODES AND THE START IDLING THE RPMS GO UP LIKE YOUR PRESS G THE GAS BUT YOU NOT THEN YOU STALL YOU CAN BE GOING 70 OR 20 MPH AND IT WILL JUST STALL WITH NO WARNING. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL AND I LOSE TRACTION IN REGULAR ROADS IN PERFECT WEATHER. I CAN'T SEEM TO LOCATE MY AIRBAGS I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE SERVICES A MILLION TIMES THEY ALWAYS SAY NOTHING IS WRONG ALSO WHEN THE RPMS OR GOING UP.AND…”
NHTSA complaint #11165320, 2017 · 3 injury(ies)

“ENGINE POWER REDUCED LIGHT CAME ON AND THERE IS RATTLING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD. WE PULLED OUT OF A DRIVE THRU INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHEN THIS ALL STARTED.”
NHTSA complaint #11349642, 2020

“ON A COLD 12 DEGREE DAY ON 1/19/2020 I WAS DRIVING MY 2013 GMC TERRAIN ON A BUSY STATE HIGHWAY DOING THE SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MPH. OUT OF NO WHERE I BEGAN TO SMELL THE ODOR OF BURNING OIL AND SEEN WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. AS SOON AS I NOTICED IT MY CAR'S GAUGES STARTED COMING ON. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, A WARNING TO FOR "SERVICE STABILITRAK", THEN THE WARNING FOR "ENGINE POWER REDUCED". AT THE MOMENT MY CAR ALL THE SUDDEN SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN A MAJOR HIGHWAY! THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING AND IT WAS VERY HARD FOR ME STEER MY CAR INTO THE PARKING LOT OF WALMART AND SAFE…”
NHTSA complaint #11300673, 2020

Service Brakes 7 3 crash 3 injury

“DEAR SAFETY OFFICER, THIS IS TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT I WISH TO PURSUE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST GMC. MY LIFE WAS AT RISK IN AN ACCIDENT. AS IT IS ACCIDENTS ARE UN-WELCOMED, TO ADD TO IT THE SAFETY FEATURE (AIRBAGS) FROM MY GMC VEHICLE CHASIS NO [XXX],ORIGIN CANADA,REGISTER IN UAE DID NOT FUNCTION AT ALL. A DEPLOY SIGN APPEARED ON THE DISPLAY, BUT NONE OF THE AIRBAGS FUNCTIONED AS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW LESS THAN A YEAR AGO UNDER WARRANTY WITH COMPLETE SERVICE HISTORY. THE DAMAGE WAS SO MUCH TO THE VEHICLE THAT MY INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED IT AS TOTAL LOSS AND ARE…”
NHTSA complaint #10550152, 2013 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC TERRAIN. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CURTAIN SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, HOWEVER THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXI…”
NHTSA complaint #10910000, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“PURCHASED 2013 GMC TERRAIN DENALI BRAND NEW; VEHICLE HAD APPROX 5000 MILES WHEN THIS INCIDENT TOOK PLACE. WHILE OUT TO MOUNTAINS AND JUST STARTING TO HEADING DOWN A STEEP GRADE ON A DIRT/GRAVEL ROAD (JUST STARTED MOVING AND WAS TRAVELING LESS THAN 5MPH), ABS KICKED IN AND WOULDN'T STOP, PREVENTING THE BREAK FROM BEING PRESSED. THIS CONTINUED FOR ABOUT A HALF MILE DOWN THIS STEEP GRADE ROAD WITH A CLIFF ON ONE SIDE AND A MOUNTAIN FACE ON THE OTHER. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE DOWN THE MOUNTAIN PICKING UP SPEED THE ENTIRE TIME. I TRIED EVERYTHING I COULD THINK OF TO GET THE ABS TO RELEASE…”
NHTSA complaint #10520537, 2013 · crash

Suspension 7

“The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the contact heard a sound coming from the rear of the vehicle and had the shocks replaced. While the vehicle was getting a routine oil change, the mechanic noticed that the vehicle was rusted, causing the rear suspension trailing arms to detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11495297, 2022

