RoadVitals

2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
115
Latest Dec 22, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags3534.0%
  • Engine87.8%
  • Electrical65.8%
  • Exterior lighting32.9%
  • Driver assistance32.9%
  • Powertrain (other)32.9%
  • Seat belts21.9%
  • Brakes21.9%
  • Tires & wheels21.9%
  • Interior & seats21.9%
  • Other / unspecified11.0%
  • Visibility11.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

35
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11531285 · filed Jul 10, 2023

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 ID 11503130 · filed Jan 23, 2023
All 35 reports naming airbags

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11696358 · filed Oct 29, 2025

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 ID 11670958 · filed Jul 2, 2025
All 25 reports naming body & structure

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11706633 · filed Dec 22, 2025

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 ID 11609433 · filed Aug 19, 2024
All 10 reports naming suspension

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11687166 · filed Sep 14, 2025

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 ID 11548370 · filed Oct 5, 2023
All 8 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11485572 · filed Sep 20, 2022

THE DASHBOARD HAS CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES, AND I BELIEVE, IT IS GOING TO EFFECT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM AND DASHBOARD WIRING, WHICH COULD LEAD TO THE PASSENGER AIR BAG NOT DEPLOYING OR ENGINE STALLING AT SPEED BECAUSE OF PIECES OF DASH FALLING INTO THE WIRES.

NHTSA ID 11390950 · filed Feb 1, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS HAD CONDENSATION AND WATER IN THE LENSES. ADDITIONALLY, THE BULBS BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ED SCHMIDT AUTO GROUP (26875 NORTH DIXIE HIGHWAY, PERRYSBURG, OH 43551) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN A CRASH BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 8-3967686775. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL OR WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. *TT *TR

NHTSA ID 11078375 · filed Mar 9, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER BECAME TRAPPED IN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND IMPACTED VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,300. UPDATED 01/05/2017*CT

NHTSA ID 10918886 · filed Oct 25, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal audible ringing inside the vehicle. Additionally, the “Service Trailer Brakes” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and waited for several minutes before driving to his destination. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the chassis electronic control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID 11449734 · filed Feb 1, 2022

ON OR ABOUT 10-14-2020 I HAD GOT A CALL FROM MY NIECE THAT SHE WAS AT A PARKING LOT AND THE TRUCK DIDN'T WANT TO RUN THE SAME. SHE WAS PASSING A INTERSECTION WHEN SHE HEARD A VERY LOUD POP NOISE AND A VERY SCARY NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE NOISE DID SHACK HER SOME BUT WHEN SHE NOTICES THE TRUCK HAD LOST ITS POWER SHE WAS MORE SCARE THAT SHE WAS GOING TO GET HIT BY A OTHER CAR CAME OUT TO BE THE LIFTERS AND CAMSHAFT . WHERE THEY BEEN HAVING CLASS ACTSIONS LAW SUITS WITH GM MOTORS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM WITH OTHER GMC YEAR FROM 2009-2015 5.3 VORTEX ENGINS AND GMC KNEW ABOUT IT BEFORE THE SOLD THE VERY FIRST TRUCK ITS A $10,000.00 DALLORS REPAIR AND WITH THE BANK FINANCE I WILL BE PAYING MORE THEN 25,000.00 AFTER COST AND THIS TRUCK BLUE BOOK ITS AT 15,000.00 LAST TIME I CHECK IT SO ITS NOT WORTH PUTTING SO MUCH MORE MONEY FOR THAT YEAR OF TRUCK. I HAD TRYED TO WORK THINGS OUT WITH THE DEALERSHIP AS WELL WITH GM MOTORS AND HAD NO LUCK OR EVEN A CALL BACK FROM BOTH SIDES. I ASK THAT IF YOU CAN INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER SOME MORE I WILL GLADLY APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

NHTSA ID 11395927 · filed Feb 12, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11593779 · filed Jun 11, 2024

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 ID 11485572 · filed Sep 20, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11503130 · filed Jan 23, 2023

WE WENT TO FASTEN REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT AND THE BUCKLE MECHANISM FELL APART WHICH HAS LEFT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR SEAT UNUSABLE. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT. PASSENGER HAD TO MOVE INTO THE MIDDLE SEAT TO REMAIN SECURE.

NHTSA ID 10917166 · filed Oct 18, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH BRAKING THE ABS ACTIVATES IN A NON EMERGENCY STOP AND THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK WELL, VEHICLE CONTINUES TO MOVE.

NHTSA ID 11320976 · filed Apr 13, 2020

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 ID 10908826 · filed Sep 22, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

A YEAR AGO I BOUGHT 4 NEW HUNCOOK TIRES, 4 MONTHS AGO ONE GOT TREAD SEPARATION SO I REPLACED IT WITH A NEW HUNCOOK. NOW TWO DAYS AGO ANOTHER HUNCOOK TIRE GOT TREAT SEDATION. SO I CAN'T TRUST HUNCOOK AS IT'S TIRES ARE UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON. THE TIRE SIZE IS 265/70/17

NHTSA ID 11361308 · filed Sep 26, 2020

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 ID 10874445 · filed Jun 15, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE PUSHING BACK THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THE BACK OF THE SEAT FELL. THE CONTACT LATER NOTICED A SHARP PIECE OF METAL IN THE BACK OF THE SEAT. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE LUMBAR SUPPORT IN THE SEAT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JOHNSON MOTOR COMPANY OF GEORGIA CADILLAC (1122 WALTON WAY, AUGUSTA, GA 30901), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH JOHNSON MOTOR COMPANY OF SOUTH CAROLINA (490 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY, GRANITEVILLE, SC 29829) AND WAS ADVISED TO SPEAK TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ID 11039254 · filed Oct 24, 2017

3 TIMES IN 5 DAYS MY DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAS JUST COLLAPSED BACK WHILE DRIVING. IT HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH EACH TIME.

NHTSA ID 10948124 · filed Jan 28, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TWO OF THE FOUR WHEELS WERE LOSING AIR AND TESTED LOCALLY. IT WAS DETERMINED AIR WAS LEAKING FROM EACH OF THE TWO RIMS IN A SIMILAR LOCATION. NOTE-AIR WAS NOT LEAKING FROM THE TIRE OR THE SEAL BETWEEN THE TIRE BEAD AND RIM. INSTEAD, THE RIM ITSELF APPEARS TO HAVE A LATENT DEFECT CAUSING A SLOW LEAK. I CONTACTED A LOCAL GMC DEALER TO SEE ABOUT WARRANTY COVERAGE OR MANUFACTURE INTEREST IN ASSISTING WITH THIS SAFETY ISSUE. VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND GM WAS WILLING TO PARTICIPATE AT 10% OF NEW REPLACEMENT COST, SEE ATTACHED. TWO OF THE FOUR RIMS WERE TESTED FOR THE DEFECT. BOTH RIMS EXHIBIT THE SAME DEFECT. THAT 1/2 OF THE RIMS ON MY ONE TRUCK ARE LEAKING, IT SUGGESTS A LARGER DEFECT IN THE STANDARD RIMS. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MOTORIST SAFETY RESULTING FROM DEFECTIVE RIMS.

NHTSA ID 11138918 · filed Oct 7, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER BECAME TRAPPED IN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND IMPACTED VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,300. UPDATED 01/05/2017*CT

NHTSA ID 10918886 · filed Oct 25, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .