2013 GMC Terrain recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 GMC Terrain and 370 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (198), visibility/wiper (50), power train (44). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 20–26 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2013 has the most owner complaints of any Terrain model year from 2012 to 2026. It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2013 GMC Terrain. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Exterior lighting · headlights
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."
Risk: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
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
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.
Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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
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."
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Headlights
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!!!
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 fail…
Safety ratings
2013 GMC Terrain SUV AWD
2013 GMC Terrain SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2013 GMC Terrain.
Terrain AWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · SIDI
Regular
Terrain AWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · SIDI; FFV
Gasoline or E85
Terrain FWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · SIDI;
Regular
Terrain FWD
Auto 6-spd · 6 cyl · 3.6 L · SIDI;
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2013 GMC Terrain have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 GMC Terrain, most recently for exterior lighting · headlights (03/08/2022). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 GMC Terrain?
Based on 370 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (198), visibility/wiper (50), power train (44).
Is the 2013 GMC Terrain safe?
The 2013 GMC Terrain earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2013 a good year for the GMC Terrain?
The 2013 has the most owner complaints of any Terrain model year from 2012 to 2026. It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2013 GMC Terrain get?
EPA ratings for the 2013 GMC Terrain range from 20 to 26 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2013 GMC Terrain in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: TERRAIN, Terrain.