2013 GMC Sierra 2500

Routine

Owners filed 46 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the unknown or other. It has been recalled 3 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Unknown or Other11
000
Air Bags7
100
Fuel/Propulsion System5
000
Steering4
000
Power Train4
000
Structure › Body3
000
Service Brakes3
000
Tires2
000
Electrical System2
000
Vehicle Speed Control1
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module21V053000
Filed Feb 5, 2021692,526 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. 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.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module21V054000
Filed Feb 5, 20211,778,128 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. 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.

Equipment18V267000
Filed Apr 26, 20186,154 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. 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: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 3, 2025206,000 milesSC

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road, where a mobile independent mechanic diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed. The mechanic determined that the entire fuel system assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to an unknown dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was currently being towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered because the VIN was not included in a related recall and the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Dec 18, 2024NC

I was traveling east bound on i26 when the Bosch fuel pump exploded and sent metal shavings throughout the fuel system. It's the same pump GM has settled a class action lawsuit when I spoke to the adjuster I was told.my truck wasn't included but yet it has the Bosch fuel pump the lawsuit is for cost me 10000 to repair. I have repair bill. And then I was in a accident and the air bag curtain deployed but the passenger side and driver side did not I think there's a recall on the also.

Power Train
Filed Aug 21, 2024CO

I was hauling a load and felt a hard jolt near the transmission. The pickup went into limp mode and would not let me accelerate above 45 mph. Took it to a dealership and was told the valve body had malfunctioned. I have been without a vehicle for over 40 days due to the part being back ordered.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 21, 2024AZ

I get a recall notice from GM but the dealer won't do the repair without me signing a waiver for any damage they may cause to the dashboard during the recalled airbag removal. Can anyone get GM dealers to do the necessary repair and have accountability for any damage they may do?

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 24, 2023NJ

On 9/20/23 my truck suffered a brake failure in which one of the front calipers ruptured and there was a complete loss of braking. The brakes were repaired the following day and an "ABS" light remained on after the brakes were repaired and the brake lines were bled. The vehicle codes were checked and a "C0110_04 Pump motor circuit open" fault was detected. It should be noted that even though the brake system was bled and and part were replaced, there were no brakes and the vehicle could not be driven. I had the vehicle towed to Rossi GMC in Washington, NJ and they diagnosed the problem as a bad Electronic Brake Control Module and Motor. Then I was advised by their service department that no parts were available because of the General Motors strike and there was no date as to when the parts would be available. I asked if I could try to locate the parts myself and they agreed as long as they were genuine GM parts. After calling hundreds of GM/Chevy dealers I was able to locate one (1) EBCM at All American Chevrolet/Cadillac in Muncie, IN. After speaking with their parts department, they advised me that they have the part and they won't sell it to me over the phone, only in person. I live over 9 hours away from the dealer and this was not feasible. My complaint is this, although the ABS system in my truck was not functioning properly should the regular brake system still be working? If so, why is mine not. This is a HUGE safety concern considering if the ABS system were to fail

Power Train
Filed Oct 4, 2023PA

TCM has failed and no replacement available

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 22, 2023AZ

Check engine light came on and vehicle began to have issues with transmission

Electrical System
Filed Sep 8, 2023OH

Transmission Control Module I was at an intersection when the TCM malfunctioned halfway through and I lost all power to my motor. I was pulling a large trailer and cross traffic had to slam on brakes to keep from hitting me. My truck will not move faster that a few miles an hour now that it is in limp mode. I am a police officer and I had an onboard diagnostic tool that showed that there was no communication to the TCM. Stabilitrack warning lamp and check engine light are now on. It all happened at once no warning.

