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2013 GMC Sierra Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20262 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller

Complaint Summary

The 2013 GMC Sierra has 46 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve air bags and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

8.4/ 10

Based on 46 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

AIR BAGS

7 15.2%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 10.9%

POWER TRAIN

5 10.9%

STEERING

5 10.9%

SERVICE BRAKES

4 8.7%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is AIR BAGS, accounting for 15.2% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 17 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2013 GMC Sierra

The 2013 GMC Sierra has 46 owner complaints in this dataset. AIR BAGS is the most common complaint category, representing about 15% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2013 GMC Sierra are AIR BAGS (7), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5), POWER TRAIN (5).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 27 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2013 GMC Sierra?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2012 Sierra complaints2014 Sierra complaints2011 Sierra complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 17 of 17 systems

AIR BAGS

7 Reports15% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND BECAME INVOLVED IN A SIX VEHICLE CRASH. THE CONTACT'S AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY ON IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT END, RIGHT QUARTER PANEL AND THE REAR BUMPER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,010.

1/24/2014

WHILE DRIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS, I SWERVED TO MISS AN ANIMAL, TOOK THE DITCH, HIT TWO TREES, SOME BOULDERS AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 47 MPH. THE ACCIDENT REPORT SHOWED DAMAGES TO EVERY PART OF THE TRUCK EXCEPT THE ROOF AND TAILGATE. WE HAD A GRILL GUARD INSTALLED AT A GMC DEALERSHIP UPON PURCHASE, AND HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THAT GUARD, THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN OUR LAPS. THE TRUCK SUSTAINED 20,000 DOLLARS IN DAMAGES, YET ALL GM HAD TO SAY WAS THAT THE AIRBAGS OPERATED AS DESIGNED. I SAY THAT THE DESIGN IS FATALLY FLAWED IF A CRASH OF THIS MAGNITUDE DOES NOT CAUSE THIS VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE TO OPERATE. THE FOLKS WHO TOWED THE VEHICLE HAD SOME VERY STRONG OPINIONS ABOUT THIS FAILURE, AND SAID THAT THE GRILL GUARD WAS THE ONLY THING WHICH SAVED US, AND THAT HAVING IT INSTALLED SHOULD NOT HAVE HAD ANY EFFECT ON THE FUNCTION OF THE AIRBAGS. *TR

3/23/2014

5 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SLOSHING NOISE OF FUEL COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK. IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE SOUND EMITTED A VIOLENT AND FORCEFUL MOVEMENT FROM THE EXTERIOR REAR OF THE VEHICLE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHICH INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. IN ADDITION, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND RADIO WOULD NOT DIM IN THE NIGHT MODE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150. UPDATED 01/22/13*LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED GM HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ON THE CONDITION THAT HAS EXISTED SINCE THE 2007 MODEL YEAR. THERE IS ALSO A NIGHT TIME LIGHTING ISSUE WITH THE INABILITY TO DIM FURTHER, THE DASH LIGHTS OR TO TURN THEM OFF COMPLETELY. UPDATED 01/24/13

11/27/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING, THE PARK ASSIST LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. UPDATED 9/17/13*CN

7/29/2013

3 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

5 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS VEHICLE SLIPS SOMETIMES BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR AND ALSO WHEN PARKED ON A HILL AND PUT INTO DRIVE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS LATE INTO 1ST GEAR. *TR

10/6/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND SHIFT IN BETWEEN GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED NOR WAS THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.

