10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
62,066 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 GMC Terrain engine problems

engine problem

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2013 GMC Terrain Owner Comments (Page 7 of 10)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #62

Apr 112019

Terrain

  • 98,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Started my car in the morning before work and it immediately began to shake and knock. Message stating reduced engine power noted on control center. Vehicle would only go 25 mph. Felt like oil was low so attempted to drive to get oil checked and while on the way there the car quit working and I had to coast into a local business parking lot. The engine would not turn over but I still had battery power. Had to have my vehicle towed to mechanic who just notified me that my engine was burned up and they had to put 4 quarts of oil in for it to just register on the dipstick. My car was running perfectly fine up until that morning. I get my oil changed as I should. Initially thought it was just a blown gasket but it was much worse. I have less than 100,000 miles on this vehicle.

- Texarkana, TX, USA

problem #61

Jan 212019

Terrain

  • 119,000 miles
I left the house and the engine started making loud jack hammer noises, the warning light flashed engine power reduced. The temperature outside was below zero that day, however, I had no other warning lights on my dash before the engine power reduced light. The engine suddenly became very very loud and stopped functioning. I called a tow truck and had the vehicle towed to a local mechanic, I was told that the rear manifold failed and "blew" out of the vehicle. Upon review of the website carcomplainta.com I discovered that for my year, make and model this is a common issue that I was unaware of. There is a GM service bulletin 14882 that covers this issue and that I needed to file a complaint with you. I was told that the entire engine would need to be replaced immediately. I have no way to afford this and if GM is aware of this situation they need to make the needed repairs

- Xenia, OH, USA

problem #60

Jan 312019

Terrain

  • 78,000 miles
Driving on a city street when the vehicle oil light came on, then it proceeded to tell me to turn off the vehicle, which I did and turn it back on. The engine revved up and started to spurt until I made it home. Later found out that the issue I was having was part of recall 14882, but my VIN is not included on the list to be repaired.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #59

Mar 062019

Terrain

  • 126,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I began driving my 2013 GMC Terrain down the street and my car began to feel as if it was going to stall. Then the check engine light came on & a few minutes later, the engine blew with 126,000 miles on the car. Prior to this day, the car had been operating without any issues and no warning lights had come on. The mechanic said that the timing chain had broken & there was no oil in the engine. I bought this car new & was the only owner & religiously changed my oil every 5,000 miles & was not yet due for an oil change. Since this has happened, I discovered that there have been several complaints about this vehicle in regard to oil consumption issues & there has not been a recall issued. This poses a serious safety concern especially considering an oil warning light never came on nor, did any warning lights until immediately prior to the engine blowing.

- Barnegat, NJ, USA

problem #58

Mar 082019

Terrain

  • 99,000 miles
Rear main seal failed due to clogged PCV valve. One day the car seamed fine, no visable oil leaks, the next day, daughter backed out of driveway and there was a large puddle of oil under her vehicle. She didn't see the puddle, all the oil leaked out of the vehicle, no engine light came on, had to have it towed to shop, $1200 estimate to repair. This is a known issue with GM.

- Ravenna, OH, USA

problem #57

Mar 072019

Terrain

  • 91,000 miles
I was driving when my car started making a noise and vibration. I drove it 3 miles as the vibration and noise was getting worse to the dealership.according to the dealership the engine PCV valve became clogged with sledge or ice and pushed the oil out the rear seal of the engine causing failure. In addition the ECM failed to display a low engine oil warning or a check engine warning. After talking to the mechanic at the dealership and researching on the internet, this is a design flaw for the 2.4 ecotc engine that GM has failed to address and is causing people thousands of dollars. My repair will cost $3000. Recall 14882

- Flint, MI, USA

problem #56

Feb 102019

Terrain

  • 125,300 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The rear main seal on the engine blew out while driving due to the PCV system being faulty. My car died in the middle of a busy intersection without warning in 10 degree weather with negative 10 degree windchill, leaving my family and stranded without the ability to even get heat into the car.

- Bellflower, MO, USA

problem #55

Mar 052019

Terrain

  • 62,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. While driving low speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was pulled over and was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to mcdonald GMC Cadillac (5155 state St, saginaw, mi 48603, (989) 319-4136), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was not able to assist. The failure mileage was 62,000.

