3 recalls and 365 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2013 GMC Terrain.
3
recalls
365
owner complaints
14
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2013 GMC Terrain recalls
Exterior lighting: headlights
NHTSA campaign 22V137000 · reported March 8, 2022 · General Motors, LLC · 740,581 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk
The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, motor
NHTSA campaign 16V582000 · reported August 4, 2016 · General Motors LLC · 367,808 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode and wear over time, possibly resulting in one or both of the windshield wipers becoming inoperative.
The risk
Inoperative windshield wipers may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
GM will notify owners, dealers will repair the AIP-hole, inspect and, if necessary, replace the front wiper module, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 25302.
Electrical system: ignition · Power train: automatic transmission, control module (tcm/PCM/tecm)
NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · reported July 5, 2016 · General Motors LLC · 8,367 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
The risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Engine198
Visibility/wiper50
Power train44
Unknown or other25
Electrical system22
Fuel/propulsion system21
Air bags19
Steering15
Structure14
Engine and engine cooling11
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Oct 25, 2026 · Structure
Headlights
Aug 22, 2026 · Structure
The paint on top of these kind of vehicles is peeling off tremendously, I've seen several vehicles like the same model& make in my neighborhood that have the same issues like mine with the paint coming off from the top of the vehicle. It's so badd to where it's corroding from the paint coming off!!!
Jun 18, 2026 · Seat belts · 177,000 miles
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…
Jan 7, 2026 · Engine
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…
Dec 12, 2025 · Engine
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…
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 GMC Terrain, the most recent reported on March 8, 2022 (Exterior lighting: headlights). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 GMC Terrain?
Owners have filed 365 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (198 complaints), followed by visibility/wiper (50).
How many 2013 GMC Terrain complaints mention a crash or fire?
14 of 365 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 25 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 25, 2026.