What owners reported to NHTSA about the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500, its recalls, and what to check before you buy one.

Owners filed about 66% fewer complaints than a typical Sierra 1500 year. The area owners reported most is the air bags, which half of owners reported by about 56,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Sierra 1500 years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 155 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The most reported problem area is the air bags (43, 28% of complaints), followed by the body, doors and structure and the engine and cooling. That ranks 12th of 13 Sierra 1500 years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 6 recalls.
2 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 56,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the roof, passenger’s side curtain, and the front side air bags deployed without a crash. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side seat belts no longer deployed, and there were metallic debris coming from the air bags.…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 170,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and had the recall repair performed February 25, 2021. The contact stated the air bag warning light had since illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 69,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (23).
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while having the vehicle inspected, the vehicle failed inspection due to the rear subframe being detached from rust. The contact stated that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin: 19-NA-255. The contact used the undercarriage wash due to residing in a snow…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 75,000 miles
During an oil change in may I was informed that my frame was extremely rotted and was in jeopardy of cracking in half . The further I dig into this, I'm finding that gm is aware of this issue. The vehicle is available for inspection.Owner complaint, filed 2025
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 100,000 miles.
On 9-12-25 I was pulling a utility trailer when I went to back it in the driveway my 2013 gmc 1500 5.3 stalled . I restarted it only to have a lifter claddering !!!! I checked the oil it was good ! Oil pressure was good not over heating . It is just the lifter!!!!!! After doing some investigating I found that this is a common problem…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle veered to the side of the road and was restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer multiple times where the failure was not able to be…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 100,000 miles
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.
I purchased my 2013 gmc sierra 1500 sle ext cab brand new. I have had to replace the drivers side master window switch due to failure,replaced under warranty. I now have to replace the switch again as it has failed. I just saw a NHTSA recall id number :18v295 [VIN] :general motors llc subject :liquid may leak into power window switch…Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 35,999 miles
Vehicle's volt gauge read's between 16 and 17 volt's. Constantly. Taken to dealer and was told after there testing of the system all reading were at 14.4 to 14.7 volts. They could not duplicate problem. When leaving dealership waited after starting to watch gauge as driving down the highway. Gauge still reading between 16 and 17 volts.…Owner complaint, filed 2015, at 12,700 miles
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 100,000 miles.
Failure of frame on left side of vehicle between frame rail and fuel tank. For a approx 10 year old vehicle that is garaged and does not drive in inclement weather this SHOULD NOT be happening.Owner complaint, filed 2025
I have been told by an independent Maine state inspection company that my left front frame rail has perforating corrosion and will not pass inspection. I have not had GMC inspect this yet but I do not think they will repair it. This truck is 10 years old and only has 59,000 miles on it. It looks like new (except for some rear bumper…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 4,000 miles.
Frame rust on left rail at fuel tank . The truck was a 47 thousand dollar truck bought new 1 owner 11 years old frame has holes when is gm going to be held accountable. Toyota had frame recalls for this same issue .25 year + gm owner can't see me buying another gm productOwner complaint, filed 2024
Truck has a vibration in back end when you reach 50 miles per hour dealer claim they need to rebuild rear differential cost $3300.00 truck is only 7 years old one ownerOwner complaint, filed 2020, at 111,155 miles
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 33,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal audible ringing inside the vehicle. Additionally, the “Service Trailer Brakes” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and waited for several minutes before driving to his destination. The contact stated…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 100,000 miles
At approximately 25 MPH braking the ABS activates in a non emergency stop and the brakes do not work well, vehicle continues to move.Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 31,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 gmc sierra. The contact stated that the steering wheel was extremely loose. When driving over bumps in the road, there was an abnormal noise heard from the steering column to the steering wheel. The contact was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11v339000 (steering). The [VIN] was notified. The vehicle was not…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 20,000 miles
The steering on the pickup truck sticks, locks up for a moment then frees itself. I have been having on and off issues since but the dealership is already trying to get out of any responsibility already stating this is out of warranty at this date. Salt lake valley gmc has been aware of the issue since day one. This has become a saftey…Owner complaint, filed 2015, at 33,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 gmc sierra 1500. While pushing back the driver's seat, the back of the seat fell. The contact later noticed a sharp piece of metal in the back of the seat. The contact believed that the lumbar support in the seat failed. The vehicle was taken to johnson motor company of georgia cadillac (1122 walton way, augusta…Owner complaint, filed 2017, at 90,000 miles
3 times in 5 days my driver side seat has just collapsed back while driving. It has almost caused me to crash each time.Owner complaint, filed 2017, at 52,000 miles
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 4,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2013 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that the rear tail lights had condensation and water in the lenses. Additionally, the bulbs blew out. The vehicle was taken to ed schmidt auto group (26875 north dixie highway, perrysburg, oh 43551) where it was determined that the vehicle was in a crash but the failure was not…Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 95,000 miles
Headlights are not as bright as my old gm truck. High beam extends the distance but does not increase in brightness. Not very good in rainy weather. Seems that the headlights are not even on. Very easy to "overdrive" the headlights.Owner complaint, filed 2015, at 325 miles
Two of the four wheels were losing air and tested locally. It was determined air was leaking from each of the two rims in a similar location. Note-air was not leaking from the tire or the seal between the tire bead and rim. Instead, the rim itself appears to have a latent defect causing a slow leak. I contacted a local gmc dealer to see…Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 59,000 miles
The contact owned a 2013 gmc sierra 1500 equipped with goodyear eagle ls-2 tires, size: p275/55r20. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the front driver side tire detached from the rim. The vehicle was towed to an insurance company's lot. The tire was not replaced. The air bag deployed without warning or impact. A police report was not…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 22,458 miles
The contact owns a 2013 gmc sierra. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to both an independent mechanic and the dealer to be diagnosed. The technicians informed the contact that the diesel reluctant tank assembly would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The [VIN]…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 111,000 miles
Noticed back door open indicated on panel, stepped out with vehicle in drive at a stop, then once outside slipped and vehicle kept moving, had to jump back into vehicle and apply brake to put it into park, why doesn't vehicle shut down once off the seat? Riding lawn mowers do!Owner complaint, filed 2014, at 500 miles
On or about 10-14-2020 I had got a call from my niece that she was at a parking lot and the truck didn't want to run the same. She was passing a intersection when she heard a very loud pop noise and a very scary noise coming from the engine. The noise did shack her some but when she notices the truck had lost its power she was more scare…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 177,000 miles
I went and got an alignment,a day after the stabilitrak and traction control message came on. I went back to see if it could be fix it and was told it didn't come on when they test drove it. The same day it came on again, so I went to a gmc dealership. I was told my steering wheel pos sensor is bad. I was in motion on a city street,going…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 94,453 miles
The contact owns a 2013 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly [VIN] to 70 MPH. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by applying the brakes. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer did not perform a diagnostic test. The dealer stated the diagnostic test was [VIN]. There were…Owner complaint, filed 2013, at 3,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 gmc sierra. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights seized and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The [VIN] was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,000.Owner complaint, filed 2015, at 4,000 miles
Compare the 2013 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 | One of the better years | 6 |
| 2013 Ford F-150 | Among the worst years | 3 |
| 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | One of the better years | 5 |
| 2013 Ram 1500 | About average | 12 |
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD, Chevrolet Express, and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, and model year 2013 GMC Savana compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles that fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 303 "Fuel System Integrity of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles." In the affected vehicles, the text of the CNG fuel-only label is smaller than the required size, and as a result, may be less noticeable.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, equipped with 6.6L diesel engines and dual fuel tanks. In the affected vehicles, the transfer pump which moves fuel from the rear tank to the front tank could malfunction and cause the fuel gauge to indicate an inaccurate reading.
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, manufactured between November 7, 2012, through December 18, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect", and FMVSS No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." The vehicles may have been built with a fractured park lock cable or a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly.
The most reported problem areas on the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 are the air bags (43 complaints), the body, doors and structure (28 complaints) and the engine and cooling (11 complaints).
One of the better Sierra 1500 years. Owners filed about 66% fewer complaints than a typical Sierra 1500 year. The area owners reported most is the air bags, which half of owners reported by about 56,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Sierra 1500 years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The most recent, from Feb 2021, covers the inflator module. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the air bags gave a mileage of about 56,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the body, doors and structure gave a mileage of about 69,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
The Sierra 1500 years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2014. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2012, 2013 and 2018. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.