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ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-GMC-SIERRANHTSA data synced 5 days ago
GMC
2013 GMC Sierra problems
The 2013 GMC Sierra has 162 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2013 GMC Sierra has 162 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is airbags at 41 complaints, typically surfacing around 65,893 miles (~$1,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 Sierra?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2013 GMC Sierra? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
airbags — 41 owner reports
· tends to show around 65,893 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
body — 20 owner reports
· tends to show around 63,794 mi · ~$1,500 to fix
electrical — 10 owner reports
· tends to show around 35,107 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 10 owner reports
· tends to show around 95,938 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 65,893 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 3 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2013 Sierra· airbags
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 (5651 pensacola blvd, pensacola, fl 32505, (850) 912-9372), but was not diagnosed or…
I own a 2013 GMC sierra 4wd crew cab that is having braking problems. I purchased the vehicle on 05/29/2013 new from bill smith Buick-GMC inc. Located in cullman, al as a new vehicle and at the time of purchase it had 7173 miles on it as stated on the odometer disclosure…
Failure of frame on left side of vehicle between frame rail and fuel tank. For a approx 10 year old vehicle that is garaged and does not drive in inclement weather this SHOULD NOT be happening.
Rear half of Frame Crossmembers rotted away between the Frame rails. Took vehicle in for routine safety inspection, and the mechanic determined that the cross members to which the rear shocks and the Gas tank were attached had both broken free from the frame rails due to rust.…
Had a problem with your 2013 GMC Sierra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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
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.
Fix: 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.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, equipped with 6
If the fuel gauge indicates an inaccurate reading it may result in the vehicle unexpectedly stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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
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.
Fix: 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.
Common questions
Is the 2013 GMC Sierra reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 162 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 GMC Sierra is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2013 GMC Sierra?
The 2013 GMC Sierra is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2013 GMC Sierra?
Inspect the airbags first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 41 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 65,893 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 GMC Sierra a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 162 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is airbags. Typical failure occurs around 65,893 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 GMC Sierra?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 41 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 65,893 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 65,893 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my GMC Sierra has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 GMC Sierra?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 162 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 5 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/GMC/Sierra.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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