CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 · model year

2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500

36 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2013CHEVROLETSILVERADO 3500 carries 36 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 2 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and Not Rated/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2013 SILVERADO 3500 is steering with 7 filings, followed by unknown or other (5) and power train (5). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2013 SILVERADO 3500, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

36
Complaints
1
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

36 filings

Crashes Reported

1 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 - Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: Not Rated/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
POWER TRAIN5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
ENGINE4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
AIR BAGS2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
WHEELS1
SERVICE BRAKES1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)1
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:UREA INJECTION SYSTEM (DEF)1

Recalls (4)

18V26700026/04/2018

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 'Pin

17V66400019/10/2017

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 trucks equipped with dual fuel tanks. The low fuel level sensor for the front tank may stick causing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.

21V05300005/02/2021

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 Alaba

21V05400005/02/2021

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,

Recent Complaints

20250124FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with failed temperature sensors and a failed heating element in the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank. The contact was informed that the heating element and the temperature sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that an unknown repair was performed four years ago on the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,639.

Mileage: 39,639

20250124ENGINE

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with failed temperature sensors and a failed heating element in the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank. The contact was informed that the heating element and the temperature sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that an unknown repair was performed four years ago on the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,639.

Mileage: 39,639

20250124ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:UREA INJECTION SYSTEM (DEF)

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with failed temperature sensors and a failed heating element in the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank. The contact was informed that the heating element and the temperature sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that an unknown repair was performed four years ago on the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,639.

Mileage: 39,639

20241211POWER TRAIN

Torque converter failed and destroyed my transmission. There is metal shavings in my transmission fluid. My truck will not shift right, the torque converter wants to lock up. It causes my truck to have a jerking type feeling.

20230918POWER TRAIN

The truck started shifting hard. Had it towed home. Then towed to dealership. They diagnosed it with a faulty TCM #24256861. Then said it could be up to 18 months for the part. This is unacceptable in our opinion. Additional expenses, time missed from work, etc.

Mileage: 137,199

20230918UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The truck started shifting hard. Had it towed home. Then towed to dealership. They diagnosed it with a faulty TCM #24256861. Then said it could be up to 18 months for the part. This is unacceptable in our opinion. Additional expenses, time missed from work, etc.

Mileage: 137,199

20230918ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The truck started shifting hard. Had it towed home. Then towed to dealership. They diagnosed it with a faulty TCM #24256861. Then said it could be up to 18 months for the part. This is unacceptable in our opinion. Additional expenses, time missed from work, etc.

Mileage: 137,199

20230718ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

General Motors produces several years of vehicles with a faulty transmission control module (TCM). From 2008 thru 2015, Chevrolet and GMC 2,500 & 3,500 trucks with the 6.6 L Duramax engine and Allison 1,000 transmission all used the same TCM; part number 24256861. This part has experienced a very high failure rate. During the summer of 2022, the stock of replacement parts was exhausted and GM seems to be postponing the manufacture or new parts. An estimated 5,000 vehicles are currently unusable due to the failure of this part and no new parts available.

20230718POWER TRAIN

General Motors produces several years of vehicles with a faulty transmission control module (TCM). From 2008 thru 2015, Chevrolet and GMC 2,500 & 3,500 trucks with the 6.6 L Duramax engine and Allison 1,000 transmission all used the same TCM; part number 24256861. This part has experienced a very high failure rate. During the summer of 2022, the stock of replacement parts was exhausted and GM seems to be postponing the manufacture or new parts. An estimated 5,000 vehicles are currently unusable due to the failure of this part and no new parts available.

20230621ENGINE

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated but the vehicle started operating normally. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the engine control module (ECM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that the ECM was not available. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 56,000.

Mileage: 56,000

20230621ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated but the vehicle started operating normally. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the engine control module (ECM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that the ECM was not available. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 56,000.

Mileage: 56,000

20230606POWER TRAIN

Tcm module faild on freeway when doing 60mph the vehicle suddenly down shifted causing car behind me to skid there brakes to avoid a rear end collision.Yes vehicle can be inspected for failure of transmission control module.The vehicle was diagnosed of a faulty transmission control module.. The truck has been down since December 2022.the dealer says the part had been discontinued With no release date.

20230218ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

According to GM 2009 to 2015 Chevy Silverado transmission control module and wiring harness failed. People have been without their cars for more than a year ours has been down for 6 months. NO dates for the parts to be back in stock.

20230218POWER TRAIN

According to GM 2009 to 2015 Chevy Silverado transmission control module and wiring harness failed. People have been without their cars for more than a year ours has been down for 6 months. NO dates for the parts to be back in stock.

20220509AIR BAGS

I took my Chevrolet Silverado in for the airbag recall, and when it was returned to me the passenger airbag sensor was set off on the dash. The recall work wad done at Capital Chevrolet, at 6200 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78745. I asked them to fix the airbag sensor problem, and they looked at it and wanted to charge me to fix it. They said that "well it's a 2013 so it probably just went bad". I find it overly suspicious that it went bad IMMEDIATELY after conducting an airbag recall. They offered to repair the airbag issue, but only if I paid them the normal rate. How in the world does it it make sense for me to pay for a recall issue. There were NO issues with the airbags before I brought it in for the recall.

20200908SERVICE BRAKES

CAME TO A STOP AT TOP OF EXIT RAMP TRUCK CONTINUED TO ROLL BACKWARDS BRAKE LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT CAME ON, TRUCK BEEPED THREE TIMES COMING UP RAMP, HIT EXCELLERATOR AND TRUCK ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND. HIT EMERGENCY BRAKE. PUT TRUCK IN PARK AND TURN OFF IGNITION. TRUCK REFUSED TO START. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS STOP TO CUT OFF AS TRACTOR TRAILER WE'RE COMING OFF INTERSTATE BEHIND ME FULL SPEED TO TRUCK STOP (BEFORE THIS INCIDENT THE TRUCK HAD DRIVEN COMPLETELY FINE ON A 60 MILE DRIVE ALL INTERSTATE EXCEPT FOR MAYBE THREE MILES. ). TRUCK IS STILL AT THE MECHANIC AS THEY CAN NOT GET TRUCK STARTED. ITS BEEN A WEEK.

Mileage: 70,000

20200908ENGINE

CAME TO A STOP AT TOP OF EXIT RAMP TRUCK CONTINUED TO ROLL BACKWARDS BRAKE LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT CAME ON, TRUCK BEEPED THREE TIMES COMING UP RAMP, HIT EXCELLERATOR AND TRUCK ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND. HIT EMERGENCY BRAKE. PUT TRUCK IN PARK AND TURN OFF IGNITION. TRUCK REFUSED TO START. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS STOP TO CUT OFF AS TRACTOR TRAILER WE'RE COMING OFF INTERSTATE BEHIND ME FULL SPEED TO TRUCK STOP (BEFORE THIS INCIDENT THE TRUCK HAD DRIVEN COMPLETELY FINE ON A 60 MILE DRIVE ALL INTERSTATE EXCEPT FOR MAYBE THREE MILES. ). TRUCK IS STILL AT THE MECHANIC AS THEY CAN NOT GET TRUCK STARTED. ITS BEEN A WEEK.

Mileage: 70,000

20200908UNKNOWN OR OTHER

CAME TO A STOP AT TOP OF EXIT RAMP TRUCK CONTINUED TO ROLL BACKWARDS BRAKE LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT CAME ON, TRUCK BEEPED THREE TIMES COMING UP RAMP, HIT EXCELLERATOR AND TRUCK ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND. HIT EMERGENCY BRAKE. PUT TRUCK IN PARK AND TURN OFF IGNITION. TRUCK REFUSED TO START. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS STOP TO CUT OFF AS TRACTOR TRAILER WE'RE COMING OFF INTERSTATE BEHIND ME FULL SPEED TO TRUCK STOP (BEFORE THIS INCIDENT THE TRUCK HAD DRIVEN COMPLETELY FINE ON A 60 MILE DRIVE ALL INTERSTATE EXCEPT FOR MAYBE THREE MILES. ). TRUCK IS STILL AT THE MECHANIC AS THEY CAN NOT GET TRUCK STARTED. ITS BEEN A WEEK.

Mileage: 70,000

20200203UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE DASHBOARD HAS CRACKED IN TWO PLACES. ONE CRACK IS AT THE CORNER OF THE PASSENGER AIR BIG AND THE OTHER IS ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE CRACKS LEAD ME TO SUSPECT THE DASHBOARD IS EITHER BRITTLE OR UNDER STRESS. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS? WILL THE DASHBOARD DISINTEGRATE AND CAUSE INJURY TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THIS BAD DASHBOARD GIVEN TODAY'S TECHNOLOGY. MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT SO THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING.

Mileage: 88,000

20200110UNKNOWN OR OTHER

EXHAUST IS LEAKING INTO CABIN WHEN STOPPED OR PARKED

Mileage: 50,125

Compare 2013CHEVROLETSILVERADO 3500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 have?
The 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 has 36 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500?
The 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of Not Rated/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500?
Yes, the 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is EQUIPMENT. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500?
The most-complained component for the 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 is STEERING with 7 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and POWER TRAIN.
Is the 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.