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, Jun 8, 2022
2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO TAKATA AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HAVING THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THE AIRBAG WAS NOT RECEIVING ANY POWER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE ENGINE WIRING JUNCTION BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURED TWO DAYS AFTER THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR THOSE TWO DAYS. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE DEALER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 25, 2022
I was told from a mechanic that the header where my spark plugs go is wrapped do to the manufacturer and is causing the spark plugs to misfire. The truck has died at a stop, is causing the truck to run horrible. I am sorry if I am not explaining it all properly. My dad bought this truck brand new in 2013 and he passed away in 2015 and I paid of the car so I could have the memory. So I have had it and been in the truck pretty much off the lot. its has only 95 thousand miles and has had this issue always, but I was always told problems with spark plugs and coils until now. please help
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Engine, May 23, 2022
at least once a month gives a false trailer braking error and the truck brakes itself, dash dies, driver loses control over the vehicle. It is a risk of crashing or being hit because the truck stops itself in the middle of driving without brake lights coming on to alert other drivers. No way to overcome this - can't hit the gas pedal, etc. It seems to think that you are hauling a trailer and it thinks the trailer is swaying... problem is this truck has never towed a trailer even one time... it's completely false. But also very dangerous.
Air bags, Mar 11, 2022
2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED.
Air bags, Feb 28, 2022
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made not aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Air bags, Feb 23, 2022
Our company no longer owns this vehicle. It was sold.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 21, 2022
I experienced a failure of the BOSCH 4.2 fuel rail pump while driving on Interstate 65 North near Louisville KY at night and my truck had a dead pedal and was unable to accelerate any and I was in the right lane going over a bridge and two tractor trailers were in each lane behind me and having been on the bridge I was unable to leave the lane of travel until I had completely transversed the bridge I was traveling over. I did engage my emergency flashers immediately but having the trucks side by side and the truck in my lane traveling at highway speeds I was almost struck from behind as the tractor trailer applied his brakes and was able to avoid the collision luckily. I took my truck to the local dealership and was told what the issue was and I had it fixed immediately. The price of the repair was $10,362.64 give or take a few dollars. I had a warranty but that company refused to pay since it's not considered part of the engine. Dodge has issued a Recall for the exact same part as far as I am understanding but yet Chevrolet/GMC has not. Thank you very much [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Feb 5, 2022
Active fuel management caused my 5.3 liter v8 valve train to fail and lost compression in a few cylinders.had to replace complete motor at 120,000 miles.at mechanics now getting a new non afm jasper engine to the tune of 8000 dollars.even with impeccable maintenance.myself being the only owner.
Air bags, Jan 4, 2022
I ow n a 2013 Silverado that I purchased new. I received a recall notice February 2021 which I believe is the second one. I have not been contacted and when I call Chevrolet customer assistance center, my calls are dropped after putting on hold. How long is this to take ? I don't feel safe when I have a passenger with me.
Other or unspecified, Jan 4, 2022
The parking pin in my parking shifter broke I had no idea that it did, lucky me I was in a parking lot but my truck just started rolling found out it was a pin that keeps it park broke.
Suspension, Structure, Dec 31, 2021
Frame already has holes from rust after only 8 years and was well kept and washed regularly. The vehicle also has about 85k miles
Air bags, Dec 21, 2021
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.
Air bags, Dec 9, 2021
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Dec 8, 2021
I was notified of the air bag recall in February 2021. To date, I have not heard anything from anyone about replacement of the passenger-side airbag. When I check the recall on line I see that the "remedy is not available". How long do I need to wait to get this resolved?
Suspension, Structure, Nov 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who discovered significant corrosion on the rear subframe of the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed him that they had never heard of such a failure with that model vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Air bags, Nov 22, 2021
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Nov 15, 2021
Dash in my truck has experienced substantial cracking. I understand that lawsuit filed by owners for factory / dealer replacement was dismissed, I believe the materials used in manufacture of this item is substandard and should be replaced at no cost the owners of these vehicles. I have also been informed that replacement parts purchased at Chevrolet have also failed.
Structure, Nov 3, 2021
1/ PREMATURE RUST ALL OVER FRAME. FRAME RAIL IS ROTTED THRU AND WILL COLLAPSE IN AN ACCIDENT ALDO WILL NOT PASS A SAFTY INSPECTION . THIS TRUCK HAS APPROV. 70,000 MILES ON IT. THERE ARE AMNY THREADS ALL OVER TH INTERNET WITH OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM.G M KNOWS ABOUT IT 2/ I HAVE NOT BROUGHT IT TO A DEALER BECAUSE I ALREADY KNOW WHAT THE ANSWER IS i HAVE HAD GM TRUCKS ALL OF MY LIFE ( IM 68) I HAVE NEVER HAD A FRAME ROT OUT. I DID SPEAK TO A FRIEND IN THE PARTS DEPARTMENT AT A DEALER AND HE KNEW ALL ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND TOLD ME HE HAS NO KNOWLEDGE THAT GM WILL RECALL THEM LIKE TOYATA DID YEARS AGO. I CAN'T EVEN TRADE IT IN BECAUSE THE DEALER ALREADY KNOWS THE FRAME WILL BE A PROBLEM AND GIVE ME NOTHING FOR A 28,000 TRUCK . I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO . THE DATE ON THE INCIDENT IS I BELIVE WHEN I PURCHASED IT . IT WAS RUSTING THEN . THE TRUCK IS TITLED TO MY BUSNESS PPD CORP 1489 MAIN STREET BROCKTON MA 02301. THANKS
Air bags, Oct 26, 2021
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.
Other or unspecified, Oct 10, 2021
My 2013 Chevrolet Silverado frame broke when I was driving it down my road with my small kids in tow. When I got home and inspected I noticed my spare tire was not secure and corrosion in the rear of my frame. I had the frame inspected by my dealership and it was confirmed the frame was defective, severely corroded in the mid and rear section. The front was in almost new condition. The stickers still intact. They suggested I contact GM. There were no warning lamps. GM has committed to repairing the vehicle due to the wax coating defect. Now they are not cooperating due to no availability of frame. I have not had a vehicle for almost 5 months. Had I been driving at a high rate of speed when the frame broke or someone hit me there could have been an entirely different outcome as the frame has no integrity. The truck would have crumpled. There are many trucks left on the road with this HAZARDOUS issue. Please see attached photos of well cared for truck and defective frame.
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the front driver’s and passenger’s side door handles had malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The contact indicated that the front driver side exterior door handle detached from the door and both the driver’s side and passenger’s side interior door handles would not function and could not be used to open the doors. The door handles were all replaced by the owner. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted regarding the failures, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Seat belts, Sep 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the rear seat belt buckle had shattered. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Service brakes, Aug 13, 2021
The service stabilitrak/traction control come on (ABS) at random times when driving. The truck begins to shift hard and lose power as I am driving making it very dangerous on the road especially at close proximity to other vehicles. I have taken it in and nothing can be found or done because they can't seem to find the problem. The truck has 73,000 miles on it. I am beyond frustrated and scared to drive it on the freeway because I never know when it will come up; it has been happening once a week (sometimes two) since June 2021. I just don't understand how GM allows this to happen and not fix the problem; it is clearly a danger on the road for myself, family, and others. Please look into this as I have read so many situations of other owners of GM models dealing with this disaster!
Steering, Suspension, Jul 28, 2021
bought this truck from Granger DCJR in Orange, tx on 7/20/21. upon further inspection of vehicle on 7/25/21 found that there are no bushings in the rear shocks and that when you steer the truck at low speeds from a stop sign the rack and pinion locks up and you can not steer the truck. the steering issue almost caused me to hit 3 cars and almost run in a ditch. dealer states that they have spent to much money on this truck and refuses to do the repairs. now im stuck with a truck that cant be driven. also this truck supposedly passed a 172 point inspection but i dont see how with these issues.
Air bags, Jul 22, 2021
The manufacturer has known about the problem with the passenger air bag for years and waited until February 2021to issue a recall. When the manufacturer was asked on 7-22-2021 when this problem would be fixed they responded that they do not have a remedy for the problem. It seems to me that they are dragging tier feet in the hope that the problem will fix itself through attrition of the affected vehicles. unless the government pressures the manufacturer by the use of fines or sanctions, they don't have any real reason to fix this problem in a timely manner.