This informational bulletin provides information on removing paint stains on the under side of protective shipping film
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 GMC Sierra body problems
moderate 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
When does it fail?
Of the 20 body complaints filed for the 2013 GMC Sierra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
No new NHTSA body complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the roof beacon switch. The roof beacon switch will be left disconnected from the assembly plant. When a roof beacon light is added technician will need to plug the harness into the switch.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have Diagnostic Trouble Code B2555 may be found in a Driver and/or Passenger Door Module. Technician should ignore the Diagnostic Trouble Code if set in a DDM and/or PDM on a vehicles not equipped with front door panel courtesy lights.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have tailgate may not lower slowly like the New 2014 Silverado 1500 / Sierra 1500 models. Dealer should communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GENERAL MOTORS: THE WINDOWS, FRONT AND REAR, WOULD BIND, POOR FIT, MISALIGNMENT, MAKES RATTLE OR SQUEAKING NOISES, MOVES SLOWLY AND IS INOPERATIVE. MODEL 2008-2014 VEHICLES AND TRUCKS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report widespread frame rust that perforates and cracks the structural members, particularly near the gas tank. At 75,000–115,000 miles, this deterioration becomes severe enough that repair shops and dealers refuse to work on the vehicles, telling owners the trucks are unsafe to drive. One owner was advised the frame could buckle if hoisted. GM's response has been limited: denial of warranty coverage citing mileage over 115,000 and, in one case, a $2,500 trade-in allowance instead of repair.
Dashboard cracking near the passenger and driver-side airbags is widespread. Owners report cracks appearing spontaneously, sometimes audibly, while parked or during normal driving. Dealers confirm this is a "common occurrence" across 2013 GMC Sierras and Chevy Silverados, yet refuse coverage at approximately $1,000 per repair.
Beyond structural and safety concerns, owners report paint separating from primer in large sheets above the windshield, rust forming at roof/windshield seams, door handles breaking or falling off on both sides, and exterior trim detaching. One owner had to crawl out windows when door handles failed. These failures occur on well-maintained vehicles stored in garages, suggesting manufacturing defects rather than owner neglect or regional corrosion.
Same GMC Sierra body reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Frame rust perforation and cracking
Frame develops severe rust that perforates and cracks the structural members, particularly near the gas tank. Multiple owners report frame damage serious enough that service technicians refuse to work on the vehicles and advise against operation. At least one owner notes the frame could buckle if hoisted.
When: 75,000–115,000 miles; one owner encountered it within 1 year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Frame appears broken and cracked; Excessive rust visible on frame; Frame perforation near gas tank area; Frame deterioration progressing rapidly
Repairs/costs cited: Owners were unable to obtain repairs; dealers refused to work on vehicles; one owner received a $2,500 trade-in allowance offer from GM instead of repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin 19-NA-255 referenced in one complaint. GM Customer Care denied coverage citing out-of-warranty status (115,000 miles) and offered only a $2,500 trade-in allowance.
Dashboard cracking near airbag
Dashboard develops cracks in the area of the passenger airbag and instrument panel, often occurring spontaneously while parked. Cracks appear on both driver and passenger sides and can expand over time. Owners and dealers confirm this is a recurring problem across 2013 GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado models.
When: 20,473 miles; multiple instances reported; cracks can occur overnight while parked or during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Cracks appear in dashboard near passenger airbag; Cracks appear above instrument cluster on driver side; Cracks expand into cuts/scrape hazards; Multiple cracks on dashboard; Cracking occurs spontaneously, sometimes audibly
Repairs/costs cited: Repair costs cited as approximately $1,000. Extended warranty (AMTRUST/official GM warranty partner) declined coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM does not cover the repair; dealers confirm this is a common occurrence with GMC vehicles but state it is not covered under warranty.
Paint separation and peeling
Paint separates from primer in large sheets above windshield and on quarter panels. Separation occurs even on vehicles stored in garages and can expose primer to rust and deterioration.
When: Not specified in narratives; noticed after sun exposure in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Paint separates from primer in large sheets; Paint peeling above windshield (approximately volleyball-size area); Paint separation on right rear quarter panel (approximately half-dollar size); Paint flakes away at windshield/roof seam; Paint comes off during rain exposure
Repairs/costs cited: No repair costs or attempts documented in narratives.
Roof rust at windshield seam
Premature rust develops at the roof/windshield junction despite vehicle being in excellent condition and properly maintained. Risk of frame rot and water intrusion into cab.
When: Not specified; noted on well-maintained vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Rust visible at roof where windshield meets roof; Rust at undercoat layer after paint flakes away; Rust appears on otherwise perfect-condition vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; owner expresses concern about potential water intrusion.
Door handle and exterior trim detachment
Interior and exterior door handles break or fall off on both doors without warning. Exterior siding also reported falling off vehicle. Creates safety hazard as owners may be unable to enter or exit normally.
When: One owner reports failure within 1 year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Interior door handles broke on both doors; Exterior door handles broke; Door handles fall off without warning; Exterior siding falling off; Cannot enter or exit vehicle normally; must use windows
Repairs/costs cited: No repair costs documented; one owner expressed frustration with cheap quality products on non-cheap vehicle.
Driver-side airbag foam seal leakage
Abnormal air noise enters vehicle from driver side, diagnosed as failed foam seals on front and rear driver-side door areas. Diagnosed at three separate dealers; initial repair proved ineffective.
When: 5,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise of air entering vehicle; Air noise occurs at 60 mph; Noise from driver side
Repairs/costs cited: Front and rear driver-side foam seals replaced at three different dealers; repair failed to resolve the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified of the repair failure but no follow-up action documented.
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Cracked dashboard near air bag. I have 3 cracks on the dashboard. This is very common ive been reading. Is this a safety issue regarding the air bag?
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 GMC sierra. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, an abnormal noise of simulating air entered the vehicle from the driver side. The vehicle was taken to three different dealers where it was diagnosed that the rear and front driver side foam seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was…
Roof rust at the windshield on a perfect condition vehicle. Paint is excellent on rest of vehicle. No damage or accidents and properly maintained. Premature rust is now visible at the roof of the of the vehicle. Soon could rot and allow water into cab of vehicle.
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.
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 going with a Ford. Didn't see any bullshit problems like this on their recall list
Had body trouble with your 2013 GMC Sierra?
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 body problem on the 2013 GMC Sierra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 20 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 54,000 and 84,000 miles, with the median around 72,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 54,000; a quarter make it past 84,000. 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 $1,500 for body 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 body?
No active recalls currently cover body 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/GMC/Sierra.
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.