- Freeland, MI, USA

problem #54

Feb 242019

Terrain

  • 90,000 miles
This (normally-garaged, 1-owner, religiously-serviced at dealership) vehicle had sat outside for 38 hours without being started. Vehicle was started in +4 degree F temperature, allowed to warm up, driven 15 minutes on a 2-lane road before stopping at a stop sign. Engine began chugging heavily as it left the stop, attempting to cross 2 lanes of a divided 4-lane highway before turning left in the other 2 lanes of that highway. With engine losing power, driver managed the left turn and pulled off on right shoulder just as engine suddenly died. Just as it died, driver noticed a briefly-lit dashboard indicator signifying something about oil. Vehicle was 3 months past 6-year warranty. It was hauled some 200 miles to the original GM dealer, offloaded in parking lot on Sunday eve. Dealer was informed next morning, and later responded that it would need a new engine. Owner visited dealer, noticed vehicle had not been moved since dropping it off, but dealer somehow knew engine status. Manager was surprisingly understanding. Rear seal was blown, likely PCV orifice issue (as in GM tsb 14882). Dealer said GM would pay 45%, tsb 14882 would cover $400+, dealership would pay half the rest. Owner respects/appreciates dealership's cooperation, but remains concerned about potential danger of sudden loss of power while crossing 4 lanes of high-speed traffic. Owner learned about tsb 14882 only after this incident, only via google, prior to visiting dealer. Owner still doesn't know if VIN is on the tsb 14882 list, which, if it is, should have led to a preventive fix prior to this incident.

- North Mankato, MN, USA

problem #53

Sep 282018

Terrain

  • 100,000 miles
Local mechanic changes oil and realizes no oil leaks and excessive oil consumption. Tells me about the bulletin and sends me to GMC. Call to make appointment since they agree it's under the special coverage. First visit was to change the oil and start the test 9/28/18 100K miles. Second reading was good 10/27/18 101K miles. Next reading it failed at 102K miles on 12/1/18. They gave me description of what was wrong that fit the bulletin and this astronomical price. I informed them I knew about the bulletin and it should be covered. They then looked my VIN up and said unfortunately my VIN isn't covered even though the year, make, model and motor is the exact as the bulletin. I called GM customer service when my local mechanic told me to on my next oil change with him. 2/28/18 they tell me that the dealership was correct I'm not covered on the special coverage and they aren't sure why. There was nothing else they could do for me. So my motor is noticeably struggling at only 100K miles and there is nothing you can do.

- Franklin, KY, USA

problem #52

Jan 282019

Terrain 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,700 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where they stated that they were aware of the failure. The technician stated that the positive crankcase ventilation hole in the intake manifold was too small and needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and that there was no recall. The contact was informed to call NHTSA. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,700. Consumer stated managed to restart the motor and pulled into parking lot. I checked the car over and found oil om the ground under the car and a trail of oil coming into the parking lot. Consumer was told by a mechanic these vehicles have this problem. 'parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

- Fairgrove, MI, USA

problem #51

Feb 012019

Terrain

  • 68,000 miles
My year make and model with the same 2.4L engine was subject to a recall/ service bulletin #14882 which pertained to a plugged PCV orifice in the intake manifold which resulted in blowing out the rear main crankshaft seal which could result in engine failure and a warning that the spaying oil can result in loss of vehicle control. A mechanic confirmed that this was the problem I have, yet GM will not cover the repairs as they said my specific VIN was not covered. The vehicle has low mileage and I think it is outrageous that GM will not stand behind their product. The repairs will be very expensive.

- Purchase, NY, USA

problem #50

Jan 252019

Terrain

  • 135,000 miles
We bought a 2013 GMC Terrain in April 2018 with 129K miles for approximately $15K after tax and title. We had it for about 8 months and were bringing it to a local Chevrolet dealership for routine oil changes every 5,000 miles. About 1000 miles before our next oil change in December 2018, we noticed the engine knocking. The dash illuminated the check engine symbol. We connected an obdii reader to the PCM at a nearby part store. The reader displayed the code P0014; which is relative to "camshaft position 'B' timing over-advanced or system performance bank 1". we discovered the code was associated with low engine oil. We checked the oil level and there was no oil on the dip stick. We needed to poor 3 1/4 quarts of oil into the engine. We needed to add approximately 1 quart of oil every 1 1/2 to 2 weeks thereafter. About a month went by, and in January 2019, the dash displayed an engine power loss message and the engine sounded like that of a diesel engine. When the engine was shut off, we noticed the oil had leaked all over the ground. The vehicle was brought to a mechanic who diagnosed it as having a rear main oil seal failure, piston rings were bad, and the timing chain was bad. We called the dealer where it was purchased. They noted the vehicle was no longer under warranty because it has over 135K miles on it and they were unable to compensate for the damage. We called the GM customer service headquarters directly, and they informed us the vehicle was not listed as having any issues or recalls according to the VIN. $3500 estimate to fix by private mechanic. Vehicle is currently being serviced.

- Cambridge, MN, USA

problem #49

Jan 302019

Terrain 4-cyl

  • 67,000 miles
During the polar vortex (Jan 2019) my main oil seal blew on my 2013 GMC Terrain. This was caused by a plugged orifice within the PCV system. This appears to be a design flaw on GM's part that they have recognized and extended special coverage as a result. Despite this special coverage existing they state my VIN number isn't included. My problem and vehicle meet the requirements for the special coverage exactly and nobody can explain why I'm not included. If you search online there are lots of other GM owners experiencing the same thing. This blown oil seal can result in damage to the engine and loss of power. Had I been on the interstate a serious accident could have occurred. The fact GM knows about the problem and is refusing to address is my issue. Special coverage 14882 https://GM.oemdtc.com/1899/special-coverage-adjustment-plugged-PCV-orifice-in-intake-manifold-2010-2014-Buick-Chevrolet-GMC I drive a 2013 GMC Terrain with 4 cylinder engine.

- Terre Haute, IN, USA

problem #48

Sep 112018

Terrain

  • 80,000 miles
We have the 2.4L exotec engine, PCV freezes up, blows out rear main seal, burns excessive oil, bought new, 9/2013" called my local GMC dealer, sells only GMC's since 1954, service dept. Said, they had never heard of the problem, liars! we went to a 2nd GMC dealer, service manager said, VIN is not in recall? he wanted $3100. To do a band aid fix" the best solution for an owner of these pos, is to trade it in, while it's still running, let the GM dealer, take the hit! it's there own fault! won't be buying american next time! sad !!!

- Worcester, MA, USA

problem #47

Jan 282019

Terrain

  • 61,000 miles
I was driving my vehicle, heading home on a cold night when the engine light went on, the display said "power reduced to engine", I stopped and the car just shut off. I tried to restart it and it wouldn't turn over. I called for a tow truck and they looked it over the next day and told me that I had dropped all of my oil, with the exception of 1/2 quart, the mechanic then told me that the PCV pipe was plugged and forced a leak and blew causing my car to lose all of it's oil. He is not a GMC dealer so he called the nearest one, mcgrath (formerly bird Chevrolet) in dubuque, Iowa and they said that that has happened and there was a recall on them and that the car should be towed there for repair. Once the mechanic at mcgrath, (randy) had taken a look at the car and ran my VIN # he stated that my car would not be covered, even though this same thing is part of a recall for the same make /model/year of my vehicle. He said that I would have to pay out of pocket for the malfunctioning of this part. So far I have had to pay for emergency towing, towing to the dealer, and diagnostic testing, totaling $350 and there's been nothing done yet to my vehicle.

- Guttenberg, IA, USA

problem #46

Feb 012019

Terrain

  • 53,809 miles
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. While driving 60 mph, the engine stalled and the low oil pressure and check engine warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to christenson Chevrolet (9700 indianapolis blvd, highland, in 46322, (219) 924-3344) where the timing chain, rear main seal, gasket kit, and thermostat were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,809.

- Schererville, IN, USA

problem #45

Jan 262019

Terrain

  • 96,811 miles
Plugged PCV orifice in intake manifold causing rear main oil seal failure while driving

- Anderson, IN, USA

problem #44

Jan 212019

Terrain

  • 125,322 miles
While exiting off a highway, the car stalled, it was only 2* Fahrenheit. It started again, but the engine ran rough. Upon getting to the destination, there was oil under the vehicle. It was towed to a mechanic, and he determined that the rear main seal failed. He investigated possible causes, and came up with a GM service bulletin # 14882. The pvc system froze, causing the seal to fail. I've called GM numerous times and on all occasions I was told "your VIN number isn't covered by that service bulletin"

- Tiverton, RI, USA

problem #43

Dec 222018

Terrain

  • 64,680 miles
"takata recall" 2018 December 22 I noticed my engine had a deep growl when I went to accelerate, after a while it would quiet down. I checked the oil and there was none noticeable on the dip stick, nor was there a warning on my console to add oil. I added oil. I scheduled an oil change on 12/27 ( first time one was available ). I mentioned the growl and lack of oil to the technician. He stated that the 2013 terrian was known to have oil consumption issues and to contact the dealer asap. So I did. At the deal zimbrick - sun prairie, wi they looked up my VIN and stated there were not issues related to my VIN number. My only option was to replace engine parts as needed which would be approx $3000 expense for me or keep oil on hand and monitor closely. I asked if there was a way to escalate this issue and they suggested I look up the GMC customer service phone number online, and call them so I did. I called GMC customer service and started claim # 9-49-45955696, on 12/27/2018. I was told there was a 2 day wait for a follow up call. I was contacted by login from GMC on 12/31/0218, he left a message and I tried to call back but we were unable to connect until 1/3/2019 were we discussed the issue and he connected me with zimbrick GMC East madison. Login did inform me there was a GMC warranty for this issue that was in affect until 12/31/2018, so I am glad I called in my claim on 12/27/2018. With the fact that I had just had a new oil change I was asked to put on 2000 miles and then come in to start an oil consumption test. So this is where I stand. I sure hope with all I have been seeing online about other people with oil consumption issues that GMC stands behind this error and fixes it at their expense.

- Cottage Grove, WI, USA

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