2013 GMC Sierra 2500 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 2500, 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
- Fuel system920.9%
- Airbags716.3%
- Steering511.6%
- Powertrain (other)511.6%
- Body & structure49.3%
- Brakes37.0%
- Electrical37.0%
- Tires & wheels24.7%
- Driver assistance24.7%
- Engine24.7%
- Suspension12.3%
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
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road, where a mobile independent mechanic diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed. The mechanic determined that the entire fuel system assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to an unknown dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was currently being towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered because the VIN was not included in a related recall and the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000.
I was traveling east bound on i26 when the Bosch fuel pump exploded and sent metal shavings throughout the fuel system. It's the same pump GM has settled a class action lawsuit when I spoke to the adjuster I was told.my truck wasn't included but yet it has the Bosch fuel pump the lawsuit is for cost me 10000 to repair. I have repair bill. And then I was in a accident and the air bag curtain deployed but the passenger side and driver side did not I think there's a recall on the also.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was traveling east bound on i26 when the Bosch fuel pump exploded and sent metal shavings throughout the fuel system. It's the same pump GM has settled a class action lawsuit when I spoke to the adjuster I was told.my truck wasn't included but yet it has the Bosch fuel pump the lawsuit is for cost me 10000 to repair. I have repair bill. And then I was in a accident and the air bag curtain deployed but the passenger side and driver side did not I think there's a recall on the also.
I get a recall notice from GM but the dealer won't do the repair without me signing a waiver for any damage they may cause to the dashboard during the recalled airbag removal. Can anyone get GM dealers to do the necessary repair and have accountability for any damage they may do?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER STEERING AT SPEEDS UNDER 25 MPH. I NOTICED A RECALL BY GMC FOR THIS BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT DOESN'T COVER MY TRUCK. IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN I AM IN A SLOW TURN LIKE A TRAFFIC CIRCLE OR TURNING ONTO A STREET AFTER BEING STOPPED. THE VEHICLE HAS 201,000 MILES. ARE RECALLS LIMITED BY MILEAGE? *TR
SERVICE STABILITRAK WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 60MPH. TRUCK WENT INTO "LIMP MODE" . NO TRANS PRIDAL DISPLAY. TRUCK DRIVEN SLOWLY OFF HIGHWAY. AT THE SERVICE DEALER THEY DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE FAILED AT 79,530 MILES. VEHICLE COVERED UNDER THE FEDERAL EMISSIONS WARRANTY 8 YEAR/ 80,000 HOWEVER GM REFUSED TO HONOR.
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
I was hauling a load and felt a hard jolt near the transmission. The pickup went into limp mode and would not let me accelerate above 45 mph. Took it to a dealership and was told the valve body had malfunctioned. I have been without a vehicle for over 40 days due to the part being back ordered.
TCM has failed and no replacement available
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
DASH CRACKS AROUND AIR BAG ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD HAD CRACKS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BY THE AIR BAG UNIT, IN THE CENTER, AND AROUND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED COVERT CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (11750 RESEARCH BLVD STE D, AUSTIN, TX 78759, (512) 371-6075) AND WAS REFERRED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 67,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED CRACK AROUND THE AIR BAG. UPDATED 12/20/18*JB
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
On 9/20/23 my truck suffered a brake failure in which one of the front calipers ruptured and there was a complete loss of braking. The brakes were repaired the following day and an "ABS" light remained on after the brakes were repaired and the brake lines were bled. The vehicle codes were checked and a "C0110_04 Pump motor circuit open" fault was detected. It should be noted that even though the brake system was bled and and part were replaced, there were no brakes and the vehicle could not be driven. I had the vehicle towed to Rossi GMC in Washington, NJ and they diagnosed the problem as a bad Electronic Brake Control Module and Motor. Then I was advised by their service department that no parts were available because of the General Motors strike and there was no date as to when the parts would be available. I asked if I could try to locate the parts myself and they agreed as long as they were genuine GM parts. After calling hundreds of GM/Chevy dealers I was able to locate one (1) EBCM at All American Chevrolet/Cadillac in Muncie, IN. After speaking with their parts department, they advised me that they have the part and they won't sell it to me over the phone, only in person. I live over 9 hours away from the dealer and this was not feasible. My complaint is this, although the ABS system in my truck was not functioning properly should the regular brake system still be working? If so, why is mine not. This is a HUGE safety concern considering if the ABS system were to fail at highway speeds this could cause a bad crash.
DIC DISPLAYS, "SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM" TRAILER NOT CONNECTED AT THE TIME OF MESSAGE. NO FRAYED, LOOSE, OR CORRODED WIRES FOUND AND FUSES LOOK GOOD. CONNECTIONS DISCONNECTED, BLOWN OUT, AND RECONNECTED. MESSAGE STILL READS EVERY DAY OF DRIVING. SEEMED TO START AFTER DRIVING IN RAIN. MAYBE JUST A COINCIDENCE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Transmission Control Module I was at an intersection when the TCM malfunctioned halfway through and I lost all power to my motor. I was pulling a large trailer and cross traffic had to slam on brakes to keep from hitting me. My truck will not move faster that a few miles an hour now that it is in limp mode. I am a police officer and I had an onboard diagnostic tool that showed that there was no communication to the TCM. Stabilitrack warning lamp and check engine light are now on. It all happened at once no warning.
