2013 GMC Sierras are durable pickups with a wide variety of uses, but there are several common problems reported by owners, such as malfunctioning airbags that could rupture, potential vehicle rollaway, and excessive corrosion on vital sections of the pickup truck’s frame.
Key Points
- The 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 has six issued recalls, one still-open investigation, and over 130 registered complaints. Note that one recall actually pertains to HD models with the 6.6L engine, and another to an aftermarket fire extinguisher add-on.
- Like millions of other vehicles, the 2013 Sierra was affected by the Takata airbag recall over inflators that were found to be faulty due to improper storage in humid conditions.
- Another recall relates to potential rollaway. In certain instances, it was possible to shift the truck out of park without applying the brake, even with the key in the off position. This could cause the truck to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle.
- Other common complaints drivers lodged with the NHTSA describe frame corrosion in crucial structural areas as well as cracking dash pads. Some drivers also complained about broken exterior door handles and peeling paint.
2013 GMC Sierra 1500 was Supplied with Defective Takata Airbag Inflators that Could Rupture During Deployment
The 2013 model year was the first for the GMT900 generation of the Silverado/Sierra series. While the trucks have proven to be popular and durable over their lifecycle, they do have some common faults and have also been the subject of several recalls. The most important recall for the 2013 GMC Sierra is related to the Takata-supplied airbag inflators. The recall affected millions of vehicles globally.
An investigation found the inflators were defective due to improper storage in humid conditions and suffered from propellant degradation. As a result, they could explode with more force than intended and cause serious injury or death from sharp metal fragments striking the occupants in an accident.
The 2013 Sierra was added to this recall campaign in 2021, and dealers were instructed to replace the front passenger airbag inflator.
Some 2013 Sierra 1500 Recalls are Mild, Affecting Just 1,808 Units, while Others Involve Over 50,000 and Concern the Vehicle Rolling Away
Half of the issued recalls affect very few units. One is actually an error by the NHTSA and pertains to HD models with the 6.6L turbo-diesel engine, not the 1500 Sierra. Another affects almost 6,200 units across multiple years and makes, and stems from a clogged aftermarket fire extinguisher add-on.
The third only involves 1,808 natural gas Sierras from 2013 and 2014. You’re very unlikely to come across any of these, but each is just niche enough that it’s worth checking the VIN before buying.
Some 2013 GMC Sierras were also affected by a recall for an issue with the steering column that could result in random rollaway. The problem affected roughly 54,000 units, from various GM makes and models, and allowed the vehicle to be shifted out of park without pressing the brake pedal or even if the key was in the off position. This could cause the truck to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle.
The problem was determined to be either a fractured park lock cable or a faulty steering column lock actuator gear. Owners could bring their vehicle to a dealer and have it replaced for free.
Dashboard Cracks and Body Frame Corrosion have Reportedly Marred Some 2013 Sierra Pickup Trucks
While there are relatively few complaints on the NHTSA’s website compared to the Sierra’s chief rival, the Ford F-150 (137 for the GMC compared to 2,027 for the Ford), there are a few sore spots that owners have identified over the years.
However, one of the major concerns is over corrosion of the truck’s frame in important structural areas, such as suspension attachment points. This did not appear to be a widespread issue, but buyers looking at trucks from the Rust Belt would be wise to inspect the truck’s frame to ensure there are not any visible corrosion issues.
Another commonly reported problem involves the passenger side dashboard cracking near the airbag cover. Based on owner complaints, the plastic on that side of the dash appears to become brittle with age and exposure to UV light, which eventually results in the pad cracking in multiple spots. This could be a safety concern due to the proximity of the cracks to the passenger airbag should it deploy in an accident. So far, no recall or investigation has been launched.
2013 GMC Sierra 1500 is a Solid, Economical Buy Despite Some Light to Moderate Problem Areas
While not perfect, the 2013 GMC Sierra is still a good option for buyers looking for a reasonably durable and capable light-duty pickup truck. Most issued recalls have likely already been resolved, but be sure to run your VIN about the airbag inflator recall as it was issued in just February of 2021, affecting a widespread, but significant enough number of models that you may come across one that hasn’t been taken to a dealer.
Photos: GMC
