2013 GMC Sierra 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 167 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 26 Sierra 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 6 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 10 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
EquipmentApr 26, 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.
Campaign 18V267000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
11 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Sep 14, 2025
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!!!!!!
Engine, Oct 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle veered to the side of the road and was restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer multiple times where the failure was not able to be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine, Oct 5, 2023
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.
Engine, Mar 12, 2023
Defective springs for lifters, the fuel management lifter springs have broken. The engine is missing and will barely idling.
Engine, Mar 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a rattling sound coming from the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated; however, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with faulty piston rings. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact then stated that the instrument panel light was deactivated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Back over prevention, Feb 12, 2021
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 25, 2020
HEARD A LAUD POP AND GRINDING NOISE ON MY 2013 5.3 VORTEX V8 GMC FROM THE MOTOR WHERE I HAD TO STOP IT BECAUSE I THOUGHT MY MOTOR WAS GOING TO LUCK UP ON ME. I PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ON MISSOURI AND TRIVIZ. WHERE MY WIFE HAD TO PICK ME UP 1 HOUR AFTER THE THE FACT TO HAUL IT BACK HOME. GOT HOME WHERE I DID MY RESEARCH TO FIND PARTS AND LABOR COAST FOR MY TRUCK AND CAME ACROSS SOME ACTIVE CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS ON GMC FOR SAME TAPE OF ENGINE THE 5.3 VORTEX AND SAME AND 1 YEAR OLDER OR 1 YEAR NEWER HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. WHERE CASES BEEN OPEN SINCE 2016 AND STILL OPEN NOW FOR GMC TO PERFORM THAT KINDA OF ENGINE TO BE CALLED AS A RE-CALL. I THEN GOT A HOLD OF GMC MOTORS TO SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR ME NOT BEING THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS KIND OF PROBLEM TO SEE IF THEY CAN HELP ME IN ANY KIND OF WAY AND THEY RESPOND WAS FOR ME TO TAKE IT TO A CERTIFIED DEALER IN LAS CRUCES, NM FOR GMC. I DID JUST THAT THEN WHERE I WAS REJECTED BY THE DEALER BECAUSE THEY HAD NO INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT I AND MY WIFE JUST HAD DISCOVER BACK HOME. THE REASON WHY GM MOTORS WANTED ME TO TAKE THE TRUCK WAS FOR THEM TO DO A FULL DYNASTIC ON THE TRUCK TO SEE IF IT WAS THE LIFTERS THAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. CAME TO BE IT WAS THE LIFTERS AND AS WELL FOR THE CAMSHAFT WHERE THEY GIVE ME ALL PAPERWORK ABOUT MY TRUCK AND HOW MUCH TO FIX IT WE ARE LOOKING AT 5,000.00 TO REPLACE THE LIFTERS AND CAMSHAFT OR 10,000.00 TO PUT A NEW MOTOR AND THE GM MOTORS DENIED TO HELP OR TO FIX OR REPLACE THE MOTOR AND CAMSHAFT OR EVEN TRY TO MEET ME HALF WAY ON EXPENSES FOR MY TRUCK TO GET IT UP AND RUNNING AGAIN. WE GOT BACK HOME AND TALKED TO A LAWYER THAT BEEN FIGHTING SOME CASES SINCE 2016 AND ADDED HE ADDED ME TO THE OTHERS CASES FOR THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR GMC NOT FALLOWING WITH THERE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THERE ACTION ABOUT THE 5.3 VORTEX FROM 2012-2015 MAKES AND MODELS WITH THIS KINDA OF MOTORS
Engine, Jun 18, 2019
CHECK ENGINE COMES IN RELATED TO LOW OIL PRESSURE SENSOR CAUSES AN EMISSIONS LIGHT TO WHICH WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. HAVE CHANGED OIL PICK UP TUBE O RING, WHICH WAS NOT DAMAGED, PRESSURE SENSOR AND SCREEN HAVE BEEN CHANGED. NO MECHANICS OR LOCAL DEALERS HAVE ANY IDEA HOW TO FIX THIS ISSUE. WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK AND STOPPED IN TRAFFIC OR AT A VERY LOW SPEED THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON.
Engine, Jun 17, 2019
OIL CONSUMPTION DURING NORMAL OPERATIONS IS EXCESSIVE.
Engine, Apr 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 58 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAITED FIVE MINUTES BEFORE RESTARTING THE VEHICLE AND RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS PERFORMED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.
Engine, Nov 20, 2013
TRUCK IS LEAKING OIL, AND I HAVE A SMALL PUDDLE OH GARAGE FLOOR. BROUGHT TO ORIGINAL SELLING DEALER TO BE CHECKED. THEY CLAIMED THERE WAS A PLUG ON BACK OF ENGINE THAT WAS LEAKING. THEY HAD VEHICLE FOR 3 1/2 DAYS, AND CLAIMED IT WAS FIXED. THEY HAD OVER 1 PAGE OF SEALS, GASKETS, PLUG WERE REPLACED. DROVE APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES, AND IT STARTED LEAKING EXACTLY THE SAME AS BEFORE. RETURNED TO DEALER AGAIN, AND WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN THAT IT WAS NORMAL TO SEE IT HAVING A LEAK DUE TO THE SILICONE THAT WAS USED ON ENGINE PARTS WHEN IT WAS BUILT !!! I WAS ADVISED TO DRIVE IT FOR 1 WEEK AND BRING IT BACK AGAIN. AT THAT POINT IN TIME, I CONTACTED GM AND WAS TOLD TO GET A SECOND OPINION AT ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. I BROUGHT IT TO THEM ON 11/15/13. IT HAS BEEN THERE NOW FOR 6 DAYS. I WAS JUST TOLD THAT THEY HAVE 4 PAGES OF NEW PARTS THAT HAVE TO BE ORDERED TO REPAIR IT. THEY (DEALERSHIP) REQUESTED THAT GM REPLACE THE ENGINE AND WAS DENIED. CONSIDERING THIS IS THE 3RD TIME TRYING TO REPAIR THE SAME PROBLEM, THEY SHOULD EITHER RE-PURCHASE OR LEMON LAW THIS. *TR