2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems

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

GMC Sierra 1500, 2012 to 2013 model years
Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0
How the 2013 compares

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.

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.

Complaints155filed with NHTSA
Recalls6for this model year
Crashes611 injuries reported
Fires2reported in complaints

2 of these complaints came from Utah owners.

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Most reported problems

Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 before you buy.

Air bags

43 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 56,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
  • Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.

Tools that help

What owners said

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

Body, doors and structure

28 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 69,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (23).

What to check before you buy

  • Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
  • Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
  • Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.

Tools that help

What owners said

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

Engine and cooling

11 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 100,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
  • Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
  • Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
  • Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.

Tools that help

What owners said

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

Electrical system

11 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
  • Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
  • Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.

Tools that help

What owners said

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

Suspension

10 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 100,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
  • Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
  • Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.

Tools that help

What owners said

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

Transmission and drivetrain

8 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 4,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
  • Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
  • Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
  • If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.

Tools that help

What owners said

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

Brakes and stability control

8 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 33,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
  • The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
  • Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.

Tools that help

What owners said

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

Steering

5 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
  • On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
  • A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.

Tools that help

What owners said

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

Seats and seat belts

5 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
  • Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.

Tools that help

What owners said

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

Lights, wipers and visibility

5 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 4,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
  • Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.

Tools that help

What owners said

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

Wheels and tires

4 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
  • Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
  • The tire pressure light should go out after startup.

Tools that help

What owners said

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

Fuel system

3 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
  • On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
  • Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.

Tools that help

What owners said

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

Driver assist systems

2 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
  • Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
  • Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.

Tools that help

What owners said

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

Cruise control and acceleration

2 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
  • Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.

Tools that help

What owners said

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

GMC Sierra 1500 complaints by year

Compare the 2013 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.

Compare with similar 2013 full-size trucks

Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.

CarVs. its other yearsRecallsMost reported
2013 GMC Sierra 1500One of the better years6Air bags
2013 Ford F-150Among the worst years3Transmission and drivetrain
2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500One of the better years5Air bags
2013 Ram 1500About average12Steering
Compare side by side

2013 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls

This is every recall issued for the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500, not what is still open on one car. A recall that was fixed does not show up any differently here. Check a VIN at NHTSA to see what is still open on the car you are looking at, and ask the seller for proof any recall work was done.

Air bags Inflator module

Feb 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V054000
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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.

Air bags Inflator module

Feb 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V053000
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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."

Equipment

Apr 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V267000
Risk
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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

Equipment Labels

Oct 2015 · NHTSA campaign 13V544000
Risk
Text that does not conform to the required labeling size could inhibit fuel tank inspection practices and safe refueling, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
GM will notify owners and will send them a replacement label, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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.

Fuel system

Dec 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V615000
Risk
If the fuel gauge indicates an inaccurate reading it may result in the vehicle unexpectedly stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
General Motors will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel transfer pump, as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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.

Steering Anti-theft device

Jan 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V001000
Risk
As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary

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.

2013 GMC Sierra 1500 questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500?

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).

Is the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 a good year to buy?

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.

How many recalls does the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 have?

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.

At what mileage do 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 problems start?

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.

Which GMC Sierra 1500 years should I avoid?

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.

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Where these numbers come from. Complaints are reports that owners filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), counted from NHTSA’s complaint database as of November 5, 2026. Owners do not have to prove a problem to file one, so a complaint is a report, not a confirmed defect. Models that sell in big numbers get more complaints, and newer model years have had less time on the road, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Recalls come from NHTSA’s recall database and cover every vehicle of that model year, not one particular car. Quotes are trimmed, and anything that looks like a VIN is hidden.