Power Train
Filed Sep 5, 2023118,116 milesCA

Transmission Control Module failure The TCM went out one day with no warning. Sitting at a red light, the light turned green, I started to go, and got about 20 feet into the intersection when suddenly it was like my truck shifted into neutral gear. Motor would rev but I couldn't move forward or backward. I was stuck in the middle of a busy intersection. My check engine light came on and the vehicle stability control light began flashing, it was as if everything in my truck was going haywire. I turned my hazards on as vehicles were whizzing by us, barely missing us. My wife and I got out and with the help of a few other drivers we attempted to push the truck out of the roadway but it was too heavy. We got back in and when I started the truck, all the lights were still on but this time it went into gear and we were able to leave the intersection under our own power. I was able to drive the vehicle to the dealership in 2nd gear. Luckily it was close. They diagnosed the vehicle. Code U-0101 lost communication with TCM was the diagnosis. Unfortunately, that part was on back order and it took 9 months to get one. Dealership replaced the part and all has been we'll since then.

Power Train
Filed Aug 24, 2023TX

I was driving 75 mph in traffic when my steering wheel jerked hard and the truck made a loud noise from underneath. Lights on dash engine light and traction light on. Dash read out said service stabilitrak and service traction control. I could have been hit from behind. The truck was stuck in 3rd gear. Would not go but under 30 mph. This all happened [XXX]. My dad had stroke, I wasn't able to assist him because of this failure. Had truck taken by wrecker to dealership. Told me it was failed Transmission control module, which are and have been on backorder order since summer of 2022 globally. I drove back home and sent TCM to be repaired. 1286.00 dealership charged me 146.00 wrecker was 125.00. This is the 2nd time this truck has endangered my life. 1st time it was the 1st injector that put it into limp mode. These trucks with the limp mode, are going to get some one killed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 24, 2023ID

I was driving and the transmission control module failed, putting the truck into limp mode with no prior warning. This was a hazard to myself and other drivers as it happened on a very busy road. I use this truck to pull our fifth wheel camper and luckily we were not pulling the camper at that time or this could’ve been a lot worse with the truck just stalling putting my families safety at risk and being broke down in the middle of nowhere. I took the truck to a repair shop in the city that I live in and it was confirmed that the TCM was bad. Tried to order a new TCM and they are back ordered for months and even over a year. Had to send it into a company in South Carolina for repair of the TCM with a cost of approximately $1300. There are thousands of people with this issue, and this should’ve been addressed by GM and a recall sent out to the owners of the vehicles. After the truck went into limp mode, there was a error message but no other prior warning.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 23, 2023TX

I called my local GMC dealer (Maxwell GMC, Round Rock, TX) in regard to the Takata Air Bag recall to get some details about the repair (e.g. length of time for repair, parts availability, etc.) In addition to their reponse regarding the length of time and parts availability I was told that their was a high probability that the dash on my truck would crack during the airbag repair. I was also told that the GMC dealer would not cover the cost of the dash damage as a result of the airbag recall work. Shouldn't the repair of the air bag cover any related costs as a result of the repair such such as damage to the dash?

Unknown or Other
Filed May 18, 2023WA

The TCM failed while my husband was driving the pick up and this also set off the posi traction control and stabilization link. The truck has fluctuating shifting and could have cause a wreck if there had been someone behind him because the speed dropped on the tuck and it the transmission can't shift properly or consistently for safe driving. The part has been on nationwide backorder for over a year.. this truck can not function properly with out this part. Calling the dealership there are many vehicles affected with this problem and no estimates time of part arrival replacement. The dealership knew exactly what the problem was when called but didn't recommend dropping the truck off as there are no ETA on replacement. Their recommendations is to research online to try to have the part repaired. No the part has not been inspected as it it unsafe to drive at the moment and there are no available replacement parts for the TCM at this time. The warning lights did not come on until the part failed to allow the transmission to shift. Per some people on a face book group this has apparently been a known issue with this part since 2011.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 5, 2023MT

Vehicle EGR Bypass Valve becomes clogged do to faulty propeller system in valve resulting in vehicle entering into limp mode and stranding passengers in i climate and dangerous weather.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 19, 2022WA

Dash is cracked in multiple places. Dash is not structural however loose shards of plastic pose a serious safety hazard if they were to come loose as a the result of a sudden change in acceleration. Vehicle is low milage with 130k miles, previous owner failed to report or repair the failed dash prior to my ownership. It is a common failure on GM vehicles however it is very expensive to repair, unwarranted, yet poses a serious safety hazard. Dash will need to be repaired to ensure the safety of me and my family.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 18, 2022CO

Diesel Fuel Gage is Not reading Properly. On a Full Tank which use to say I have approx., until 468 Miles, until I Have to re-fuel. Now Reads Less then 288 Miles, on a Full tank. I have reported this Problem to the Town and Country, GMC, Dealer, of Alamosa, CO. when I have taken My Vehicle in for Service on several Occasions, and Nothing has been done about it. and GMC, has still NOT replaced the Recalled Passenger Air Bag. My Wife sits there and Could be Killed Should Her Airbag be deployed. Thank You [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 18, 2022CO

Vehicle Shows on the Dash readout that the truck must keep going to clean out exhaust keep Driving, then comes to a Slowdown, and on a slight hill Stops. When you shut it off, and start it up again, it goes about a Mile, states the same thing on the dash panel, then starts to slow down, I was in the Desert of New Mexico, Had left Flagstaff, AZ. an hour before this started happening. I had no Previous warning. Took 6 hours to reach a GMC Service Center. usually takes 2 hours to reach the same town. Cortez, Colorado. They Could NOT Help Me, they had to referred me to a Service Center in town, that Put me on his machine, and Made the Vehicle Heat up, Run HOT, and Exhaust itself for two hours, this got me to my home in Monte Vista, CO. Then No further Problems until about a Month later i started getting the Same Messages, i took it to a Service Center in AR. where he Forced the Vehicle to Get Hot, exhaust itself for four and a half hours, to Clean it out, and Clear my dash Pannel.

Engine
Filed Nov 4, 2021VA

I have a 2013 GMC Sierra, purchased new in 2012, has approximately 35,000 miles. The check engine light came on while driving and suddenly another light came on. Then a third light came on claiming poor engine fluid quality. I immediately stopped at an auto parts store and put DEF fluid in the pickup and continued to drive thinking the lights would go out, but instead a warning was flashing on the dash that says after so many miles the truck will be slowed down. We started getting nervous because we were driving on the highway and if the truck suddenly slows down whilst driving in highspeed traffic, our slower vehicle would potentially cause a collision and put us and others in harms way. In reading your own safety site, there is a recall on the vehicle regarding faulty airbags, so it could be even worse! In our investigations of our current issue, we have found that there was a lawsuit from 2019 against GM and their faulty fuel system with their trucks. See link here https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/general-motors/2019/08/07/lawsuit-says-gm-sold-trucks-not-compatible-american-diesel-fuel/1943084001/ many people on many different forums have also complained about this same problem with no fixes, the only suggestions are to remove the emissions parts and refab the motor. GM tells them that they need to only use their specific DEF fluid, which is steering. GM is very well aware of the problems, because they have employees following these forums and commenting on

Tires
Filed Oct 18, 2021119,192 milesNH

The contact owns a 2013 GMC SIERRA 2500 equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Discoverer A/T3 XLT, Tire Size: 265/60/R20, DOT Number: UT6K1MJ. The contact stated that the side walls were dry rotted and were separating. The contact took the tires back to the tire shop where the tires were purchased, and it was confirmed that the tires needed to be replaced. The tires had not been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage on the vehicle was 119,192, and the tire failure mileage was 190,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 19, 2021TX

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V053000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact called the local dealer 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.

20 of 46 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2003
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202610110Routine
202526100Routine
2024103400Routine
202332100Routine
202243320Routine
202151610Routine
202074930Routine
201932730Routine
201835520Routine
201737610Routine
201659500Routine
201589650Routine
201430210Routine
2013 — this page46300Routine
201231301Fatalities reported
201163410Routine
201010500Routine
200931500Routine
200863300Routine
200783310Routine
200666330Routine
2005115460Routine
2004143441Fatalities reported
2003160340Routine
2002134411Fatalities reported
2001134520Routine
200048310Routine
199936211Fatalities reported
199815300Routine
199714400Routine
19941000Routine

Compare every Sierra 2500 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 5, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.