10/11/2013

3 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

5 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I TOOK MY TRUCK IN FOR A GRINDING NOISE THE STEERING RACK WAS MAKING WHEN TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A POWER STEERING GEAR, COMMON PROBLEM AND THEY WOULD FIX IT BECAUSE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY, THEY SOLVED THE PROBLEM. THE ISSUE IS THAT THE RE-MANUFACTURED PART THEY USED LEAKS, TOOK IT BACK A SECOND TIME, THEY SAID IT WAS A BAD SEAL AND THEY WOULD REPLACE THE SEAL. HAD TO TAKE IT IN A THIRD TIME BECAUSE IT LEAKED AGAIN, SO THEY SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE THE RACK AGAIN, COME TO FIND OUT, THE LAST TIME THEY HAD IT THEY REPLACED THE STEERING RACK AGAIN, SO THIS IS THE THIRD STEERING RACK THEY HAVE PUT ON A 2013 TRUCK, AND IT STILL LEAKS, THEY GAME ME A SERVICE BULLETIN THAT SAYS IT IS NORMAL FOR IT TO LEAK FROM THAT AREA AND IT GOES AWAY IN A FEW MONTHS, ALSO THE SERVICE BULLETIN SAYS A DRIP FROM THERE DOES NOT WARRANT A ACTIVE LEAK, I SAY A DRIP ON THE GROUND IS A ACTIVE LEAK. I LIVE IN TEXAS AND BY STATE LAW A VEHICLE CANNOT PASS STATE SAFETY INSPECTION WITH ANY LEAKS ON THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. HOW DO I KNOW THAT THIS LEAK WILL EVEN GO AWAY? MY TRUCK WON'T EVEN PASS INSPECTION LATER THIS YEAR WHEN I HAVE TO GO BECAUSE OF THIS LEAK. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN, THEY SHOULD NOT BE RE ISSUING SUCH A IMPORTANT PART TO THE STEERING SYSTEM AND IT LEAK, I HAVE FOLLOWED UP WITH GM AND SAID I WANT A BRAND NEW ON PUT ON AND NO LEAKS, IT DIDN'T LEAK WHEN I BOUGHT IT, IT SHOULDN'T LEAK NOW. I HAVE LOST FAITH IN THE RELIABILITY OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY HAVE REPLACE THE SAME PART THREE TIMES( A KEY PART TO THE STEERING SYSTEM), IT LEAKS, AND ALL THREE TIMES THE PART WAS RE-MANUFACTURED( USED), I HAVE NO IDEA HOW MANY MILES ARE ON THAT PART, THEY SHOULD BE USING BRAND NEW ONES AND NO LEAKS. *TR

4/5/2014

POWER STEERING GEAR BOX LEAKS OIL OUT OF FRONT ADJUSTMENT NUT SEAL. AFTER THREE REPLACEMENT GEAR BOXES IT STILL CONTINUALLY LEAKS. THE LAST ATTEMPTED FIX BY A GMC DEALER ENDED WITH POWER STEERING SPRAYING ALL OVER EVERYTHING UNDER HOOD INCLUDING EXHAUST WHICH IS A SIGNIFICANT FIRE HAZARD. ALSO, WHEN FLUID LEVEL GETS LOW STEERING IS SIGNIFICANTLY HINDERED. *TR

4/22/2014

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

4 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VIBRATION IN FRONT BRAKES, WHEN BRAKING AROUND 55 - 60 MPH. *TR

11/5/2013

SEVERE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING AT 40 PLUS MPH. *TR

3/15/2014

2 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

UPON LOW SPEED PANIC STOPPING WITH THE FUEL GAUGE READING 3/4 OF A TANK AND BELOW, THERE IS A VIOLENT/NOTICEABLE BUMP. LIKE BEING REARENDED AT LOW SPEED. IT IS A SITUATION THAT GM HAS A BULLETIN OUT ON #PIT5161 OR DOC ID:2851139 FOR THE 2007-2012 CHEV. SILVERADO AND GMC SIERRA P/U WITH THE 34 OR 36 GALLON TANKS. I FEEL THE BRAKES ARE CHALLENGED BY THIS CONDITION, AND EVEN MORE SO ON SLIPPERY, STEEP TERRAIN. *TR

10/26/2012

NOTICED BACK DOOR OPEN INDICATED ON PANEL, STEPPED OUT WITH VEHICLE IN DRIVE AT A STOP, THEN ONCE OUTSIDE SLIPPED AND VEHICLE KEPT MOVING, HAD TO JUMP BACK INTO VEHICLE AND APPLY BRAKE TO PUT IT INTO PARK, WHY DOESN'T VEHICLE SHUT DOWN ONCE OFF THE SEAT? RIDING LAWN MOWERS DO! *JS

