2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Body & structure Problems

The vehicle's structural frame rails have suffered a catastrophic failure. The driver-side frame rail has a physical separation gap measuring between 1/2-inch and 1 inch wide. The passenger-side frame rail is actively delaminating and separating from the inside out. The vehicle and the failed component are completely intact and available for immediate inspection upon request. SAFETY RISK TO OTHERS:The structural integrity of the truck is entirely gone, creating an extreme safety hazard. If driven, the frame is at risk of snapping completely in half, which would cause an immediate, catastrophic loss of steering, suspension control, and braking on public roads, risking a fatal crash for the occupants and nearby drivers. CONFIRMATION BY A SERVICE CENTER:The problem has not been visually confirmed via a safety inspection. The catastrophic splitting aligns exactly with the premature corrosion patterns caused by the failing factory wax defect openly documented by General Motors in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 19-NA-255.4. INSPECTION BY MANUFACTURER/POLICE/INSURANCE:The vehicle has not yet been inspected by General Motors corporate, local police, or insurance representatives. It was immediately deemed unroadworthy and taken off public roads and parked. WARNING LAMPS AND PRIOR SYMPTOMS: There were no warning lamps, or dashboard messages. The only symptoms was when going over a bump it made a weird noises which was inspected and found the crumbling/failing frame. Because the multi-layered steel frame rots from the inside out due to moisture trapped behind the defective factory wax coating, the structural failure remained entirely invisible until the frame physically cracked open and separated.

NHTSA ID

11752287

Incident

Jul 22, 2026

The White Diamond Tri Coat paint that General Motors applied to vehicles is sub par and defective. There is no reason why the paint should be this bad. It is not due to damage or anything the driver has done. This is a factory defect and should be addressed. Every single vehicle I have seen with this same Tri Coat paint is chipping, flaking and peeling. My truck is the LTZ model of Silverado and that is supposed to be the top of the line, best vehicle sub trim that Chevrolet offers. I would like this to be looked into.

NHTSA ID

11738753

Incident

Apr 1, 2019

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the subframe of the vehicle and the rear cross member were severely rusted, causing the fuel tank to become unsecured. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Additionally, the mechanic stated that the catalytic converter was faulty and created a fire hazard. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11703793

Incident

Oct 9, 2025

Mileage

120,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed low speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound, and the control arm detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the subframe was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact parked and stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

NHTSA ID

11674271

Incident

Jul 17, 2024

Mileage

44,000 mi

I was sold a vehicle by a dealership with a completely unsafe frame. The frame is very rotted and has multiple holes and as well as a split open portion on the drivers side that extends down most of the frame. This issue was undisclosed by the dealer. There was also a discovery of rotted suspension components making the vehicle extremely dangerous to myself and others. Another undisclosed issue would be that this vehicles engine does not match the vin number.

NHTSA ID

11674232

Incident

Sep 26, 2024

2013 Silverado has sustained extensive corrosion damage to frame making vehicle unusable. Obviously, extremely widespread problem that GM has acknowledged was caused by improperly treated frames in a technical service bulletin but no recall has been forced upon them like was done to Toyota years ago for the exact same malfeasance. The truck was always cared for. Severe safety hazard being caused by GM’s poor choices.

NHTSA ID

11640764

Incident

Feb 2, 2025

The frame of this vehicle is unsafely rusted out, this vehicle has low miles and frame should not have rusted out like it has.

NHTSA ID

11617256

Incident

Sep 7, 2022

Main frame rails have rusted completely through on both sides. Inside by fuel tank. Many other GM owners have reported this issue online. Truck only has 136k and will not pass inspection. Known defect for the factory undercoating was dealer fixed three times prior to the 6 year warranty being expired. It was noted and fixed on the date of purchase in 2013.

NHTSA ID

11614354

Incident

Sep 2, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the inspection station for a scheduled inspection, the contact was informed that there was corrosion on the sub frame of the vehicle. The contact was informed that the corrosion was behind the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was plated and welded. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11613750

Incident

Sep 10, 2024

Mileage

90,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of two holes in the frame rail near the fuel tank. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,200.

NHTSA ID

11613523

Incident

Sep 9, 2024

Mileage

58,200 mi

Due to a failure to properly prepare the frame (GM Service Bulletin 19-NA-255), the frame of my 2013 Chevrolet Silverado has rusted and cracked due to the extensive rusting. I was made aware of this issue by my mechanic while repairing another unrelated issue. Had I not taken my vehicle in for service, I may not have been made aware and the damage could have gotten detrimental to safely operate. My vehicle only has 122,109 miles on it. This rusting jeopardizes the entire structure of my vehicle and all of the components attached to the frame. GM is aware that this is an issue for model years 2011-2024 and has yet to recall the vehicles to remedy the problem.

NHTSA ID

11610369

Incident

Aug 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed inspection due to two holes in the frame rail near the fuel tank. The contact was informed that the entire sub frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it diagnosed that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and the sub frame was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a TSB with NHTSA ID Number: 10254236 (Structure). The failure mileage was 27,233.

NHTSA ID

11601446

Incident

Apr 18, 2024

Mileage

27,233 mi

The frame of my 2013 Silverado has rusted through and the car is no longer safe to drive. It has 94K miles and is otherwise in perfect condition. Last year I had the cross members of the frame replaced because they were totally rotted through. My truck was the 24th Chevy that Amherst Welding had repaired that year. I traded my 2000 Silverado in 2013 to buy my current truck, and the frame on the 2000, was totally sound, and had a lot of life left in it at over 1000K. Toyota replaced the Rusting frames on their trucks, and so should Chevy. I could provide photos if necessary ... I saw the rotted frame when the truck was on a lift.

