VehicleVerdict

2013 GMC Sierra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2013 GMC Sierra sits mid-pack among Sierra years: 46 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 67, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (7), electrical system (6), and steering (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

46

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Sierra years?

See all Sierra years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 GMC Sierra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags715%
Electrical System613%
Transmission511%
Steering511%
Brakes49%
Body & Structure37%
Engine37%
Fuel System37%
Other37%
Speed Control24%
Lighting24%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Seats12%
Tires & Wheels12%

Does the 2013 GMC Sierra have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V544000OtherOctober 30, 2015 · 1,808 units

Defect

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD, Chevrolet Express, and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, and model year 2013 GMC Savana compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles that fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 303 "Fuel System Integrity of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles." In the affected vehicles, the text of the CNG fuel-only label is smaller than the required size, and as a result, may be less noticeable.

Consequence

Text that does not conform to the required labeling size could inhibit fuel tank inspection practices and safe refueling, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners and will send them a replacement label, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 13365.

13V615000Fuel SystemDecember 11, 2013 · 9,733 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, equipped with 6.6L diesel engines and dual fuel tanks. In the affected vehicles, the transfer pump which moves fuel from the rear tank to the front tank could malfunction and cause the fuel gauge to indicate an inaccurate reading.

Consequence

If the fuel gauge indicates an inaccurate reading it may result in the vehicle unexpectedly stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

General Motors will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel transfer pump, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 13420.

13V001000TransmissionJanuary 2, 2013 · 54,686 units

Defect

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, manufactured between November 7, 2012, through December 18, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect", and FMVSS No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." The vehicles may have been built with a fractured park lock cable or a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly.

Consequence

As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position. The vehicle may also shift out of Park without application of the brake pedal while the key is off. Either of these scenarios may cause the vehicle to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible vehicle crash and/or injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. Cadillac owners may call 1-866-982-2339. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

ON APRIL 7, 2014, I WAS INVOLVED IN CAR ACCIDENT. MY VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY THROUGH A SOLID GREEN LIGHT WHEN THE OTHER THE VEHICLE MAKING A LEFT TURN TRIED TO SPEED UP TO GET PASS. I SAW THE OTHER THE VEHICLE AND PRESS THE BRAKES HARD BUT THE TRUCK SLID AND HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE. I…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 7, 2014 · crash

MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING HOME IN TRAFFIC WHEN A WOMAN DRIVING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION DECIDED TO PASS A VEHICLE. HE SWERVED TO AVOID A HEAD ON COLLISION WHICH MEANT HE HAD TO GO OFF OF THE ROAD. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD THE TRUCK SHOT ACROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE DPS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 29, 2014 · crash · fire

POWER STEERING GEAR BOX LEAKS OIL OUT OF FRONT ADJUSTMENT NUT SEAL. AFTER THREE REPLACEMENT GEAR BOXES IT STILL CONTINUALLY LEAKS. THE LAST ATTEMPTED FIX BY A GMC DEALER ENDED WITH POWER STEERING SPRAYING ALL OVER EVERYTHING UNDER HOOD INCLUDING EXHAUST WHICH IS A SIGNIFICANT FIRE HAZARD. ALSO,…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 5, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND SHIFT IN BETWEEN GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED NOR WAS THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 3, 2013

ON APRIL 7, 2014, I WAS INVOLVED IN CAR ACCIDENT. MY VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY THROUGH A SOLID GREEN LIGHT WHEN THE OTHER THE VEHICLE MAKING A LEFT TURN TRIED TO SPEED UP TO GET PASS. I SAW THE OTHER THE VEHICLE AND PRESS THE BRAKES HARD BUT THE TRUCK SLID AND HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE. I…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 7, 2014 · crash

2013 GMC Sierra — common questions

Is the 2013 GMC Sierra reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 46 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sierra year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2013 Sierra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (7 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), steering (5 complaints).

Does the 2013 GMC Sierra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 GMC Sierra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which GMC Sierra years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sierra years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2001, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2002, 2003, 1998, 2004, 1994, 2005, 2014, 1993. The cleanest record among Sierra years belongs to 1979.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.