YearToAvoid

2013 GMC Terrain Engine Problems

Engine complaints make up 206 of 364 total complaints (57%) for the 2013 GMC Terrain, the highest share of any model year in this dataset. Owners most often report sudden power loss/stalling and excessive oil consumption, with a median failure mileage of 91,000. No related recalls are listed for this issue.

Engine complaints
206
57% of 364
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
91,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Vehicle suddenly loses power or shuts down while driving, sometimes showing an 'engine power reduced' message.
  • Engine stalls unexpectedly at low speed, including while stopped on an incline or attempting to park.
  • Owners report excessive oil consumption, needing to add roughly a quart of oil every 1,000 miles between changes.
  • A ticking noise is heard from under the hood while the engine idles in drive or reverse, disappearing in park.
  • One owner described the engine failing entirely on the highway, requiring a tow.

When 2013 GMC Terrain engine complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 12, 2014, latest Jan 7, 2026.

2013 GMC Terrain engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter232014 Q12017 Q22018 Q42020 Q22021 Q42023 Q22024 Q4
206 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2014 Q1 to 2026 Q1; peak 2019 Q1 (23).

Engine recalls for the 2013 GMC Terrain

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Terrain model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2010126 (43%)
  2. 2011207 (54%)
  3. 2012179 (49%)
  4. 2013206 (57%)
  5. 2014130 (44%)
  6. 201583 (28%)
  7. 201648 (32%)
  8. 201779 (59%)
  9. 201858 (26%)
  10. 201976 (41%)
  11. 202067 (34%)
  12. 202111 (31%)
  13. 202213 (22%)
  14. 202316 (41%)
  15. 202413 (27%)
  16. 20253 (23%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2013 GMC Terrain?
NHTSA lists 206 engine-related complaints out of 364 total complaints for the 2013 Terrain, a 57% share, the highest share among all model years listed.
Is there a recall for the 2013 GMC Terrain engine?
No related recalls are listed in the NHTSA data for this engine issue.
At what mileage do 2013 GMC Terrain engine problems typically appear?
The median mileage at failure across reported engine complaints is 91,000 miles.
What specific engine issues do owners report most?
Owners commonly describe sudden power loss or stalling, excessive oil consumption requiring frequent top-offs, and a ticking noise heard while idling in gear.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these engine complaints?
NHTSA data for this issue area shows 1 crash and 2 injuries reported, with no fires.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.