This technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition of a squeak noise originating from the rear of the vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 GMC Sierra suspension problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $900 · see suspension across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension 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 technical bulletin provides repair information for the re-torque of leaf spring bolts to correct a customer concern for a clunking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides repair information for the re-torque of leaf spring bolts to correct a customer concern for a clunking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have grease leaking from front hub bearings. Technician should not replace the bearing for grease purge. Technician should be advised to not clean the purged grease from the area immediately on or adjacent to the seals because this grease provides additional protection. Technician should only replace the bearing if the seals show visible damage, bearing endplay is greater than 0.005" or 0.13mm, bearing exhibits rough rotation, or bearing exhibits abnormal noise.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report extensive frame rust perforation on 2013 Sierra suspensions, particularly at rear cross members that anchor shock mounts and fuel tanks. Holes ranging from 3 inches by three-quarters of an inch appear as early as 6 years of ownership; corrosion is often worse at suspension attachment points than elsewhere on the undercarriage. One owner's frame rust required a $12,000 replacement, while others found full perforation through critical structural points.
The rust compromises suspension function. Corroded rear cross members have caused shock mounts to blow off frame rails when hitting bumps, leaving trucks bouncing uncontrollably. One owner's spare tire became unsecured underneath the vehicle due to corroded cross members. A front frame rail with perforating corrosion failed a state inspection.
One leaf spring middle stiffener broke and fell to the road at 125,000 highway miles. Steering linkage components—idler arm, tie rod end, and Pitman arm—required replacement at 127,000 miles due to lack of lubrication.
GMC's perforation warranty covers 6 years or 100,000 miles. Owners report manufacturer offers have ranged from $100 service vouchers to $1,000 certificates toward new vehicles, with no coverage for frame repairs once warranty expires. No recalls or technical service bulletins were cited in these complaints.
Same GMC Sierra suspension reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Frame rust perforation and structural failure
Frame develops significant rust perforation holes, especially at cross members where rear suspension attaches. Holes range from 3"x0.75" to complete corrosion through on rear cross members between frame rails. Owners report rusting in fender wells, frame rails, and critical suspension attachment points. One owner's frame rust was severe enough to require $12,000 replacement. Rear cross members that secure shock mounts and fuel tank corrode and weaken, compromising structural integrity.
When: Typically between 6-10 years of ownership; one case noted at 59,000 miles on a 10-year-old truck, others at 90,000-127,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Visible holes rusted through frame; Rust on fender wells and frame rails; Rusted cross members between frame rails; Frame rail perforations visible on inspection; Excessive rust at rear cross members compared to other undercarriage areas
Repairs/costs cited: One frame replacement quoted at $12,000. Frame welds, cross member replacement, and shock mount repairs performed by independent mechanics and dealerships. One truck was taken to local mechanic for rear subframe replacement evaluation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GMC offered $1,000 certificate toward new truck and $100 service voucher in separate cases. Manufacturer cited expired perforation warranty (6 years/100,000 miles). GMC opened service request but ultimately declined coverage, stating repair cost would be $12,000. No recalls or TSBs mentioned by owners.
Rear suspension instability from corroded cross members
Corroded rear cross members cause the rear suspension to become unstable and unsecure. In one case, corrosion caused spare tire underneath vehicle to become unsecured while driving. Another owner reported both rear shock mounts blew off the corroded rear cross member after hitting a bump, causing the truck to bounce wildly. One complaint notes entire rear suspension is now suspended from frame using only leaf spring mounts after cross members broke free from frame rails.
When: Approximately 90,000 miles; also reported at 6 years and 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Spare tire lowered and unsecured underneath vehicle; Vehicle unstable when driving over bumps; Rear shock mounts blow off after minor impact; Vehicle bounces wildly after suspension failure; Cross members broken free from frame rails
Repairs/costs cited: Rear subframe replacement needed in one case. Shock mount and cross member repairs performed. One vehicle remained unrepaired at time of complaint.
Leaf spring failure
Passenger side leaf spring middle stiffener section broke off and fell to road. Truck had 125,000 miles at failure, mostly highway miles including treated roads over Washington state passes. Owner was turning into side street at low speed (15 mph) when failure occurred; dealer service supervisor attributed failure to routine wear and tear.
When: 125,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Middle stiffener rear section of leaf spring broke off; Leaf spring component fell to road
Repairs/costs cited: Leaf spring replaced by Haselwood GMC/Chevrolet Dealership in Bremerton, WA on 5/25/2022
Unlubricated steering linkage components
Idler arm, tie rod end, and Pitman arm were not properly lubricated, requiring replacement during inspection at dealership. Technician specifically noted parts were not lubricated as the reason for replacement need.
When: 127,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Idler arm, tie rod end, and Pitman arm required replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Idler arm, tie rod end, and Pitman arm replaced at dealership in Appomattox, VA
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and directed contact to call NHTSA
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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. The entire back end of the vehicle is suspended from the frame with only the leaf spring mounts. This rust is…
Had suspension 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 suspension problem on the 2013 GMC Sierra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, suspension issues most often appear around 99,960 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $900 for suspension 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 suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension 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.