2013 GMC Sierra problems & reliability
39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 GMC Sierra, alongside 3 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
5 complaints report injuries (7 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2013 GMC Sierra vehicles were involved in 98 fatal crashes with 40 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 7 | 18% |
| Electrical System | 5 | 13% |
| Power Train | 5 | 13% |
| Steering | 5 | 13% |
| Service Brakes | 4 | 10% |
| Engine | 3 | 8% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 3 | 8% |
| Structure | 3 | 8% |
| Unknown OR Other | 3 | 8% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 16 reported components →Mileage when problems occurred
Among the 30 complaints that included a usable odometer reading, the median reported incident mileage was 11,850 miles (middle 50% between 4,250 and 33,513 miles).
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle veered to the side of the road and was restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer multiple times where the failure was…”
Engine · filed Oct 12, 2023
“Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags).The contact stated while driving approximately 30-35 mph, the drivers seat and both side air bags deployed without warning or impact. The contact sustained injuries to his face…”
Air Bags · filed Mar 7, 2022
“2013 gmc sierra. Consumer writes in regards to takata airbag safety recall. The consumer referenced recall n212328790.”
Air Bags · filed Oct 12, 2021
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
248 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2013 GMC Sierra. The 10 most recent:
This informational bulletin provides information on the temporary tire flat spotting condition.
03-03-10-007J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 19, 2017
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.
06-03-09-004H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 17, 2017
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a bump feel or clunk noise at a stop or on launch. Dealer should communicate to the customer this condition…
PIT5161E · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 8, 2017
This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
PIT3665E · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 31, 2017
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on at low mileage. Technician…
PIP3119N · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 12, 2017
This informational bulletin provides the technician with what may happen to an engine due to lack of maintenance.
16-NA-222 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 11, 2016
This preliminary information communication advises the technician that the part restriction for the accessory dc power control module and the seal kit has ended.
PIT-5338-A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 4, 2016
This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with a list of modules to check for communication with the scan tool, if the navigation radio does not display the current Hybrid mode. Dealer will use…
PIT4989B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 1, 2016
This Preliminary Information communication provides steps the technician will uses to diagnose and repair vehicles that have low oil pressure after an oil change with the engine Regular Production Option Code L20, L77…
PIP5276F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 1, 2016
This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with the additional steps that are needed to help perform a successful brake bleed on the 2-Mode Hybrid with Regular Production Option Code HP2. With a…
PIT4597E · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 1, 2016
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2013 GMC Sierra has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2013 GMC Sierra?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Among complaints with usable mileage, the median reported incident mileage was 11,850 miles. This does not predict when a particular vehicle will develop a problem.