general problems of the 2013 GMC Terrain

Nine problems related to steering have been reported for the 2013 GMC Terrain. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2013 GMC Terrain based on all problems reported for the 2013 Terrain.

1 Steering problem

Failure Date: 12/27/2023

When driving in the rain going through puddles power steering will intermittently stop working.

2 Steering problem

Failure Date: 04/20/2022

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.

3 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/22/2021

While driving, the traction control light turns on. Then the gauges all start fluctuation. The dash reads service park assist. Then service stabilitrak. It does not run properly. It shifts hard. I’ve had it to the dealership twice now. The issue is still not resolved and it’s going back next Monday. I feel it will again not be resolved after reading multiple forums of others having the same issue after spending thousands of dollars. This is frightening and stressful to say the least. My car has less then sixty thousand miles on it. I should not be having this issue.

4 Steering problem

Failure Date: 02/02/2021

Previously wrote to NHTSA and filed complaint about problem with steering rack. Steering rack became a safety issue as the steering would lock up intermittently and even while driving. Repair (complete replacement) cost nearly $2000 with diagnostic fee from dealer. I feel my year should be covered as other years are. Other issues with GMC quality of parts, so I will probably not buy another GMC product. 2013 GMC Terrain sle. GMC needs to address this issue and treat all customers fairly.

5 Steering problem

Failure Date: 04/28/2020

When steering wheel turned hard to either side, �service power steering� light comes on. My repair shop tried twice (first in April, then again in September) to reprogram computer. Took to GMC dealer. I had asked if there was secret warranty or bulletin on problem and they said yes, but I needed to pay $150 for diagnostic. They tried unsuccessfully to perform �special coverage 14232a� but as stated on invoice � problem still exists�, . They do cover 2010-2012 models but I have the 2013. I called GMC and they acknowledge the problem exists (since 2015) but will not cover my year car. The repair is $2000 for the complete steering gear. I have had many cars, all well maintained but none ever needed a steering rack replaced. My 2013 GMC Terrain sle has only 67745 miles. I am upset they choose to cover only some years when they know the problem exists for other years. It is not a safety issue so I will not have it repaired. I now have to be careful where I park and drive so as not to have to make sharp turns-ridiculous! I told them this was my first, and probably last, GMC product. I had a lens assembly replaced with genuine GMC oem parts and the same leaks occur. Seems their quality control is lacking. Plus their issue with heavy engine oil consumption. And air bags??? maybe NHTSA needs to step in and really see what's going on at GMC. Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

6 Steering problem

Failure Date: 08/31/2017

Tl the contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. While driving 3 mph, the steering wheel seized and the service power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to penske Buick GMC of cerritos (18400 studebaker rd, cerritos, CA 90703, (877) 886-6265) where the contact was informed that the steering gear needed to be replaced and the computer needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred twice. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 74,328.

7 Steering problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2017

My car since day one steering wheels locks up constantly, the brakes do not stop you the worst is the engines battery which is located under the seat constantly says I have no power it will turn on several codes and the start idling the rpms go up like your press g the gas but you not then you stall you can be going 70 or 20 mph and it will just stall with no warning. The steering wheel will and I lose traction in regular roads in perfect weather. I can't seem to locate my airbags I have had my vehicle services a million times they always say nothing is wrong also when the rpms or going up. And down I lose all headlights and dash lights. This has happened to me at night so many times. This vehicle has almost killed me so many times I lost count I take it to service there is never an issue. I'm probably going to end up in a severe accident soon the brake pedal sticks and I can't press it down I had to pull into grass one time to avoid a car.

8 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/26/2014

I had just purchased the 2013 GMC Terrain denali and noticed that it has a bogging sensation in the steering at idle when turning. It feels like the steering is going to cut out - almost like not fully enganging the clutch on a manual transmission when the engine is about to die. Very noisy and annoying in the tight parking garage when you have to turn the steering at a standstill during idle. There is a ticking noise coming from under the dash that sounds like a construction worker jackhammering about 1 block away with the windows up. It can also be described as a helicopter hovering overhead at around 200-300 feet. You can only hear it from inside the cab. I should have noticed this during the test drive, except that the radio was on and there were no tight steering situations. I was told that both of these items are normal by the GMC dealer. Be sure to test out these two scenarios when test driving. Too late for me, and unfortunately I have to live with it but would rather not.

9 Steering problem

Failure Date: 02/10/2013

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, he accelerated to pass a vehicle on the left when the vehicle abruptly pulled to the left. The contact stated that he regained control of the vehicle and attempted to pass another vehicle on the right but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they advised the contact that the vehicle was equipped with a hydraulic steering, which was designed to perform in the manner in which it did. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 60.


Other Steering related problems of the 2013 GMC Terrain


Safety Ratings of Terrain Cars
Fuel Economy of Terrain Vehicles
Terrain Service Bulletins
Terrain Safety Recalls
Terrain Defect Investigations