2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
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%
- Body & structure2524.3%
- Suspension109.7%
- 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.
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.
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
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.
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.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
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.
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
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!!!!!!
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
3 TIMES IN 5 DAYS MY DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAS JUST COLLAPSED BACK WHILE DRIVING. IT HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH EACH TIME.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .