2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 365 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 19 Silverado 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 16 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleFeb 5, 2021
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, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.
Campaign 21V054000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleFeb 5, 2021
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 Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010 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 Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2009 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 Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 24, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328790.
Campaign 21V053000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
365 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Sep 26, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2024
Just bought this truck 6 months ago and found out frame is rotted out. After further research it seems this is a very common issue and may be alot of these trucks on the road with people also not knowing this issue. 100% safety issue!
Suspension, Structure, Sep 13, 2024
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.
Structure, Sep 10, 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.
Structure, Sep 9, 2024
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.
Engine, Sep 1, 2024
Rocker arm on left (as you are facing engine from outside vehicle) back rear left is making a cherping noise when engine gets warmed up. Dealership & 2 separate mechanics say the cam shaft and lifters need replaced, or the whole engine should be replaced. Vehicle has 162500 miles on it. Noise started about a week after my last oil change on 6/11/24.
Structure, Aug 23, 2024
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.
Power train, Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of a failure with the transmission. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and was shaking abnormally while attempting to downshift. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Structure, Jul 12, 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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2024
Frame rusted just about in to !!!!!
Power train, Engine, Jun 24, 2024
I’m not completely aware of the issue but at about 68,000 miles my GM LC9 engine has started ticking. I know GM has been sued in the past for the failure of LC9 engine and wondered if I need to join the lawsuit or if there will be a recall issued?
Air bags, Jun 4, 2024
On [XXX] pursuant to an appointment, I arrived at Riverside Chevrolet Buick GMC located at 100 Hwy 411 E in Rome Ga 30161 @ [XXX], to have the recalled Takata airbag replaced in our Chevrolet Silverado 1500. At that time, the Dealer failed and refused to replace the defective airbag, without giving a sufficient reason, and I left the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jun 4, 2024
108k miles and complete frame rusted to the point of not being road safe
Structure, May 31, 2024
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.
Structure, May 27, 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.
Structure, May 23, 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.
Other or unspecified, May 6, 2024
The frame needs to be fixed because when the truck was built it is something with the metal
Structure, Other or unspecified, May 3, 2024
Truck failed inspection due to cracked frame and excessive rust.
Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2024
2013 Chevy Silverado undercoated every year since new..(2 owners)... and the frame is rotted. This is disgusting!!! There is a technical service bulletin for frame rust/ rot but not a full recall. Rotted frames are a SAFETY Concern!!!! You need to make GM fix this problem with a full recall!!!!!!!!!!
Other or unspecified, Apr 18, 2024
The frame on my truck rusted through. 52519 miles. There is no rust anywhere else on the truck. The frame could break causing an accident. Frame has been inspected by 2 different body shops. My frame has been repaired by a qualified repair shop. Needed to be replaced but was told by GM there are no new frames for this truck. Could not find a good used one either. My rusty frame was discovered by a technician at Discount Tire when having a tire rotation. As of [XXX] I had no idea the frame was rusted through. Found out after my truck was being repaired that there was a bulletin on it. I have also found out there are many GM vehicles with this problem. Bulletin #[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air bags, Mar 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine made an abnormal sound. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,400.
Air bags, Mar 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted.
Structure, Mar 8, 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.
Structure, Feb 5, 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.
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 29, 2024
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.