2013 GMC Terrain transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 16V502000Jul 5, 20168,367 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

What owners say

1. Filed Jan 7, 2026FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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 components are available for inspection upon request. Exhaust and/or fuel fumes enter the passenger cabin, particularly when the heater or air conditioning is…

   NHTSA complaint #11709455 · source
2. Filed May 28, 2025172,000 miGAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the transmission failed to shift as needed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stopped and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a transmission center, which…

   NHTSA complaint #11663347 · source
3. Filed Jul 7, 2024PAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I hit a pot hole and a stabilitrack error popped up. Also reduced engine power I was miles from home and could have easily caused a major accident on the road.

   NHTSA complaint #11599815 · source
4. Filed Sep 18, 2023TXTransmission & Drivetrain

   When I put car in park it tools Bach about half a foot before it actually stops this happens everytime it's put into park

   NHTSA complaint #11545299 · source
5. Filed Feb 27, 2023143,083 miILTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with the check the engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and pulled over in a parking lot, where the vehicle again lost motive power and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the dealer stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted.…

   NHTSA complaint #11509316 · source
6. Filed Dec 12, 2022ILTransmission & Drivetrain

   A loud popping noise was coming from the middle to back of vehicle. Upon inspection by independent repair shop a hole in side of transfer casing was found. No warning lamps came on to indicate any problem even after noise was heard. Once problem was determined it was felt that if vehicle had not been taken out of operation when it was and continued to be driven that a possibility could exist of the transfer case gearing becoming bound up and causing loss of control of…

   NHTSA complaint #11496981 · source
7. Filed Dec 6, 2022TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving on the highway at speed limit 75mph, the vehicle (without warning ⚠️) suddenly went into (Reduced Power Engine Mode/ Service Stabilitrack) jerked and slowed down to 35mp almost causing a pile up as cars behind and next to me where still driving above 70mph. If not for my quick reaction to turn on emergency lights cars behind me would have hit me. Immediately after I got off the highway I drove the car (at 35mph as fast as it went) to my nearest Pepboys. Here…

   NHTSA complaint #11496272 · source
8. Filed Oct 25, 2022MNEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle burns excessive amounts of oil. I need to add oil almost every time I drive. This could result in catastrophic engine failure. GMC and Chevrolet know about this problem, but refuse to issue a recall for this engine.

   NHTSA complaint #11490893 · source
9. Filed Jun 2, 202277,768 miNCTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, a noise was heard coming from the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the transfer case needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The contact stated that the transfer case was previously replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate…

   NHTSA complaint #11467124 · source
10. Filed May 7, 2022INFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

    Hello, I have spent a lot of money on this mobile car and even so, it continues to cause problems and the oil runs out too quickly.

    NHTSA complaint #11463744 · source
11. Filed Jan 28, 2022INElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    Vehicle stopped while driving three different times. Whenever alarm is turned on, car sometimes does not start next day. I've had to jump start it over 7 times in 9 months. Vehicle scheduled for review by dealer in three weeks.

    NHTSA complaint #11449269 · source
12. Filed Sep 10, 2021GAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    When driving my Terrain, my traction control light came on, then a message on the display saying service stabilitrack and engine power is reduced. I couldn't go over a certain speed. I've taken it to Autozone to be put on the computer and it shows up stabilitrack. The car stops running and it takes a few minutes to get it running again. I just bought the car and I'm having problems with these lights and controls. I have read online about this same issue. Is this a recall or…

    NHTSA complaint #11432439 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology