Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated that the service air bag warning indicator illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front driver side impact sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000. ...updated…
2013 Chevrolet Silverado electrical problems
severe 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 12 electrical complaints filed for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 21 model years of Chevrolet Silverado we track for electrical problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (12).
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Owners report multiple electrical and brake system failures including stuck backup lights that have caught fire, brake pedal failures, repeated starting problems, and intermittent sensor/warning light issues. One truck caught fire after a collision and later suffered fuse block overheating.
Owners of this truck cite a range of electrical problems that cross into safety territory. Most concerning: backup lights stuck on in at least two cases, and in one instance the stuck backup lights led to fuse block fire when the truck was shifted into reverse. That same truck kept running after the ignition was turned off and key removed; the owner had to physically extract the fuse block to stop the flames.
Brake system complaints include a pedal that goes to the floor when accelerator and brake are pressed together—one owner had the master cylinder replaced but the problem came back. Starting problems appear repeatedly, traced by dealers to a loose intake hose, fuel sensor, and camshaft position sensor on separate visits, suggesting the root cause may not have been pinned down. A cylinder head that's wrapped at the factory is causing spark plug misfires and rough running. Warning chimes are so quiet they're nearly inaudible even after the radio was replaced. Air bag warning lights come on intermittently due to impact sensor failure. Headlight bulbs burn out repeatedly after three replacements. Trailer brake controllers don't engage properly. At least one backup sensor failed early at 1,600 miles.
Same Chevrolet Silverado electrical reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Backup lights stuck on / electrical overload
Backup lights remain illuminated when not in reverse. In one case, this led to fuse block overheating and catching fire under the hood when the truck was put in reverse. The truck continued running even after the ignition was turned off and the key removed; the fuse block had to be physically removed to stop the fire.
When: Not specified by owner
Symptoms owners cite: Backup lights stuck on; Fuse block burning under hood; Engine continues running after ignition off and key removed
Repairs/costs cited: Owner stated fuse block was waiting for dealer diagnosis
Brake pedal loss of pressure
Brake pedal depresses to the floorboard when accelerator and brake are pressed simultaneously, indicating loss of braking function. Owner reported the brake master cylinder was replaced previously but the failure persisted. Dealer found no failure and suggested possible software issue.
When: 64,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floorboard when accelerator and brake pressed together; No warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Brake master cylinder was replaced; failure recurred. No repair performed at second visit.
Repeated starting issues with multiple root causes
Vehicle failed to start without warning on multiple occasions. Dealer attributed failures to three different issues: air intake hose tightening, fuel sensor reset, and camshaft position sensor replacement. Service engine warning light illuminated. Suggests potential ongoing electrical or sensor issues.
When: 33,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Failure to start without warning; Service engine warning light illuminated; Issue recurred after multiple repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Air intake hose tightened, fuel sensor reset, camshaft position sensor replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified
Spark plug misfire / cylinder head issue
Mechanic reported cylinder head header (spark plug area) is wrapped as manufactured, causing spark plug misfires. Vehicle runs poorly and has stalled at stops. Owner believes this is a manufacturing defect present from new.
When: Present since new; 95,000 miles at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Spark plug misfire; Vehicle runs poorly; Engine dies at stop
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic diagnosed wrapped cylinder head; no repair specified by owner
Warning chime inaudible
Warning chime volume is extremely low and almost inaudible. Technician identified that sound transmits through radio. Radio was replaced but chime remained inaudible. Dealer stated no further repair was available.
When: 85 miles (essentially new)
Symptoms owners cite: Warning chime extremely low volume; Warning chime almost inaudible
Repairs/costs cited: Radio was replaced; no resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was made aware; vehicle not repaired
Air bag warning light—impact sensor failure
Service air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. Dealer diagnosed front driver side impact sensor failure.
When: 67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service air bag warning light illuminated intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Front driver side impact sensor identified as failed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified; vehicle not repaired
Backup sensor failure with hitch installed
Backup sensor failed when a hitch was installed on the vehicle. Dealer could not diagnose the failure.
When: 1,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Backup sensor failure
Repairs/costs cited: Failure could not be diagnosed by dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was contacted
Front headlight bulb repeated failure
Front headlight bulb burns out repeatedly. Owner has replaced the bulb three times and it continues to fail.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Front headlight bulb burns out
Repairs/costs cited: Bulb replaced three times
Trailer brake controller insufficient braking
When using the brake controller, there is little to no brake response. Owner visited dealer to request adjustment for stronger and earlier trailer brake engagement.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Little to no brakes when using brake controller
Repairs/costs cited: Owner sought dealer adjustment
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had electrical trouble with your 2013 Chevrolet Silverado?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a meaningful issue. 12 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 24,100 and 67,000 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 24,100; a quarter make it past 67,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Chevrolet/Silverado.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.