Owners have filed 147 complaints
about the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 with NHTSA between 2015 and 2025.
The largest single group is the other & unspecified.
Across this model's run it ranks 29 of 31 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 — 20
Against the median year of the GMC Sierra 1500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 21
4.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 30
18% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2013 compares with every other GMC Sierra 1500
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
2172.4%
Frame AND Members
26.9%
Control Module
13.4%
Warnings
13.4%
Assist
13.4%
Adaptive Cruise Control
13.4%
Warnings
13.4%
Tail Lights
13.4%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
11.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
55.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1819.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2325.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2224.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1617.6%
150,000+ miles
66.6%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2013 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC 4WD
18.5% risk
2013 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC RWD
19.1% risk
2013 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC 4WD
18.5% risk
2013 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC RWD
19.1% risk
2013 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 4WD
18.5% risk
2013 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC RWD
19.1% 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 8Dec 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500
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...
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
Recalls on the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500
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.
at 35,590 milesTracy, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES
ODOMETER 35,590 MILES, TRUCK FLUID LEAKED AT THE REAR WHEEL AND THE BRAKES ON SIDE CAUGHT FIRE. FRONT BRAKES WERE AT 6MM AND REAR BRAKES WERE AT 1MM. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN CHANGED 8 TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK (EVERY 7,000 - 12,000 MILES). METAL TO METAL WITH ROTORS BEING REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10908826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesMuskogee, OKCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE DRIVING 67 MPH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A WRECKING YARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
NHTSA complaint #10893607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesMuskogee, OKCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN ONTO THE HIGHWAY, ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING 67 MPH CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND WAS STOPPED BY A CURB. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT BECAME UNCONSCIOUS AS A RESULT OF THE CRASH AND SUSTAINED A LACERATION TO THE HEAD, BRUISES TO THE NECK, BACK, AND HIPS, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10889235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,458 milesDunnellon, FL1 injured
TIRES
TL* 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 FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO LEFT ARM AND SHOULDER DUE TO THE AIR BAG FAILURE, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,458.
NHTSA complaint #10874445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Griswold, CT
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11706633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesQuakertown, PA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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 and salt State. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11696358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ortonville, MI
ENGINE
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 with GM's 5.3 with the AFM system!!! Companies should be held accountable for fraudulent designs!!! This is Not the first time for GM screwing consumers!!! GM had a similar situation back in the 70s and 80s Cadillac!!!! I bought this truck from a GM Dealer with 67000 miles only drove it in 1 winter it now has 149900 miles!!!! 5 years !!! Change oil and filter every 3000-4000 miles ,use Mobile 5w- 30w !!!! I feel a recall should be made to hold GM Accountable for what they new was a problem but produced and Screwed consumers to make SALES !!!!!!!!!!!!! Ask any quality Repair facility that works on GM'S or Even Auto Parts personal. When it stalled it left me in the middle of the Road with traffic!!! Even if it did start right back up !! Clacking!! The cost is unbearable!!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11687166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toms River, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11670958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anaheim, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Roof rust at the windshield on a perfect condition vehicle. Paint is excellent on rest of vehicle. No damage or accidents and properly maintained. Premature rust is now visible at the roof of the of the vehicle. Soon could rot and allow water into cab of vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11624825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cedarburg, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The frame on my 2013 GMC Sierra has a considerable amount of rust & corrosion on it, to the point of being a safety concern because it's actually rusted through to where there are holes rusted through the frame!!
NHTSA complaint #11615420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Wayne, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I found out that the frame was rusted through beside the gas tank and was told there was a memo put out to the dealers that there was a problem with the frames not being coated properly and if the customer notice it they were to repair it. My truck was service regularly and undercoated regularly by the dealer the body is rust free but I am being told the frame is on safe and can't be repaired and GM will not make it right even though they knew there was a problem. I pull a travel trailer and if the frame was to break in half I am sure someone would be seriously hurt or killed.
NHTSA complaint #11613418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oak Ridge, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I hit a bump and both rear shock mounts blew off the rear cross member because the frame is rusted out despite having rust protection. It is available for inspection. The truck then began bouncing wildly. Meanwhile the underside of the bed isn't rusted at all, not one speck. It just seems weird to me, reminds me of the Toyota frame problems from a while back. It has not been inspected by a mechanic or insurance, my insurance company didn't seem to care in the slightest. I have had traction control and abs warnings on for a while but my mechanic said that was a faulty tire sensor.
