Check a VIN

2013 GMC Sierra 3500 problems

The most common problem on the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500 is airbags. It has fewer complaints than a typical Sierra 3500 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
79/100
Owner complaints
14
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
844
Worst area
Airbags

The worst 2013 GMC Sierra 3500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Airbags
    5
  • Engine
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Brakes
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    5
  • Engine
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Steering
    1

Recalls 4

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported February 5, 2021 · 692,526 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 24, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020; and GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328790.

Recall number 21V053000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported February 5, 2021 · 1,778,128 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020; Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006; and GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.

Recall number 21V054000 · Recall details

EquipmentReported April 26, 2018 · 6,154 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit:
Risk
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1‑866‑441‑9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.

Recall number 18V267000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: auxillary tankReported October 19, 2017 · 35,292 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 trucks equipped with dual fuel tanks. The low fuel level sensor for the front tank may stick causing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.
Risk
If the front tank overfills, the excess pressure may cause the front tank to expand and contact the driveshaft, possibly resulting in a hole in the tank. The hole will leak fuel, which in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear tank fuel pump or update the fuel-level sensor software, as well as inspect the front tank, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service for Chevrolet 1‑800‑222‑1020 or for GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 17399.

Recall number 17V664000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500

Defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened September 17, 2021, still open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA21002

Technical service bulletins for the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500 844

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 844 bulletins for the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500

What 2013 GMC Sierra 3500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 30, 2025 · Brakes · 14,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the ABS independently engaged. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 14,000.

Filed Sep 14, 2023 · Airbags · FL

The passenger side airbag recall involves the removal of the dashboard and the dealer advised the dashboard may break during this process and I am responsible for the cost to install a new one. Their estimate was $1500.00.

Filed Jun 6, 2023 · Transmission · FL

GM TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE # 24256861.... There are over 9,000 GM trucks that are sitting idle because GM quit making this part, There are no after market replacements nationwide. When this part fails it shifts the transmission into 2-3 rd gear and goes into limp mode which if you are doing 70 on the interstate you are in for a sudden awakening. It also causes other issues like stablitrac issues there are at least 4 other issues which make the vehicle undrivable It is sad that GM has known of this failure for well over year. It should be a warranty item but is not. I just need my truck to be drivable again.....

Filed Feb 22, 2022 · Airbags · 120,350 miles · UT

Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Dec 27, 2021 · Transmission · TX

I was driving down the highway at 75 MPH when the Transmission Control Module overheat and put my truck into third gear causing the truck to speed unsafe.

Filed Jun 25, 2021 · Airbags · TX

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 21V053000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed May 24, 2021 · Fuel system · CA

While driving carrying a full load in the back of the truck, the engine began to lose power, started running rough and then died without any warning within a matter of seconds. No indicator light or warnings were displayed. We were traveling in the number one lane during heavy traffic and had difficulty trying to stop with no power nearly causing an accident. We were left stranded in the fast lane of a large intersection during heavy traffic causing a large traffic jam. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic who found metal shavings throughout the fuel system indicating the high pressure fuel pump had disintegrated internally causing the metal shavings. I have asked the parts be saved for further inspection if necessary. The mechanic stated this type incident has occurred and is a well documented and known deficiency for this make and model of truck.

Filed Mar 12, 2021 · Airbags · VA

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 gmc sierra 3500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 21v053000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called ted britt chevrolet (46990 harry byrd hwy, sterling, va 20164) where it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. The consumer stated pohanka chevrolet replaced the air bags under the recall on 04/08/2021.

Filed Feb 3, 2020 · Engine · 145,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 gmc sierra 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated the vehicle speed was limited to 50 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (rainbow north shore gmc/chevrolet (2925 n. Hwy 190, covington, la) who diagnosed that the knock sensors and injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 145,000.

Filed Dec 23, 2019 · 125,000 miles · OH

Dash cracking outbound passenger air bag

Compare the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500

Other model years

1996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500

Is the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500 reliable?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500, fewer than a typical Sierra 3500 model year.

What is the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500 year score?

The 2013 GMC Sierra 3500 scores 79 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Sierra 3500: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500?

Airbags, with 5 complaints. Next is engine (2).

How many recalls does the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500 have?

4 recalls, covering air bags, equipment and fuel system, gasoline.

Was there a recall on the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500 airbags?

Yes, 2 recalls: 21V053000, 21V054000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Share your experience with the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2013 GMC Sierra 3500?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN