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.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 12, 2023
Stabiltrack System, Traction Control System, Reduced Engine Power. Since purchase of the vehicle, intermittent immediate failure or previously stated vehicle systems caused critical safety concerns for occupants and other drivers while operating. Vehicle looses power enters safety "Limp Mode" due to faulty engineering. Upon inspection by State Police and Fire/EMS, owners urged to contact vehicle manufacturer and NHTSA to report issue. Failure of system first happened around 140k miles on odometer. No safety or warning lamps were present prior to stated malfunction of vehicle. Malfunction appears now daily causing impaired drivability and serious safety concerns for occupants and fellow drivers. Messages on Dashboard State The Following. "Service Stabiltrack, Service Traction Control, Reduced Engine Power". NO Certain Cause OR Remedy from manufacturer.
Power train, Jul 6, 2023
We put our truck into a dealership recall for passenger airbag. Next day while driving truck started to buck in middle of traffic had to pull over. No reverse or forward. Waited and then the problem left. Truck is not repaired brought it to a transmission shop has Converter damage.
Air bags, Jun 28, 2023
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V053000 (Air Bags). An unknown dealer was made aware of the issue and the contact was informed that the dealer was not responsible for any damages to the dashboard while performing the recall repair. The contact was concerned that the dashboard would be damaged during the recall repair and stated that he should not be responsible for any damages incurred by the dealer. The contact declined to allow the dealer to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but provided no assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Structure, Jun 4, 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.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Jun 1, 2023
Frame of truck is completely rusted out, truck has only 88,000 miles. The body of the truck is in perfect condition with no rust but the frame is shot! This will be over 4,500 dollars to repair, this seems to be a common issue in the Chevy and GMC trucks. I did see on a web site GM had issues on application of a wax sealer on the frames that was thought to be discoverd in 2020. I contacted Chevy at 1-800-222-1020 call center and was told at this time it is out of warranty and thank you for being a valued Chevy customer! I have never had a vehicle in my life of 63 years have a bad frame like this, my wife and I have had over 19 GM vehicles in our life but never a issue like this! These frames are worse than the Toyata Tacoma frames! 10 years old well maintained, frame is shot.
Suspension, May 24, 2023
Frame beneath driver and passenger doors is rusting through at the welds. Frame is beginning to crack and I suspect it will break in half. I noticed the crack when I changed engine oil yesterday.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, May 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made rattling sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lifters and camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Structure, Apr 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-55 MPH, there was an abnormal banging sound underneath the vehicle. The contact parked the vehicle and inspected underneath the vehicle and noticed that the rear cross-member was completely rusted. The contact had not spoken with the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Other or unspecified, Apr 9, 2023
rust under the rear wheel wells
Suspension, Apr 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the shock mount fractured with the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken the dealer where the mechanic discovered severe corrosion on the crossmember. Additionally, it was discovered that the trailer hitch had nearly disintegrated due to the corrosion. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the ABS wiring and shocks were replaced; however, the corrosion remained. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2023
Frame rusted will not pass state inspection. As per my mechanic and state inspection garage truck will not pass upcoming inspection because frame is rusted with holes a danger
Structure, Feb 22, 2023
FRAME RUSTED OUT , BROKE AND HOLES IN IT . GM IS AWARE AND WONT REPLACE. THE TRUCK IS WORTHLESS AND I STILL OWE 19K ON IT. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE .
Steering, Power train, Feb 19, 2023
On two occasions the vehicle has been parked in our drive way and has rolled away approximately 15 ft until being stopping at a snowbank. There have been no warning lights that would indicate an issue prior to this happening. Searching open recalls, I found that although my specific VIN is not affected by a safety recall, there is a recall for this issue on other 2013 Chevrolet Silverado. I believe my vehicle should be included in this recall. If this were to have happened in another location, it could have resulted in a crash and major damage to bystanders or other vehicles.
