Owners have filed 71 complaints
about the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 with NHTSA between 2015 and 2024.
The largest single group is the other & unspecified.
Across this model's run it ranks 27 of 29 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 21
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 44
8.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 11
6% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2013 compares with every other Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
12.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
12.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1020.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1327.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
714.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
816.7%
150,000+ miles
816.7%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 PU/CC RWD W/ SAB
20.4% risk
2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 PU/CC 4WD W/ SAB
19.1% risk
2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 PU/CC 4WD W/O SAB
19.1% risk
2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 PU/CC RWD W/O SAB
20.4% risk
2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 PU/RC 4WD
19.1% risk
2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 PU/EC 4WD
19.1% risk
2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 PU/RC RWD
20.4% risk
2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 PU/EC RWD
20.4% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2015peak 5Oct 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
21V054000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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,
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
21V053000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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,
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
18V267000
EQUIPMENT
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
Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Aromas, CAFire1 injured
SEATS
I believe all the dealership did was dust/armor all my air bag compartment door. It still has a 2013 takata air bag installed which was deployed somehow causing a can of axe body spray to explode which caused the dash, seat, and wiring including the compartment to burn/melt totaling my truck. I could have been killed if I was sitting their.
NHTSA complaint #11619520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aromas, CAFire1 injured
AIR BAGS
I believe all the dealership did was dust/armor all my air bag compartment door. It still has a 2013 takata air bag installed which was deployed somehow causing a can of axe body spray to explode which caused the dash, seat, and wiring including the compartment to burn/melt totaling my truck. I could have been killed if I was sitting their.
NHTSA complaint #11619520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aromas, CAFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I believe all the dealership did was dust/armor all my air bag compartment door. It still has a 2013 takata air bag installed which was deployed somehow causing a can of axe body spray to explode which caused the dash, seat, and wiring including the compartment to burn/melt totaling my truck. I could have been killed if I was sitting their.
NHTSA complaint #11619520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Aromas, CAFire1 injured
SEATS
I believe all the dealership did was dust/armor all my air bag compartment door. It still has a 2013 takata air bag installed which was deployed somehow causing a can of axe body spray to explode which caused the dash, seat, and wiring including the compartment to burn/melt totaling my truck. I could have been killed if I was sitting their.
NHTSA complaint #11619520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aromas, CAFire1 injured
AIR BAGS
I believe all the dealership did was dust/armor all my air bag compartment door. It still has a 2013 takata air bag installed which was deployed somehow causing a can of axe body spray to explode which caused the dash, seat, and wiring including the compartment to burn/melt totaling my truck. I could have been killed if I was sitting their.
NHTSA complaint #11619520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aromas, CAFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I believe all the dealership did was dust/armor all my air bag compartment door. It still has a 2013 takata air bag installed which was deployed somehow causing a can of axe body spray to explode which caused the dash, seat, and wiring including the compartment to burn/melt totaling my truck. I could have been killed if I was sitting their.
NHTSA complaint #11619520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ashby, MA
ENGINE
oil cooler line failed . oil gushing out of engine. Both line bad. Having repaired at local shop. If engine malfunctioned in traffic -definitely could have been a safety issue ! never noticed small leak- line just let go- was a major leak- drained the oil pan. hope it didn' t damage engine.
NHTSA complaint #11583736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #11548865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Williamsburg, IN
POWER TRAIN
Tcm went out while driving with loaded trailer locked trans in low gear
NHTSA complaint #11542314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Tcm failed driving 60 down the highway, check engine light came on, stabiliatrack service light came on traction control tuned off all at the same time. Lost all communication to the transmission putting truck in limp mode going down the highway. Mechanic shop hooked up the scanner to the truck and couldn’t communicate with the tcm in anyway. All things happened at once while driving. There are no replacement parts to be found in the country. Please make this a recall keeping drivers safely off the side of highways and roads and possibly being hit by a car.
NHTSA complaint #11529314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Remlap, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The transmission control module shut down in the process of me driving. I could not even move my truck out of the highway. Had to have it towed. General Motors isn’t even producing this part even though thousands of people are having this same problem with trucks made from 2009 through 2015. This problem could prove to be deadly if the module goes out in heavy traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11525733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Punta Gorda, FL
ENGINE
Driving on the interstate the truck starting. Message center displayed a fuel sys warning. The messages changed warning of speed limitations. The speed allowed wa# reduced every few miles. Eventually the engine would not run nor would it restart.
NHTSA complaint #11520139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Punta Gorda, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Driving on the interstate the truck starting. Message center displayed a fuel sys warning. The messages changed warning of speed limitations. The speed allowed wa# reduced every few miles. Eventually the engine would not run nor would it restart.
NHTSA complaint #11520139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dover, PA
POWER TRAIN
TCM for Allision Transmission,went out .2013 Chevy 2500-65000 miles,Lights in dash came on truck would not pull 1/2 mile later.down the road.Truck is setting waiting for GM to get a TCM,none are availble.
NHTSA complaint #11516841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dover, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TCM for Allision Transmission,went out .2013 Chevy 2500-65000 miles,Lights in dash came on truck would not pull 1/2 mile later.down the road.Truck is setting waiting for GM to get a TCM,none are availble.
