Is the 2013 Gmc TERRAIN reliable?

The 2013 Gmc TERRAIN has 484 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Gmc TERRAIN?

Top problems: ENGINE (208 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (54 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (44 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Gmc TERRAIN?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. Contact any Gmc dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge a 2013 Gmc TERRAIN?

The 2013 Gmc TERRAIN has an EPA rating of 21 MPGe. At the current US average residential electricity rate, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $3659. State rates vary significantly — see the interactive calculator on this page.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Gmc TERRAIN?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Gmc TERRAIN is approximately $1,781/year (ev-mainstream class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Does the 2013 Gmc TERRAIN qualify for tax credits?

The federal EV tax credit (Section 30D) expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. If purchased before that date, the 2013 Gmc TERRAIN may still qualify on the 2025 tax return. State-level incentives remain active in 13+ states — see the incentives section on this page for details.

2013 Gmc TERRAIN

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2013 Gmc TERRAIN has 484 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.7x the segment average of 287. The most common issue is engine problems (43% of all complaints), specifically: the stability track gave an error and the engine now slow. the error doesn't let the vehicle to accelerate. the check engine light also went on. *tr. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 13 crash reports 35 injuries

484

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

1.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

208 complaints

43%

• THE STABILITY TRACK GAVE AN ERROR AND THE ENGINE NOW SLOW. THE ERROR DOESN'T LET THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO WENT ON. *TR
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE FRONT COLLISION ALERT SENSOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE DECREASED IN SPEED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING PROPERLY. THE FAILURE
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED ON AN INCLINE AND PRESSURE WAS RELEASED FROM THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“THE STABILITY TRACK GAVE AN ERROR AND THE ENGINE NOW SLOW. THE ERROR DOESN'T LET THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO WENT ON. *TR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Gmc TERRAIN

Based on 318 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 77K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

123

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

Earlier than typicalmedian 41K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

Earlier than typicalmedian 44K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SEATS/RESTRAINTS

Earlier than typicalmedian 51K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SUSPENSION

Earlier than typicalmedian 37K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

WHEELS

Earlier than typicalmedian 54K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

Reported earliermedian 59K mi · 30 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR04/08/2016

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.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2013 Gmc TERRAIN

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local electricity price)

Per year

$3,626

Per month

$302

Per mile

30.2¢

kWh/mi

1.60

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Gmc TERRAIN

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,781

Full coverage / month

$148

Liability only / year

$665

vs US avg

+6%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (ev-mainstream)1.18x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1781

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Gmc TERRAIN Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

Uses GM Oil Life System. Full-size trucks may have shorter differential and transfer case intervals if used for towing.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Gmc New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Gmc. If you're buying a used 2013 TERRAIN, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Gmc dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

EV Incentives for 2013 Gmc TERRAIN

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000

Clean Cars 4 All

ColoradoUp to $5,000

Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

ConnecticutUp to $4,250

CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)

DelawareUp to $2,500

Clean Vehicle Rebate

IllinoisUp to $4,000

Illinois EV Rebate Program

MarylandUp to $3,000

Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

MassachusettsUp to $3,500

MOR-EV

New JerseyUp to $4,000

Charge Up New Jersey

New YorkUp to $2,000

Drive Clean Rebate

OregonUp to $7,500

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate

PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program

Rhode IslandUp to $2,500

DRIVEEV

TexasUp to $2,500

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive

VermontUp to $5,000

Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles

See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 484 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: THE STABILITY TRACK GAVE AN ERROR AND THE ENGINE NOW SLOW. THE ERROR DOESN'T LET THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO WENT ON. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. AT NIGHT THE TOP 3/4 OF MY WINDSHIELD GOES DARK. I CANNOT SEE ONCOMING CARS, ROAD LANES, OR SIDE LINES. THIS IS LIKE DRIVING THROUGH OVERLY TINTED WINDOWS....WHEN TURNING ON UNLIT ROADS CANNOT SEE A THING. I CANNOT DRIVE THIS CAR AFTER DARK..PRISONER OF THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC TERRAIN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED ON AN INCLINE AND PRESSURE WAS RELEASED FROM THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: WHILE DECELERATING FROM ABOUT 35 OR 40 MPH WHEN YOU APPLY THE BRAKES THEN COME TO COMPLETE STOP THE VEHICLE ON THE REAR END WILL START TO LOUDLY THUMP, IT STARTS OUT SLOWLY THUMPING AND BEGINS TO SPEED UP AND WHEN YOU START TO RELEASE THE BRAKE IT BEGINS TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP ONCE ONE BEGINS TO ACCE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Gmc dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)