Structure, Suspension, Jan 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and going over a speed bump, the contact heard an abnormal banging sound underneath the vehicle like the tailpipe had detached and was striking the undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the rear-end of the vehicle was considerably lower than normal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the undercarriage, suspension arms, braces, and frame had rusted through in many large areas, rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive. The contact stated that she contacted her insurance provider who had the vehicle towed to a collision shop. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Suspension, Structure, Jan 23, 2023
FRAME IS STARTING TO RUST AFTER 60,000 MILES OF BEING WASHED REGULARLY. AN INVESTIGATION NEED TO BE PERFORMED TO DETERMINE IF MANY SIMILAR MODLES HAVE THIS ISSUE AND ISSUE A FREE FRAME REPLACEMENT IF ITS DETERMINED THAT THE ANTI CORROSION COATING FAILED.
Steering, Jan 23, 2023
SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM AND SERVICE STABILITRAK SYSTEM COMES ON DASHBOARD PERIODICALLY AFTER DRIVING FOR 30 MINUTES THEN GOES OFF.
Structure, Jan 23, 2023
Chevrolet Silverado rusted out frame safety issue
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Dec 18, 2022
My truck frame has rusted completely through. I have holes in my truck frame. I also have my rear shocks have broke free from my frame. I went back to the dealer the first week i had the truck to have my bed liner installed. At this time i pointed the rust and undercoating that was falling off. The told me they would take care of the problem. I assumed they would, my mistake. I had to go back 2 other times for warranty work on my drive train. Both times I complained about the rust. Each time I returned it was getting exponentially worse. Both times they told me Chevrolet would do nothing about it. That the rust was "normal" Now I have a truck that is not even 10 years old with my frame falling apart.
Structure, Dec 6, 2022, crash
The vehicle is unsafe to operate around pedestrians and other roadside objects because of the poor visibility, especially at critical moments where visual confirmation is needed like crosswalks, intersections, and parking lots. The A pillars, side mirrors, and tall front profile, block the driver from visually confirming hazards and pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. While driving, I made a right hand turn and attempted to park roadside. The vehicle was blocking my view of cement barriers placed in the parking space before mine, and the vehicle collided with the barriers. Also, many times I have had to stop just after entering an intersection to keep from hitting a pedestrian, because the vehicle blocked my view.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 26, 2022
I bought a 2013 silverado truck with 30,000 miles. I paid $30,000. A year and half later the engine blew. It was 3 months after warranty and I had to pay $8000 to replace. 2 yrs later I heard a very disturbing noise. Mechanic assess and said frame is rusted through. Tubing, gas tank following off. Suspension so rusted it was a miracle it didn’t just fall apart. I again bring it to Chevy (now a 3rd owner in 5yrs) and they tell me they will give me $1000. I still own almost $6000 on the loan due to the engine. There are major issues with this truck. The wax coating they used and poor steel excelled the rust at a rapid pace. If you recoated this with rust resistive spray it would void all warranties. I am now 5 years in with a blown engine and rusted through frame. Chevy has no other solution except to add my balance of that truck into a new loan and buy another. They knew this issue and had multiple opportunities to fix and /or notify. The engine also has class action in a few states because if faulty oil consumption doing damage and blowing engines. There should be some major recalls. I see hundreds upon hundred of people complaining of the same thing. Now I’m out a truck with no value. Cannot work etc. Very financially devastating. GM is incredibly dishonest and knowingly selling defective trucks.
Suspension, Structure, Sep 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the local dealer for servicing, he was informed that the subframe of the vehicle was severely corroded and all cross members of the vehicle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the cross members were replaced and welded. However, the failure persisted. The contact stated that he could hear parts separating from the subframe and falling onto the ground while driving. The contact stated that upon inspecting the subframe, he noticed that unknown parts were corroded and had detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Structure, Aug 28, 2022
Frame rusted and broke in 2 places!!!!!! 54,000 miles. No accident!!!!
Other or unspecified, Aug 15, 2022
Frame is rusting clear through supports.
Electrical system, Jul 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal and brake pedal simultaneously, the brake pedal went to the floorboard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed; however, no failure was determined. The contact was informed that the function was normal. The dealer also suggested that issue might be related to a software failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure occurred previously and the brake master cylinder was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000.
Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2022
Major cracks in the dashboard even though a window shade is used to protect the dashboard.