NHTSA ID

11591734

Incident

May 31, 2024

An independent service center noted the integrity of my frame is compromised due to severe rust. The rear passenger side area of the frame near the gas tank is falling off and holes can be poked thru it. My safety is put at risk if I were to get in an accident or even minor collision. Potential for parts to abruptly break due to the rust/corrosion. No warning lamps or messages have appeared.

NHTSA ID

11590856

Incident

May 21, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while in the process of trading the vehicle at a Toyota dealer, the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the subframe was severely rusted. The Chevrolet dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the location for inspection. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ID

11590386

Incident

May 8, 2024

Mileage

65,000 mi

Truck failed inspection due to cracked frame and excessive rust.

NHTSA ID

11586900

Incident

Apr 29, 2024

I took my 2013 Silverado to my local mechanic for an airconditioning repair. While the mechanic was checking the undercarriage he discovered the frame had cracked due to corrosion on the passenger side just behind the cab. My truck has 144k miles and I am apalled that this has happened so soon. This level of corrosion seems very advanced for a 11 year old truck with below average mileage.

NHTSA ID

11576276

Incident

Mar 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated during a State Inspection, the vehicle failed the inspection due to extensive corrosion on the sub frame. The contact was informed that the vehicle would not pass a safety inspection and the contact was denied an inspection sticker. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was advised that there was severe corrosion on the front-end sub frame and members and on the rear-end sub frame and members. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

NHTSA ID

11569892

Incident

Feb 1, 2024

Mileage

74,000 mi

In June 2023 I was doing some minor work and inspection on my 2013 Silverado, while under the truck looking for possible issues before taking a trip to Colorado I noticed the frame had a hole in it, after further inspection of the complete frame and undercarriage I found holes all throughout the frame and also cracks in 2 locations. The truck had 85k, the body is solid, and in great condition, kept in a heated garage. In June I went to a Chevrolet dealer to have an air bag recall repair done, at that time the mechanic did a complete inspection of the undercarriage and never mentioned the safety issue with the rusting frame. I decided to go back to the dealer to question a possible frame recall, in my discussion with 3 service writers they assured me there was no recalls or safety bulletins regarding this. Being highly upset about the frame I started looking for possible issues on the frame. I found hundreds of complaints regarding rusting frames and safety incidents, and a service bulletin that came out in 2014 which has been revised to cover up to 2019 Silverados. This bulletin stated the wax protection to prevent the frame from rusting was pealing off and should be repaired, the dealers were cleaning and sealing the rust locations as the bulletin stated. My complaint is, I never received a notice of the bulletin from GM. If I did I could have tried to take precautions to help prevent the rust from spreading. The Chevy dealership said there was never any frame bulletin or recall. Now my truck is not reliable and definitely not safe! The body and mechanical parts are in great shape. It’s unbelievable that a $40,000 vehicle is unsafe to drive, 10 years old, 85k miles and now worth nothing due to the bad frame. Not sure, but if you have read some of these experiences with other owners, I think you would not want any of these on the road. GM should be held accountable for knowing the frames are failing do to a sealer that wouldn’t stay on the frames.

NHTSA ID

11568672

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

The frame has completely rusted out and the vehicle is no longer roadworthy. Mechanic was shocked it didn’t snap while on the road. Only has 113k miles. Apparently this is a known major issue with these vehicles and costing owners thousands of dollars due to incorrect manufacturing of the frames. Please hold the manufacturer accountable for this defect before someone does get hurt.

NHTSA ID

11562110

Incident

Dec 27, 2023

I went to get a Virginia Inspection and found that the frame on both sides near the fuel tank was rusted completely through. The truck has no other rust spots anywhere.

NHTSA ID

11550800

Incident

Oct 19, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon changing the oil, he discovered severe corrosion on the undercarriage sub frame. The contact stated that the rust was located primarily around both rear wheels. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 99,200.

NHTSA ID

11548153

Incident

Sep 22, 2023

Mileage

99,200 mi

The frame has rusted with holes and is flaking away. The local dealer would not take the truck on trade because of the extensive rust and liability of reselling it.

NHTSA ID

11540844

Incident

Aug 25, 2023

2013 silverado was in for a fuel leak, which turned out to be a rusted out fuel pump and gas line. However the mechanic found that the frame on either side of the gas tank was severely rusted and recomended to NOT do the repair because the truck was now worthless and would not pass a safety inspection. The truck has only 53500 miles and has been frequently washed underneath and stored mostly inside. A frame repair shop can weld a steel cap over the frame in the affected areas at a cost of over $2000. Seems like GM should bear some responsibility for such poor quality.

NHTSA ID

11540003

Incident

Jun 15, 2023

On my 2013 Chevy Silverado with only 70000 miles I noticed a clunk noise when driving. After bringing it to the dealer I was told the frame was rusted beyond repair. It is not safe to drive at this point. The frame was treated with a wax coating by GM that basically covered the rust for years. It was only till now the wax coating is flaking off exposing holes in the frame. The rear shock mount is barely hanging on to the cross support which is crumbling away. After doing some research I found others silverado owners are experiencing the same thing. I was told by the dealer that it would cost $7000 to put a new frame on. They also told me GM doesn't make that frame anymore and they can't even find any salvage frames. I was planning on towing my travel trailer for many camping trips this year. I can't even imagine what might have happened if I'd never heard the clunk and took it out on the highway. I suspect there are numerous other drivers on the road that don't realize they have the same issue. How a 10 year old vehicle with only 70000 miles on it can have such a rusted out frame is beyond me. This is a junk frame rusted so bad it's a disaster waiting to happen.

NHTSA ID

11525301

Incident

May 24, 2023