repaired · 2023 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
2013 GMC Sierra 3500Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 14 owner complaints about the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-267 the manufacturer reports only 14% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 30, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500 has problems
14 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
5Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
2Engine
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Power train
1Electrical system
1Service brakes, hydraulic
1Steering
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 5 | 1 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2013 GMC Sierra 3500 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Equipment
Risk. In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Storage: auxillary 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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other Sierra 3500 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sierra 3500 median. How we score
'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 GMC Sierra 3500 safety ratings
2013 GMC Sierra 3500 PU/RC 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What Sierra 3500 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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.
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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…
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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…
Own a 2013 Sierra 3500?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.