I was driving 75 mph in traffic when my steering wheel jerked hard and the truck made a loud noise from underneath. Lights on dash engine light and traction light on. Dash read out said service stabilitrak and service traction control. I could have been hit from behind. The truck was stuck in 3rd gear. Would not go but under 30 mph. This all happened [XXX]. My dad had stroke, I wasn't able to assist him because of this failure. Had truck taken by wrecker to dealership. Told me it was failed Transmission control module, which are and have been on backorder order since summer of 2022 globally. I drove back home and sent TCM to be repaired. 1286.00 dealership charged me 146.00 wrecker was 125.00. This is the 2nd time this truck has endangered my life. 1st time it was the 1st injector that put it into limp mode. These trucks with the limp mode, are going to get some one killed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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
The contact owns a 2013 GMC SIERRA 2500 equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Discoverer A/T3 XLT, Tire Size: 265/60/R20, DOT Number: UT6K1MJ. The contact stated that the side walls were dry rotted and were separating. The contact took the tires back to the tire shop where the tires were purchased, and it was confirmed that the tires needed to be replaced. The tires had not been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage on the vehicle was 119,192, and the tire failure mileage was 190,000.
RUNNING ERRANDS WITHOUT PULLING A LOAD AND EMPTY BED OF TRUCK. AT A STOP AND WHEN GREEN BEGAN TO ACCELERATE, RIGHT BACK TIRE BLOW OUT, NO INJURIES PULLED OVER TO A SAFE SPOT TO CHANGE TIRE. NO DISCERNIBLE DEFECTS BEFORE USING TRUCK THIS DAY. ORIGINAL TIRES TO TRUCK, APPROXIMATELY 50,000 K MILES, VERY LITTLE HEAVY USE FOR THIS TRUCK.
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
Vehicle EGR Bypass Valve becomes clogged do to faulty propeller system in valve resulting in vehicle entering into limp mode and stranding passengers in i climate and dangerous weather.
I have a 2013 GMC Sierra, purchased new in 2012, has approximately 35,000 miles. The check engine light came on while driving and suddenly another light came on. Then a third light came on claiming poor engine fluid quality. I immediately stopped at an auto parts store and put DEF fluid in the pickup and continued to drive thinking the lights would go out, but instead a warning was flashing on the dash that says after so many miles the truck will be slowed down. We started getting nervous because we were driving on the highway and if the truck suddenly slows down whilst driving in highspeed traffic, our slower vehicle would potentially cause a collision and put us and others in harms way. In reading your own safety site, there is a recall on the vehicle regarding faulty airbags, so it could be even worse! In our investigations of our current issue, we have found that there was a lawsuit from 2019 against GM and their faulty fuel system with their trucks. See link here https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/general-motors/2019/08/07/lawsuit-says-gm-sold-trucks-not-compatible-american-diesel-fuel/1943084001/ many people on many different forums have also complained about this same problem with no fixes, the only suggestions are to remove the emissions parts and refab the motor. GM tells them that they need to only use their specific DEF fluid, which is steering. GM is very well aware of the problems, because they have employees following these forums and commenting on them.(Dieselplace.com) The truck can be made available for you to see/inspect and I refuse to drive the truck until this issue is resolved.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Check engine light came on and vehicle began to have issues with transmission
I have a 2013 GMC Sierra, purchased new in 2012, has approximately 35,000 miles. The check engine light came on while driving and suddenly another light came on. Then a third light came on claiming poor engine fluid quality. I immediately stopped at an auto parts store and put DEF fluid in the pickup and continued to drive thinking the lights would go out, but instead a warning was flashing on the dash that says after so many miles the truck will be slowed down. We started getting nervous because we were driving on the highway and if the truck suddenly slows down whilst driving in highspeed traffic, our slower vehicle would potentially cause a collision and put us and others in harms way. In reading your own safety site, there is a recall on the vehicle regarding faulty airbags, so it could be even worse! In our investigations of our current issue, we have found that there was a lawsuit from 2019 against GM and their faulty fuel system with their trucks. See link here https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/general-motors/2019/08/07/lawsuit-says-gm-sold-trucks-not-compatible-american-diesel-fuel/1943084001/ many people on many different forums have also complained about this same problem with no fixes, the only suggestions are to remove the emissions parts and refab the motor. GM tells them that they need to only use their specific DEF fluid, which is steering. GM is very well aware of the problems, because they have employees following these forums and commenting on them.(Dieselplace.com) The truck can be made available for you to see/inspect and I refuse to drive the truck until this issue is resolved.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving 75 mph in traffic when my steering wheel jerked hard and the truck made a loud noise from underneath. Lights on dash engine light and traction light on. Dash read out said service stabilitrak and service traction control. I could have been hit from behind. The truck was stuck in 3rd gear. Would not go but under 30 mph. This all happened [XXX]. My dad had stroke, I wasn't able to assist him because of this failure. Had truck taken by wrecker to dealership. Told me it was failed Transmission control module, which are and have been on backorder order since summer of 2022 globally. I drove back home and sent TCM to be repaired. 1286.00 dealership charged me 146.00 wrecker was 125.00. This is the 2nd time this truck has endangered my life. 1st time it was the 1st injector that put it into limp mode. These trucks with the limp mode, are going to get some one killed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 .