“Water in spare tire component area stays there even when it rains and during car washes; also I replace the suspension and still hearing cracking noise as I make turns”
NHTSA complaint #11465866, 2020

“I HAVE HAD THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT REPLACED BY THE DEALER TWO TIMES. IT HAS BEEN SHORTING OUT AND COME TO FIND OUT THE PLUG THAT THE BULB CONNECTS TO HAS BEEN BROKEN AND NO ONE FIXED THE ISSUE. ALSO I HAD MY FRONT AXLE'S HAVING ISSUES.”
NHTSA complaint #11373930, 2017

Wheels 6 1 crash

“1. ON AUGUST 17, 2014 MY VIRTUALLY NEW 2013 GMC TERRAIN WITH LESS THAN ONLY A FEW THOUSAND MILES OF USE CRASHED DUE TO THE GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION [GMC] GMC TERRAIN DEFECT IN DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING OF THIS VEHICLE AS CONFIRMED BY AN OFFICIAL GMC DEALER AS RECORDED HEREIN. THE DETAILS OF THIS INCIDENT ARE RECORDED BELOW AND REPRESENT ONLY A SMALL FRACTION OF MY MANY ATTEMPTS BY USPS MAIL, EMAIL AND TELEPHONE TO CONTACT GMC AND TO REGISTER MY COMPLAINT. GMC HAS NOT MADE ANY MEANINGFUL RESPONSE TO MY CONTACTS AND, IN POINT OF FACT AND IN TRUTH, GMC HAS ACTED TO INTIMIDATE, TERRORIZE AND BULL…”
NHTSA complaint #10638662, 2014 · crash

“While driving, the traction control light turns on. Then the gauges all start fluctuation. The dash reads service park assist. Then service stabilitrak. It does not run properly. It shifts hard. I’ve had it to the dealership twice now. The issue is still not resolved and it’s going back next Monday. I feel it will again not be resolved after reading multiple forums of others having the same issue after spending thousands of dollars. This is frightening and stressful to say the least. My car has less then sixty thousand miles on it. I should not be having this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11441264, 2021

“SHOWED STABILITY TRACK. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT SHOWED SERVICE STABILITY TRAK THEN ENGINE POWER REDUCED. IT TOOK MY SPEED FROM A 65 TO 35 IN AN INSTANT CAUSING ME TO ALMOST CRASH. THEN THE CAR STARTED TO JERK AS I TRIED TO DRIVE TO FIND SOMEWHERE SAFE.”
NHTSA complaint #11297053, 2020

Vehicle Speed Control 5

“Bought my 2013 Gmc Terrain with 84,000 miles for $16,000. At 97,774 miles had to have it serviced for excessive oil consumption with timing cover and front crank seal cleaned and timing cover gasket replaced. Cost over $700. Then at 100333 miles had to have a new timing chain put in and water pump also the camshaft and cam phasers cost over $2,000. Now it is around 121000 miles and the lights on dash light up while driving to service stability track and I can not go faster then about 30 miles an hour. It then goes off and randomly comes back on while driving at any speed. Also there is a HUGE…”
NHTSA complaint #11456254, 2022

“1. Engine burning oil, had to be replaced at 100,000 miles. In repair shop again, oil coming out of exhaust?? 2. Car would stall out while driving, try to accelerate at a red light, almost crashed a few times. Back window has been covered in oil from exhaust. Couldn't see. 3. Only used White Plains Buick/GMC for repairs. Car is there now. 4. NYS DMV is currently investigating 5. Check engine light just recently came on”
NHTSA complaint #11426320, 2020

“I HAVE HAD MY 2013 GMC TERRAIN FOR 3 YEARS AND IT HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE OIL CONSUMPTION, STARTING, TRACTION LIGHT COMES ON BY ITSELF AND TRUCK CUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THIS STARTED SEVERAL WEEKS AGO. OIL, IT CONSUMES LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL BETWEEN THE OIL CHANGES. I CHECK THE DIGITAL OIL DISPLAYS, THAT SHOW HOW MUCH OIL REMAINS, AND IT CAN GO FROM 80% REMAINS TO 70% REMAINS IN A MATTER OF DAYS. ICUTTING OFF, THIS HAPPENS AT RANDOM TIMES. WHEN I DRIVE, IT LOOSES POWER AND CUTS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. NO WARNING AT ALL. THIS IS VERY SCARY ESPECIALLY WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR. IT WILL L…”
NHTSA complaint #11255663, 2019

Seats 4 1 fire 3 injury

“AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE TWO WEEKS LATER I DEVELOPED A VERY SERIOUS SKIN RASH ON MY FACE AND NECK AND SEVERE HEALTH ISSUES CAUSING ME TO HAVE CARDIAC ARREST SYMPTOMS IN AND OUT OF THE HOSPITAL FOR THE PAST 11 MONTHS MY DAUGHTER HAS BEEN IN THE HOSPITAL AND MY DOG IS ALSO DYING FROM THE SAME SYMPTOMS. MY SITUATION IS LIFE OR DEATH AT THIS MOMENT AND MY CONDITION IS UNKNOWN AND I'M NOT SURE IF I WILL SURVIVE”
NHTSA complaint #11308401, 2018 · 3 injury(ies)

“I REMOTE STARTED MY CAR AND WHEN I GOT NEAR MY CAR I COULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING AND I OPENED THE DOOR AND SAW SMOKE COMING UP THROUGH THE DRIVERS SEAT. BURNED A HOLE ABOUT THE SIZE OF A DIME.”
NHTSA complaint #11191598, 2019 · fire

“MY FRONT PASSENGER MANUAL SEAT IS STUCK IN THE LAST POSITION IT WAS IN. THE FRONT DRIVER'S MANUAL SEAT MOVES VERY SMOOTHLY. AM HAVING THE CAR CHECKED WEDNESDAY, 9-26, BUT THOUGHT I'D CHECK ON POSSIBLE RECALLS PRIOR TO GETTING IT LOOKED AT. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY WHEN I FIRST DISCOVERED IT.”
NHTSA complaint #11131060, 2018

Visibility 4

“The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign number: 16V582000 (Visibility). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The part was available for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11427785, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC TERRAIN. WHILE DRIVING, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DARKENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DEFROST SYSTEM FAILED TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD WHEN DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. *TT*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11151697, 2018

“2013 GMC TERRAIN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH THE SAME MODEL PART THAT FAILED. THE CONSUMER IS IN POSSESSION OF THE OLD PART. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10965488, 2016

Chest Clip 2 1 crash 2 injury 1 death

“Vehicle involved in a significant head on crash. Child was restrained in the right rear in Cosco Easy Elite All in One forward facing car seat. The buckle positioned between the legs failed by ripping through the plastic base of the car seat. The plastic base was damaged and the buckle was no longer attached to the car seat. Child sustained fatal injuries from this crash.”
NHTSA complaint #11624467, 2024 · crash · 1 death(s)

“On the car seat the latch does not come unlatched as soon as you press he red release button it in the font part of the car seat and the big red latch in the back of the car seat does not detach the car seat from the base of the car seat . My baby was chocking and I couldn’t get him out of the car seat ,I had to place my hands on my baby and flip the car seat over until the chocking stopped. And on the stroller the car seat doesn’t attach well and when it did it’s very hard to detach the car seat from stroller as in you would have to remove the baby from car seat just to remove the car seat…”
NHTSA complaint #11426254, 2019

Equipment 2 2 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE WHITE PARTICLES EMITTING FROM THE AIR CONDITION VENTS WHILE THE UNIT WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT STATED DEVELOPED A SKIN RASH AND A BURNING SENSATION IN HER LUNGS. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT EVEN WHEN THE AIR CONDITION UNIT WAS NOT ACTIVATED, WHITE PARTICLES EMITTED FROM THE AIR VENTS LOCATED BY THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT WENT TO A DOCTOR WHERE EROSION IN HER LUNGS, PNEUMONIA, AND AN INFECTION ON HER FACE WERE DISCOVERED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HER DAUGHTER HAD RECENTLY STARTED TO COUGH UP BLACK AND RED MUCUS.…”
NHTSA complaint #11301673, 2019 · 2 injury(ies)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11121014, 2018

