2013 GMC SIERRA 1500

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    airbag system

    26 unsafe

    26
    incidents
    Typical range: 35,000–88,000 mi

    Median 45,000 mi, based on 25 reports (34% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD EXHIBITED FRACTURES ABOVE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE M…"~20,473 mi, complaint #1354014
    • "A CRACK SUDDENLY APPEARED AT THE CORNER OF MY DASHBOARD AND THE DASHBOARD AIR BAG COVER THAT OPENS WHEN DEPLOYED. I HAVE PARKED MY GMC IN THE GARAGE EVERY DAY SINCE I BROUGHT IT HOME FROM THE DEALER. I USE A WINDSHIELD REFLECTOR WHEN PARKED OUTSIDE AT THE MA…"~39,900 mi, complaint #1727928
    • "THERE IS A CRACK ON THE DASH AROUND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG, MY CONCERN IS IN AN ACCIDENT IF THE DASH WILL BECOME SHRAPNEL IF THE AIRBAGS GO OFF."~51,000 mi, complaint #1280736
    • "The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that prior to having his vehicle repaired, he had not experienced any fail…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1797703
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VINCE WEBB CADILLAC OF PENSACOLA ([REDACTED ADDRESS], PENSACOLA, FL 32505, [REDACTED PHONE]), BUT W…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1527381
  2. #2

    interior trim

    12 unsafe, 2 broken, 2 annoyance

    16
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=15, median 60,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE DASHBOARD HAS CRACKS IN MULTIPLE PLACES...CONCERNED ABOUT FLYING PLASTIC PIECE IF AIRBAG IS DEPLOYED"~39,000 mi, complaint #1355320
    • "DASH BOARD CRACKED LIKE EVERYONE ELSE IS REPORTING....JUST WANT TO LET OTHERS KNOW......GMC DEALER REPLACED MINE...NO CHARGE BECAUSE IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM"~55,000 mi, complaint #1556575
    • "MY GMC SIERRA 1500 HAS NUMEROUS CRACKS ACROSS THE UPPER DASH THAT HAVE APPEARED OVER THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. I ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE DASHBOARD REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY BUT WAS DENIED. I RECENTLY HAD THE PASSENGER AIRBAG REPLACED DUE TO A RECALL. THE DEALERSHIP…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1743778
    • "CRACKED DASHBOARD TOP LEFT CORNER OF PASSENGER AIRBAG ."~72,000 mi, complaint #1279119
    • "LARGE CRACKS ARE FORMING ON THE DASHBOARD. ONE CRACK IS LOCATED NEAR THE SPEEDOMODER COLUMN AND THE OTHER DECENDS FROM THE PASSENGER AIRBAG."~130,000 mi, complaint #1397462
  3. #3

    corrosion and rust

    14 unsafe

    14
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 90,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE EDGE WHERE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND THE ROOF MEET THE PAINT HAS FLAKED AWAY AND STARTED TO RUST THE UNDERCOAT."~75,000 mi, complaint #1677989
    • "ON 3/4/2018 I TOOK MY TRUCK IN FOR A BROKEN LEAF SPRING. WHEN THE MECHANIC WAS REPLACING THE SPRINGS, HE NOTES HOLES RUSTING IN THE TRUCKS FRAME. I DID BUY THE TRUCK USED FROM A CHEVROLET DEALER ON 3/12 2016 WITH @49,000 MILES ON IT. WITH IN 6-8 MONTHS OF OWNI…"~82,000 mi, complaint #1558239
    • "The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact was alerted by another motorist that the spare tire had lowered underneath the vehicle. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, it was discovered…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1890263
    • "I WAS UNDERNEATH MY TRUCK FOR A MINOR SENSOR REPAIR AROUND THE END OF MARCH. I FOUND A SIGNIFICANT HOLE RUSTED THROUGH THE LEFT FRAME RAIL. I MADE CONTACT WITH GENERAL MOTORS ABOUT THE SEVERITY OF RUST IN AND ON MY FRAME. THEY HAD A LOCAL DEALERSHIP EVALUATE…"~100,800 mi, complaint #1584326
    • "ON 8-25-20, I TOOK MY 2013 GMC SIERRA TO AN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP IN GENESEE, WI, FOR A BRAKES AND SHOCKS INSPECTION/REPAIR. THEY REFUSED TO WORK ON IT BECAUSE THEY SAID THE FRAME WAS 'BROKEN AND CRACKED' DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST PERFORATING THE FRAME. THE SERVI…"~115,000 mi, complaint #1694229
  4. #4

    other

    4 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "I HAVEN'T HAD THE TRUCK FOR THAT LONG AND I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF IT. SO THE FACT THAT MY DOOR HANDLES AND SIDING ARE FALLING OFF OF THE TRUCK JUST SHOWS THAT YOU USED VERY CHEAP PRODUCTS FOR A NON-CHEAP VEHICLE. GMC SHOULD BE ASHAMED. I'M THINKING ABOUT GOIN…"~54,000 mi, complaint #1422083
    • "The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while having the vehicle inspected, the vehicle failed inspection due to the rear subframe being detached from rust. The contact stated that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin:…"~75,000 mi, complaint #2144163
  5. #5

    engine internal

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "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 wh…"~163,000 mi, complaint #1879230
    • "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…"~177,000 mi, complaint #1708793
    • "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 S…"~177,000 mi, complaint #1726587
  6. #6

    seat mechanism

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "3 TIMES IN 5 DAYS MY DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAS JUST COLLAPSED BACK WHILE DRIVING. IT HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH EACH TIME."~52,000 mi, complaint #1352132
    • "WE WENT TO FASTEN REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT AND THE BUCKLE MECHANISM FELL APART WHICH HAS LEFT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR SEAT UNUSABLE. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT. PASSENGER HAD TO MOVE INTO THE MIDDLE SEAT TO REMAIN SECURE."~55,000 mi, complaint #1326859
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE PUSHING BACK THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THE BACK OF THE SEAT FELL. THE CONTACT LATER NOTICED A SHARP PIECE OF METAL IN THE BACK OF THE SEAT. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE LUMBAR SUPPORT IN THE SEAT FAILED. THE VEHICLE…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1417235
  7. #7

    instrument cluster

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE DASHBOARD HAS CRACKED IN THE AREA OF THE AIRBAGS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CRACKS OCCURRED WHILE PARKED OVERNIGHT IN MY DRIVEWAY. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL GMC DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THIS WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH GMC VEHICLES. I ASKED IF GM WOULD COVER TH…"~62,000 mi, complaint #1663169
  8. #8

    paint and clearcoat

    1 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "MY ROOF HAS DEVELOPED "PEELING PAINT" TO EXPOSE THE PRIMER."~75,000 mi, complaint #1413579
    • "PAINT ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD IS SEPARATING FROM THE PRIMER IN LARGE SHEETS. ONE LARGE AREA APPROXIMATELY THE SIZE OF A VOLLEYBALL WITH MULTIPLE SMALL AREAS ALONG THE EDGE OF THE WINDSHIELD ACROSS THE TOP. ALSO HAS AN AREA ON THE RIGHT REAR QUARTER PANEL THE SIZE…"~85,000 mi, complaint #1678748
    • "PAINT IS COMING OFF IN LARGE AREAS AND RUST SPOTS STARTING TO FORM WHERE PAINT HAS COME OFF. PAINT CAME OFF WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE IN RAIN."~87,000 mi, complaint #1456321
  9. #9

    door latch and hinge

    1 unsafe, 1 broken

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "DASH DEVELOPED TERRIBLE CRACKS ! REAR DOOR HANDLE BROKE LOOSE."complaint #1408026
    • "The interior and exterior door handles broke on both doors on my 2013 GMC SIERRA truck. There was no warnings and my safety was at risk because the only way to enter or exit the vehicle is to crawl out the window."complaint #1777947
  10. #10

    engine oil consumption

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "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…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1576321
    • "OIL CONSUMPTION DURING NORMAL OPERATIONS IS EXCESSIVE."~100,000 mi, complaint #1575593
  11. #11

    glass and windshield

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER BECAME TRAPPED IN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND IMPACTED VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MIL…"~18,300 mi, complaint #1328789
  12. #12

    lighting exterior

    1 broken, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS HAD CONDENSATION AND WATER IN THE LENSES. ADDITIONALLY, THE BULBS BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ED SCHMIDT AUTO GROUP ([REDACTED ADDRESS], PERRYSBURG, OH 43551) WHER…"~95,000 mi, complaint #1453326
  13. #13

    power windows and locks

    1 unsafe, 1 broken

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "DOOR LOCKS AND HORN CYCLE ANYTIME WITH OR WITHOUT KEY. PARKED OR DRIVING."~25,000 mi, complaint #1302768
    • "I PURCHASED MY 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500 SLE EXT CAB BRAND NEW. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVERS SIDE MASTER WINDOW SWITCH DUE TO FAILURE,REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE THE SWITCH AGAIN AS IT HAS FAILED. I JUST SAW A NHTSA RECALL ID NUMBER :18V295…"~35,999 mi, complaint #1469620
  14. #14

    suspension arms and bushings

    1 unsafe, 1 broken

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED AT AN UNKNOWN DEALER IN APPOMATTOX, VA, THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE IDLER ARM, TIE ROD END, AND THE PITMAN ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THA…"~127,000 mi, complaint #1463999
  15. #15

    tire failure

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500 EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR EAGLE LS-2 TIRES, SIZE: P275/55R20. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE RIM. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INSURANCE COMPANY'S LOT. THE TIRE WAS NOT…"~22,458 mi, complaint #1289940
    • "A YEAR AGO I BOUGHT 4 NEW HUNCOOK TIRES, 4 MONTHS AGO ONE GOT TREAD SEPARATION SO I REPLACED IT WITH A NEW HUNCOOK. NOW TWO DAYS AGO ANOTHER HUNCOOK TIRE GOT TREAT SEDATION. SO I CAN'T TRUST HUNCOOK AS IT'S TIRES ARE UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON. THE TIRE SIZE IS 265/…"~94,000 mi, complaint #1695521
  16. #16

    wiring harness

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THERES ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS GOING ON, HAVING INTERIOR LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF, DRIVERS DOOR HANDLE BROKE FROM NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR, PASSENGER HEADLIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT AFTER ABOUT 2 WEEKS TOO A MONTH, DRIVERS SIDE CONTROLS DON'T WANT TO WORK ALL THE TIME TO TRY TO…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1426444
  17. #17

    abs module

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH BRAKING THE ABS ACTIVATES IN A NON EMERGENCY STOP AND THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK WELL, VEHICLE CONTINUES TO MOVE."~31,000 mi, complaint #1658310
  18. #18

    brake pads and rotors

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "ODOMETER 35,590 MILES, TRUCK FLUID LEAKED AT THE REAR WHEEL AND THE BRAKES ON SIDE CAUGHT FIRE. FRONT BRAKES WERE AT 6MM AND REAR BRAKES WERE AT 1MM. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN CHANGED 8 TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK (EVERY 7,00…"~35,590 mi, complaint #1319957
  19. #19

    control module

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal audible ringing inside the vehicle. Additionally, the “Service Trailer Brakes” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and wa…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1791455
  20. #20

    differential

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TRUCK HAS A VIBRATION IN BACK END WHEN YOU REACH 50 MILES PER HOUR DEALER CLAIM THEY NEED TO REBUILD REAR DIFFERENTIAL COST $3300.00 TRUCK IS ONLY 7 YEARS OLD ONE OWNER"~111,155 mi, complaint #1659820
  21. #21

    fuel tank and lines

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I am a mechanic by trade and I noticed on 10/28/21 that gas was leaking from my truck's fuel pump. So I ordered a new fuel pump and prepared to install it last weekend. After removing the fuel tank it became obvious that I had a more serious problem with my t…"complaint #1776465
  22. #22

    stability and traction control

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "I WENT AND GOT AN ALIGNMENT,A DAY AFTER THE STABILITRAK AND TRACTION CONTROL MESSAGE CAME ON. I WENT BACK TO SEE IF IT COULD BE FIX IT AND WAS TOLD IT DIDN'T COME ON WHEN THEY TEST DROVE IT. THE SAME DAY IT CAME ON AGAIN, SO I WENT TO A GMC DEALERSHIP. I WAS T…"~94,453 mi, complaint #1719484
  23. #23

    suspension struts shocks

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I hit a bump and both rear shock mounts blew off the rear cross member because the frame is rusted out despite having rust protection. It is available for inspection. The truck then began bouncing wildly. Meanwhile the underside of the bed isn't rusted at all,…"complaint #2017522
  24. #24

    wheel or rim

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TWO OF THE FOUR WHEELS WERE LOSING AIR AND TESTED LOCALLY. IT WAS DETERMINED AIR WAS LEAKING FROM EACH OF THE TWO RIMS IN A SIMILAR LOCATION. NOTE-AIR WAS NOT LEAKING FROM THE TIRE OR THE SEAL BETWEEN THE TIRE BEAD AND RIM. INSTEAD, THE RIM ITSELF APPEARS TO H…"~59,000 mi, complaint #1504639

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for GMC SIERRA 1500 directly.