GMC SIERRA 1500 · model year

2013 GMC SIERRA 1500

147 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2013GMCSIERRA 1500 carries 147 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 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 SIERRA 1500 is unknown or other with 42 filings, followed by air bags (35) and structure:body (21). 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 3 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 2 investigation files overlapping the 2013 SIERRA 1500. 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.

147
Complaints
2
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
2013 GMC SIERRA 1500 - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

147 filings

Crashes Reported

2 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 - Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
UNKNOWN OR OTHER42
AIR BAGS35
STRUCTURE:BODY21
SUSPENSION10
ENGINE8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
POWER TRAIN3
TIRES2
SERVICE BRAKES2
SEAT BELTS2
STRUCTURE2
SEATS2
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1

Recalls (3)

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

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,

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

Recent Complaints

20251222SUSPENSION

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.

20251029STRUCTURE: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.

Mileage: 75,000

20250914ENGINE

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

20250702STRUCTURE: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.

20241112STRUCTURE: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.

20240919UNKNOWN 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!!

20240909UNKNOWN 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.

20240819SUSPENSION

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.

20240819UNKNOWN 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.

20240611POWER 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

20231222SUSPENSION

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.

20231222STRUCTURE: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.

20231009STRUCTURE: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.

20231005ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 140,000

20230710AIR 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.

20230614SUSPENSION

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.

20230425SUSPENSION

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.

Mileage: 90,000

20230425STRUCTURE: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.

Mileage: 90,000

20230312ENGINE

Defective springs for lifters, the fuel management lifter springs have broken. The engine is missing and will barely idling.

20230310ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 163,000

Compare 2013GMCSIERRA 1500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500 have?
The 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500 has 147 NHTSA complaints, 2 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500?
The 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500?
Yes, the 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500 has 3 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 GMC SIERRA 1500?
The most-complained component for the 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500 is UNKNOWN OR OTHER with 42 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include AIR BAGS and STRUCTURE:BODY.
Is the 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500 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 GMC SIERRA 1500 has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. 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.