10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
60,786 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 8 of 10)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #49

Jan 302019

Terrain 4-cyl

  • 67,000 miles

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

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

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

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

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

"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

problem #42

Dec 192018

Terrain

  • 60,000 miles
The oil consumption is horrible. I believe within 2000 miles from 5qt to 2qt. We were on the road and the car kept jerking.

- Bristow, VA, USA

problem #41

Jan 142019

Terrain

  • 90,690 miles
My car is consuming oil faster than normal.my car was rattling and I took it to my mechanic, he said the GMC Terrains and Chevy equinox is consuming more oil than normal. My oil indicator said the oil was fine, but he said the oil was very low. He told me to check the oil every three to four weeks. He also gave me two extra quarts of oil. I have noticed that my car needs an oil change quite often. When I was driving my car, the car was rattling and was lurching foward at a stop light, I thought it was the transmission, but it is the oil being consumed at a higher rate than normal.

- Avon, OH, USA

problem #40

Nov 152018

Terrain

  • miles
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. While driving, the engine power reduced indicator illuminated and the speed drastically reduced. Taylor Chevrolet (734-287-2600, located at 13801 S telegraph rd, taylor, mi 48180) inspected the vehicle and stated that further diagnostic testing was required. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was not available.

- Westland, MI, USA

problem #39

Dec 092018

Terrain

  • 151,054 miles

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

I purchased my 2013 GMC Terrain on Nov 2, 2018. I had the oil changed less than 2 weeks later. On Dec 9, 2018, after leaving church, my husband & I stopped at the store. When we got ready to leave, I started my car & it made a loud noise so I turned it off. I tried to crank it again & it would just spin. My husband got out to check the oil & found no oil on the dipstick. It was 2 qrts low. No warning or anything. After having it towed, twice, we are being told it has jumped time. Not only would we need to replacing the timing change, but possibly the valves as well. My husband contacted a local dealership & was told, due to complaints, the dealership can replace the motor & GMC will pay them back. However, my car is 1,000 miles over the motor warranty or whatever. They are recommending me get another engine to put it. So, with the engine, plus labor, I am looking at $40 I don't have to spend. My 2nd payment just came out of my account for a car I can't drive, nor have the money to fix. The oil level is most likely the cause of the timing chain breaking. Obviously GMC knows there's a problem & this needs to be addressed. My car was sold as is, no additional warranty. Love the car & would rather have it fixed, but may be letting to go back & go against my credit, because of this. Very disappointed GMC.

- Vinegar Bend, AL, USA

problem #38

Dec 242018

Terrain

  • miles
Consuming too much oil between oil changes and no indication light comes on to inform me of low oil levels

- Colonial Heights, VA, USA

problem #37

Dec 132018

Terrain

  • miles
I bought the car used in May 6 months ago and it has excessive oil consumption more than one quart in 1000 miles. There is no warning light just started tapping in the engine. GMC knows about this it needs to be addressed. I can't afford to replace or rebuild the engine right after I bought the car. Because of a known issue.

- Arnold, MO, USA

problem #36

Oct 162018

Terrain

  • miles
Since the purchase of the 2013 GMC Terrain on 9/6/18 at 93,100 there have been 2 oil changes and two 2qt top offs with an average of 1qt added every 1,000 miles. The second top off showed a white substance indicating a possible issue related to piston ring wear. On 12/5/18 repairs were assessed by a licensed mechanic who found no oil leak. Before oil top offs no oil can light illumination was present and car showed over 50% oil life. Mechanic stated that repairs would need to be made in order to fix the massive oil consumption issue.

- Gladwin, MI, USA

problem #35

Nov 272018

Terrain

  • 109,300 miles
Potential oil consumption issues. In May 2018 noticed a knocking/rattling in engine while accelerating at slow speeds. Noise grew louder and more consistent over the next few weeks. On board computer stated remaining oil live was over 30%, however no oil registered on dipstick. Add oil and noise stopped. I scheduled an appointment (June) with the dealer to have the issue investigated. They told me if it occurs again, not to add oil, rather bring it in for a consumption test. They did not tell me how low my oil level was. November 2018 the noise returned. Immediately took vehicle to dealer for recommended oil consumption test. Inform by dealer that vehicle was no, longer covered by any warranty, they could not do the test. Oil changed (even though on board computer stated 48% oil life remaining). Reading other reports regarding this potential issue, wanted to add one more.

- York, PA, USA

problem #34

Aug 142018

Terrain

  • 114,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal noise. He checked the oil and realized it was three quarts low. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they added oil to the vehicle and also replaced the timing belt. Shortly after, the contact discovered that the vehicle still consumed a large amount of oil. The dealer (arnie bauer Buick GMC Cadillac, 5525 miller cir dr, matteson, il 60443) stated that the contact could bring in the vehicle for an oil consumption test. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 114,000.

- Frankfort, IL, USA

problem #33

Nov 102018

Terrain

  • 48,000 miles
I bought the vechile in Feb. 2016 ran fine. In June of 2016. The vechile started acting like it had water in the gas hesitateing stalling and the radio and touch screen don't work took it to a dealer and he said had ater in fuel put I a new senors. But still doing the same thing stalling when coming to stop signs hesitates not going into to gear took it to GM dealer in new richmond and they hook up to a computer said nothing wrong when vechile dose it again bring it in don't turn it off thats hard to do because you have to start it up again to drive it their know today the radio is off and touchscreen don't come on I am just scared because we take our son to rochester three days a week for therpy help

- Woodville, WI, USA

problem #32

Oct 222018

Terrain

  • 54,820 miles
My vehicle currently has approx. 54K miles and I began experiencing serious, dangerous defects with the vehicle on 9/12/2018 when I was backing out a parking stall my car just completely shut off with no warning. I was able to place it in park then restart it and drive about a mile before it shut off again as I was approaching a stop light. I had to coast the car onto a nearby street out of traffic for my and my son's safety. I waited a few moments and was able to restart the engine once more and drove about 2 blocks before it shut off again in the middle of an intersection. I pulled over and called the GM dealer where I purchased it to determine if there had been any recalls or a warranty. I was told I would have to cover towing and diagnostic fees and was not entitled to any type of warranty coverage. I had a test of the battery performed which came back that the battery was not good. I purchased a new battery and had it installed that night. Although, I had a new battery I had another episode of the car shutting off with no warning after trying to back out a parking stall. It will also periodically jerk and hesitate to accelerate at low speeds or when trying to accelerate after coming to a complete stop. On 10/22/18 as I was entering the on ramp to get on the highway in rush hour traffic, the car engine shut off with no warning nor light indicators. I put it in park and was able to restart it so that I can move it to a safe location. The car again would feel jerky at low idle speeds and when I tried to accelerate after coming to a complete stop as I was in bumper to bumper traffic. This has been a dangerous ordeal as a pregnant woman with kids in the car, while on a freeway or road I can easily be hit from behind. My car is only 6 years old with 54K miles on it and should not have such severe defects.

- Spring Valley, CA, USA

problem #31

Sep 272018

Terrain

  • 95,000 miles
4 cylinder engine - oil consumption per 1000 miles driven 2.7 quarts.

- Hermitage, TN, USA

problem #30

Jan 042016

Terrain

  • 50,000 miles
Uses a minimum of 3 quarts of oil every 3000 miles brought it in to see if there was a bulletin or warranty and was told by GM dealer they had no notice of this happening on this vehicle

- Mankato, MN, USA

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