NHTSA complaint #11609433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oak Ridge, NJ
SUSPENSION
I hit a bump and both rear shock mounts blew off the rear cross member because the frame is rusted out despite having rust protection. It is available for inspection. The truck then began bouncing wildly. Meanwhile the underside of the bed isn't rusted at all, not one speck. It just seems weird to me, reminds me of the Toyota frame problems from a while back. It has not been inspected by a mechanic or insurance, my insurance company didn't seem to care in the slightest. I have had traction control and abs warnings on for a while but my mechanic said that was a faulty tire sensor.
NHTSA complaint #11609433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chilhowie, VA
POWER TRAIN
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 product
NHTSA complaint #11593779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beaver, PA
SUSPENSION
Rear half of Frame Crossmembers rotted away between the Frame rails. Took vehicle in for routine safety inspection, and the mechanic determined that the cross members to which the rear shocks and the Gas tank were attached had both broken free from the frame rails due to rust. The entire back end of the vehicle is suspended from the frame with only the leaf spring mounts. This rust is excessive and far exceeds the rust on other points on the frame and undercarriage of the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11561513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beaver, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Rear half of Frame Crossmembers rotted away between the Frame rails. Took vehicle in for routine safety inspection, and the mechanic determined that the cross members to which the rear shocks and the Gas tank were attached had both broken free from the frame rails due to rust. The entire back end of the vehicle is suspended from the frame with only the leaf spring mounts. This rust is excessive and far exceeds the rust on other points on the frame and undercarriage of the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11561513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vineland, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
I’ve only had the truck for 1 years and the frame is so deteriorated and rusted. My frame is now cracked/damaged. I’ve read up on the same manufacturer/trucks and it seems like an ongoing problem.
NHTSA complaint #11548979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesAlexandria, IN
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, while making a left turn, the accelerator pedal was depressed and there was a ticking sound coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11548370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ottawa, IL
AIR BAGS
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 dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11531285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, ME
SUSPENSION
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 damage) It is unusable now and I'm afraid the left front suspension will collapse. This is completely unacceptable. Please help, Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11526999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesNarragansett, RI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact was alerted by another motorist that the spare tire had lowered underneath the vehicle. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, it was discovered that the rear cross members had corroded, causing the spare tire to become unsecured underneath the vehicle. Additionally, while driving over bumps in the roadway, the vehicle became unstable due to the corroded rear suspension. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the rear sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11518815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesNarragansett, RI
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact was alerted by another motorist that the spare tire had lowered underneath the vehicle. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, it was discovered that the rear cross members had corroded, causing the spare tire to become unsecured underneath the vehicle. Additionally, while driving over bumps in the roadway, the vehicle became unstable due to the corroded rear suspension. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the rear sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11518815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Owensboro, KY
ENGINE
Defective springs for lifters, the fuel management lifter springs have broken. The engine is missing and will barely idling.
NHTSA complaint #11511478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 163,000 milesAberdeen, WA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a rattling sound coming from the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated; however, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with faulty piston rings. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact then stated that the instrument panel light was deactivated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.
NHTSA complaint #11511214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hope Mills, NC
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 70 MPH, the driver’s and passenger’s side air bags inadvertently deployed, causing the seat belts lock into place. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an inspection however, the results were not made available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11503130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hope Mills, NC
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 70 MPH, the driver’s and passenger’s side air bags inadvertently deployed, causing the seat belts lock into place. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an inspection however, the results were not made available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11503130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bella Vista, AR
POWER TRAIN
The fuse box fails to give power to the vehicle causing it to stall at any given moment which can cause an accident or even death if it’s struck in traffic by another vehicle or loss of control because of no power to steer your vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11485572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bella Vista, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The fuse box fails to give power to the vehicle causing it to stall at any given moment which can cause an accident or even death if it’s struck in traffic by another vehicle or loss of control because of no power to steer your vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11485572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spanish Fort, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The dash has cracked in multiple places.
NHTSA complaint #11480466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.