Forward Collision Avoidance 2

“DRIVING HOME FROM WORK LAST NIGHT IN MY CAR AND WHEN I GOT TO MY NEIGHBORHOOD, I ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOW A TAD FOR SOME FRESH AIR, AND THEN NOTICED A WEIRD CRANKING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I CONTINUED HOME CAUTIOUSLY, NOTICING AT THIS POINT THAT WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE THE CAR WOULD SHAKE SOME AND THE LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER SOME. I HAD NOT NOTICED ANYTHING ON THE 25 MILE DRIVE TO WORK THAT MORNING AND MOST OF THE DRIVE HOME UNTIL SLOWING DOWN FROM HIGHWAY TO NEIGHBORHOOD ROAD. WHEN I GOT TO MY CARPORT I PARKED MY CAR AND GOT OUT, NOTICING THE SMELL OF BURNING OIL. I QUICKLY LOOKED UNDER…”
NHTSA complaint #11389598, 2021

“THE ENGINE IS CONSUMING OIL AT AN EXCESSIVE RATE.”
NHTSA complaint #11383391, 2020

Fuel System 2 1 crash 2 injury

“The contact owned a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while attempting to park in a parking lot at 5 mph, the vehicle independently accelerated. As a result, the vehicle ran into a pole. The air bags did deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained some bruising and swelling on her face and left arm and the passenger sustained a bruised knee. No medical attention was required. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under any recall.…”
NHTSA complaint #11422003, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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 approximat…”
NHTSA complaint #11480498, 2021

Seat Belts 2 1 crash 1 injury

“I WAS REAR ENDED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A STOP. THE IMPACT PUSHED ME INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY SEAT BELTS LOCKED AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT DEPLOYED. BUT THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY (JUST THE LIGHT). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10676718, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11745090, 2026

Back Over Prevention 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC TERRAIN. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE BACKUP CAMERA SCREEN FAILED TO OPERATE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE RADIO SCREEN POWERED OFF WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER SEVERAL MILES, THE SCREEN POWERED ON WITHOUT BEING PROMPTED. THE FAILURES RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 04/29/16*LJ”
NHTSA complaint #10788064, 2015

Carry Handle 1

“On the car seat the latch does not come unlatched as soon as you press he red release button it in the font part of the car seat and the big red latch in the back of the car seat does not detach the car seat from the base of the car seat . My baby was chocking and I couldn’t get him out of the car seat ,I had to place my hands on my baby and flip the car seat over until the chocking stopped. And on the stroller the car seat doesn’t attach well and when it did it’s very hard to detach the car seat from stroller as in you would have to remove the baby from car seat just to remove the car seat…”
NHTSA complaint #11426254, 2019

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“WHILE DRIVING THE CRASH LIGHT AND SIGNAL CAME ON AND THE TRUCK SLOWED DOWN THIS HAPPEN ABOUT 6 TIMES SINCE I BOUGH THE TRUCK IN JULY 2013. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10605635, 2014

Lane Departure 1

“THE ENGINE IS CONSUMING OIL AT AN EXCESSIVE RATE.”
NHTSA complaint #11383391, 2020

Tires 1

“A SECOND MICHELIN LATITUDE TOUR TIRE ON 2013 GMC TERRAIN (PURCHASED NEW IN MAY 2013) HAD REPETITIVE LOW TIRE PRESSURE SHOWING ON THE TPMS. AFTER 1 WEEK OF INFLATING TO SPEC PRESSURE AND ONLY HAVE IT HAPPEN AGAIN, REMOVED THE WHEEL AND TIRE TO INSPECT FOR AN EMBEDDED OBJECT (E.G. NAIL) IN THE ENTIRE TREAD AREA AND SIDEWALL. NOTHING VISIBLE. REPLACED AND INFLATED TO SPEC AGAIN. 2 DAYS LATER LOW PRESSURE AGAIN. REMOVED THE WHEEL/TIRE FROM THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND MIXED A SOAP SOLUTION TO INSPECT THE TREAD AREA FOR A LEAK. AFTER THOROUGHLY INSPECTING THE ENTIRE TREAD AREA TWICE, NOTICED A SLOW…”
NHTSA complaint #10554119, 2013