NHTSA complaint #11516841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bonita Springs, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The transmission control module is not communicating with the ECM and the braking system the stabilitrac and traction control are not working truck goes into “limp” mode while driving
NHTSA complaint #11515963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bonita Springs, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
The transmission control module is not communicating with the ECM and the braking system the stabilitrac and traction control are not working truck goes into “limp” mode while driving
NHTSA complaint #11515963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ripon, CA
POWER TRAIN
Transmission control module failure while driving, loss of communication. Sent into limp mode, lost speed and power while towing. Lost stability control and traction control. Faults are U0101 and P0880. Dangerous while going down the road. Research online shows part is backordered with no ETA. Multiple owners have similar failures currently. Used test TCM and verified failure. Issue is known with GM and has affected 09-2014 trucks. Also pi0310 bulletin. This needs to be a recall or extended coverage available.
NHTSA complaint #11515051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesBurley, ID
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle stopped unintentionally without warning. The contact was able to shift the vehicle into neutral(N) and pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the CP4 high-pressure fuel injection pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the manufacturer was aware of the failure however, there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11468452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scotland, CT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Diesel Exhaust Poor Quality Warning false alarmed and began restricting vehicle speed thus limiting range the vehicle can travel to less than 250 miles and at speeds significantly lower than posted speed limits. Potentially leaving a motorist stranded or vehcile incapacitated when traveling distances greater than 250 miles from residence. 1st warning reduces speed to 65mph after 100 miles 2nd warning reduces speed to 55mph after 75 miles 3rd warning reduces speed to 4 mph after 75 miles The warning light has appeared on the vehicle on 3 separate occassions and never due to DEF being expired or old. On all three occasions vehicle was taken to local Chevrolet Service Department for repairs. First incident January 10th 2022 replaced 2 thermastats, Second incident February 9th 2022 added fresh fuel, Third incident April 1st 2022 replaced secondary NOX sensor. My safety is at risk if I were to use the vehicle to travel long distances, use the vehicle for towing or attempt to travel on the interstate. No assurances have been made by Chevrolet that repairs have truely fixed the issue as it continues to recur and each time I am being charged by dealership for different repairs. The issue has been reported to Chevrolet Customer Care whom have been difficult to communicate with, only agreed to re-imburse $41 of the over $2000 in repairs, and do not seem to care about my safety concerns.
NHTSA complaint #11462102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Metal shavings in my fuel system
NHTSA complaint #11439599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesHemet, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was diagnosed with needing the smog sensor to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
NHTSA complaint #11427477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crown Point, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
Faulty brakes -master cylinder failed (so i am told) causing the calipers, rotors, pads heating up to the point of a significant amout of smoke coming from tires. Brakes stick and you are unable to control truck from the shaking, almost causing truck to go off the road.
NHTSA complaint #11418747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lacombe, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The plastic dash on my vehicle is cracking majorly. There is nothing GM is doing to fix this issue. However, if the cracking continues to get worse it could cause harm me the driver and passengers in the vehicle. GM should have to submit the formula in which was used to create this plastic dash because it is cracking from the sun.
NHTSA complaint #11417956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesClarksville, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
POOR QUALITY EXHAUST FLUID UNABLE TO DRIVE OVER 55MPH
NHTSA complaint #11408349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesCrown Point, NY
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING, BREAKS "STICK" CAUSING THE TO GET SO HOT THE SMOKE AND SMELL LIKE THEY ARE BURNING. THE TRUCK PULLS AND SHAKES SO AGGRESSIVELY YOU CAN BARELY STEER IT. I HAVE REACHED OUT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. INITIALLY, MY HUSBAND THOUGHT I WAS CRAZY BECAUSE HE WASNT WITH ME, BUT YESTERDAY HE WAS DRIVING AND THOUGHT WE HAD A COMPLETELY FLAT TIRE, AND COULD BARELY KEEP THE TRUCK ON THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #11406036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesCrown Point, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING, BREAKS "STICK" CAUSING THE TO GET SO HOT THE SMOKE AND SMELL LIKE THEY ARE BURNING. THE TRUCK PULLS AND SHAKES SO AGGRESSIVELY YOU CAN BARELY STEER IT. I HAVE REACHED OUT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. INITIALLY, MY HUSBAND THOUGHT I WAS CRAZY BECAUSE HE WASNT WITH ME, BUT YESTERDAY HE WAS DRIVING AND THOUGHT WE HAD A COMPLETELY FLAT TIRE, AND COULD BARELY KEEP THE TRUCK ON THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #11406036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesKent, WA
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 TO 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND SHOOK ABNORMALLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO SHOOK ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT REDUCED THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN THE SPEED WAS INCREASED. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GOOD CHEVROLET (325 SW 12TH ST, RENTON, WA 98057, (888) 379-1487) WHERE THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, AND WAS ABLE DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT BRAKE PADS, CALIPERS, AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER MENTIONED THAT THE FRONT CALIPERS WERE NOT RESPONDED DUE TO A FAILURE WITH THE ABS SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
NHTSA complaint #11397557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
