2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

3 safety recalls on file

The 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 crashes, 1 fire, 4 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Unknown Or Other (42 reports).

3Recalls
116Owner complaints
2Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Sierra 1500?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2013 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls

Passenger Front Air Bag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments

Recall 21V053Feb 5, 2021692,526 vehicles affected

The front passenger air bag inflator in these vehicles can rupture when the air bag deploys.

Passenger air bag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments

Recall 21V054Feb 5, 20211,778,128 vehicles affected

The front passenger air bag inflator in these vehicles uses phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant, which can degrade after long exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and repeated temperature cycling.

Fire extinguisher may clog or fail to discharge in a fire

Recall 18V267Apr 26, 20186,154 vehicles affected

Certain plastic-handle or push-button fire extinguishers installed in these vehicles may become clogged, so the extinguisher may not discharge as expected or may require excessive force to activate.

Most common 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 problems

Problem areas named in the 116 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Unknown Or Other42
Air Bags36
Structure25
Suspension10
Engine8
Electrical System6
Exterior Lighting3
Power Train3
Tires2
Service Brakes2

What owners report

2026-10-06, Air Bags
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the roof, passenger’s side curtain, and the front side air bags deployed without a crash. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side seat belts no longer deployed, and there were metallic debris coming from the air bags. The contact sustained a cut on the right leg. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with moist air bags and corrosion that caused the failure after rainy weather. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
2025-12-22, Suspension
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.
2025-10-29, Structure
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while having the vehicle inspected, the vehicle failed inspection due to the rear subframe being detached from rust. The contact stated that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin: 19-NA-255. The contact used the undercarriage wash due to residing in a snow and salt State. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The VIN was not available.
2025-09-14, Engine
On 9-12-25 I was pulling a utility trailer when I went to back it in the driveway my 2013 gmc 1500 5.3 stalled . I restarted it only to have a lifter claddering !!!! I checked the oil it was good ! Oil pressure was good not over heating . It is just the lifter!!!!!! After doing some investigating I found that this is a common problem with GM's 5.3 with the AFM system!!! Companies should be held accountable for fraudulent designs!!! This is Not the first time for GM screwing consumers!!! GM had a similar situation back in the 70s and 80s Cadillac!!!! I bought this truck from a GM Dealer with 67000 miles only drove it in 1 winter it now has 149900 miles!!!! 5 years !!! Change oil and filter
2025-07-02, Structure
DURING AN OIL CHANGE IN MAY I WAS INFORMED THAT MY FRAME WAS EXTREMELY ROTTED AND WAS IN JEOPARDY OF CRACKING IN HALF . THE FURTHER I DIG INTO THIS, I'M FINDING THAT GM IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. THE VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.

2013 GMC Sierra 1500 questions

Does the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500: Passenger Front Air Bag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Passenger air bag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Fire extinguisher may clog or fail to discharge in a fire. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500?

Based on 116 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Unknown Or Other (42), Air Bags (36), Structure (25).

How do I check if a recall on my 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other GMC Sierra 1500 years

Other 2013 GMC models