5/17/2014

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ENGINE

3 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TRUCK IS LEAKING OIL, AND I HAVE A SMALL PUDDLE OH GARAGE FLOOR. BROUGHT TO ORIGINAL SELLING DEALER TO BE CHECKED. THEY CLAIMED THERE WAS A PLUG ON BACK OF ENGINE THAT WAS LEAKING. THEY HAD VEHICLE FOR 3 1/2 DAYS, AND CLAIMED IT WAS FIXED. THEY HAD OVER 1 PAGE OF SEALS, GASKETS, PLUG WERE REPLACED. DROVE APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES, AND IT STARTED LEAKING EXACTLY THE SAME AS BEFORE. RETURNED TO DEALER AGAIN, AND WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN THAT IT WAS NORMAL TO SEE IT HAVING A LEAK DUE TO THE SILICONE THAT WAS USED ON ENGINE PARTS WHEN IT WAS BUILT !!! I WAS ADVISED TO DRIVE IT FOR 1 WEEK AND BRING IT BACK AGAIN. AT THAT POINT IN TIME, I CONTACTED GM AND WAS TOLD TO GET A SECOND OPINION AT ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. I BROUGHT IT TO THEM ON 11/15/13. IT HAS BEEN THERE NOW FOR 6 DAYS. I WAS JUST TOLD THAT THEY HAVE 4 PAGES OF NEW PARTS THAT HAVE TO BE ORDERED TO REPAIR IT. THEY (DEALERSHIP) REQUESTED THAT GM REPLACE THE ENGINE AND WAS DENIED. CONSIDERING THIS IS THE 3RD TIME TRYING TO REPAIR THE SAME PROBLEM, THEY SHOULD EITHER RE-PURCHASE OR LEMON LAW THIS. *TR

11/20/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 58 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAITED FIVE MINUTES BEFORE RESTARTING THE VEHICLE AND RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS PERFORMED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.

4/28/2014

1 more complaint is available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CRACKED DASHBOARD

1/5/2016

I HAVE A 2013 SIERRA DENALI HD. I AM VERY OCD WITH THIS VEHICLE AS TO I ONLY DRIVE IT ON WEEK-ENDS, ETC. TRUCK IS STORED IN CLIMATE CONTROLLED GARAGE. JUST TURNED OVER 42K MILES. I HAVE A PROFESSIONAL DETAILING SERVICE DETAIL THIS TRUCK. I PICKED UP MY TRUCK TODAY AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY FOUND A CRACK IN THE DASH LOCATED BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. ONLY 6K MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. HOW CONVENIENT FOR GM. I PLAN ON TALKING TO DEALER THAT SERVICES MY TRUCK TOMORROW AND GET THEIR INPUT.

3/25/2016

1 more complaint is available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 70 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER DID NOT PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS UNNECESSARY. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. ...UPDATED 08/22/13 *BF THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. UPDATED 08/22/13

7/30/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.

1/21/2015

STRUCTURE:BODY

2 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AT THIS OCCURRENCE THE HOOD LATCH DOES NOT KEEP THE HOOD TIGHT WHEN CLOSED. THE HOOD RATTLES AT SPEEDS OVER 35MPH AND APPEARS AS THOUGH IT IS GOING TO OPEN. AS A RESULT OF ATTEMPTING TO SUFFICIENTLY SECURING THE HOOD, I SUBSEQUENTLY DENTED THE HOOD. I HAVE HAD THE BODY DEPARTMENT AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP LOOK AT IT AND THEY FOUND THAT THE HOOD LATCH NEEDED TO BE ADJUSTED. AFTER ANOTHER 2500 MILES, THIS RATTLE HAS RETURNED. THE COMPLAINT IS THAT THIS IS THE SECOND 2013 SIERRA DENALI THAT I HAVE OWNED SINCE OCTOBER 2012, SINCE THE DEALERSHIP BOUGHT BACK THE FIRST ONE AFTER NUMEROUS PROBLEMS INCLUDING THE TRANSMISSION BEING REPLACED AT 6250 MILES AND NUMEROUS EFFORTS TO FIX THE HOOD. SAME PROBLEM TWO TRUCKS IS A CAUSE FOR CONCERN! *TR

11/6/2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE OF SIMULATING AIR ENTERED THE VEHICLE FROM THE DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR AND FRONT DRIVER SIDE FOAM SEALS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

12/16/2014

INTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD SLOSHING NOISE OF FUEL COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK. IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE SOUND EMITTED A VIOLENT AND FORCEFUL MOVEMENT FROM THE EXTERIOR REAR OF THE VEHICLE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHICH INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. IN ADDITION, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND RADIO WOULD NOT DIM IN THE NIGHT MODE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150. UPDATED 01/22/13*LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED GM HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ON THE CONDITION THAT HAS EXISTED SINCE THE 2007 MODEL YEAR. THERE IS ALSO A NIGHT TIME LIGHTING ISSUE WITH THE INABILITY TO DIM FURTHER, THE DASH LIGHTS OR TO TURN THEM OFF COMPLETELY. UPDATED 01/24/13

11/27/2012

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

*ISSUE IS WARNING LIGHT AND TONE THAT THE STABILITRAK SYSTEM REQUIRES SERVICING - THIS IS NOT THE STANDARD WARNING LIGHT THAT THE WHEEL TRACTION VARIES* I HAD A 2011 GMC SIERRA WHICH I BROUGHT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND CALLED GMC ABOUT FOR 6 ISSUES WITH THE STABILITRAK WARNING LIGHT. EVEN WITH GMC CORPORATE INVOLVEMENT, ISSUE WAS NOT CORRECTED DESPITE REPLACEMENT OF NUMEROUS SENSORS, ETC. IN ORDER TO AFFORD TO BUY A NEW 2013 VEHICLE, I TRADED THAT TRUCK AND ANOTHER FOR THE ABOVE-NOTED GMC TRUCK AND 2-DAYS AFTER THE PURCHASE THE SAME PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED AT THE VERY SAME SPOT ON MY DRIVE HOME FROM WORK. I CALLED GMC AND NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP. THEY CANNOT FIX THE PROBLEM SO I WILL WAIT FOR THREE MORE INSTANCES AND WITH DRIVING A LOANER CAR FOR UP TO 3-WEEKS AT A TIME AND WILL INVOLVE THE LEMON LAW FOR DEFECTS WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. OF COURSE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WILL DO NOTHING EXCEPT PROVIDE GMC WITH MORE TAXPAYER-FUNDED BAILOUT MONEY! THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT DEFECTS WITH THIS COMPLICATED SYSTEM THAT IS SO DEEPLY EMBEDDED IN THE CARS' RUNNING THAT IT CANNOT BE REPAIRED. WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR YOU TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS CONSUMER RIPOFF???? *TR

6/8/2013

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND NOTICED A WIND NOISE COMING FROM THE WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, STATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300.

9/3/2013

SEATS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE HEAD RESTS OF OUR NEW TRUCK (PURCHASED DEC 2012) PROJECT SO FAR FORWARD THAT IT FORCES MY HEAD TO TILT DOWNWARD. THERE IS NO FORWARD/BACK ADJUSTMENT TO THE HEAD REST, AND TURNING THE HEAD REST BACKWARDS TO MAKE IT BEARABLE MEANS IT NO LONGER WILL SERVE WELL TO PREVENT NECK INJURIES IN A CRASH. FOR SHORTER DRIVES, THE FORCED HEAD TILT IS UNCOMFORTABLE, BUT FOR LONGER DRIVES IT CAUSES ENOUGH PAIN THAT I HAD TO SEE A CHIROPRACTOR (AND I'M AN ATHLETIC, HEALTHY PERSON!). THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER CONTEND IT WORKS AS DESIGNED FOR SAFETY IN A CRASH. BUT IF I CAN'T SIT IN IT FOR NORMAL DRIVING WITHOUT EXPERIENCING NECK/BACK PAIN, HOW "SAFE" IS THAT? I NOTICED THE NEW 2014 GMC 1/2-TON PICKUPS HAVE A HEAD REST WITH A NOTICEABLY LESS ANGULAR DESIGN, INDICATING GMC RECOGNIZED THE HEAD REST DESIGN IN MY 2013 3/4-TON TRUCK IS, AT BEST, A POOR ONE AND, AT WORST, A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ONE. IS THERE ANY RECOURSE TO GETTING GMC TO REPLACE MY HEAD RESTS WITH THE NEW DESIGN (OR EVEN AN OLDER ONE, LIKE THE STRAIGHT-UP-AND-DOWN ONES I HAVE IN MY 2003 CHEVY TAHOE)? *TR

10/7/2013

STRUCTURE

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

MICE, RABBITS ETC. CHEWED THROUGH WIRES BECAUSE GMC PUTS PEANUT OIL ON THEIR WIRES. GMC DEALER SAID THEY WOULD FIX WIRES BUT THE PROBLEM WILL PERSIST BECAUSE PEANUT OIL IS BAIT FOR THESE ANIMALS. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT WAS REPORTED ON A 2012 VEHICLE. THIS COULD CAUSE FIRES ETC AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED. THE VEHICLE WASN'T RUNNING RIGHT, ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND CHEWED WIRES WERE DISCOVERED. WERE TOLD BY GMC DEALER THERE IS NO PERMANENT FIX BECAUSE THEY USE PEANUT OIL BECAUSE ITS CHEAP! WE'VE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE SINCE SEPTEMBER 2013. GMC WILL PUT THE WIRES TOGETHER AGAIN BUT NOT FIX THE MAIN PROBLEM OF THE PEANUT OIL. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT IS COMPLETELY AVOIDABLE, YET A PROBLEM THAT IS BUILT INTO THE VEHICLE. *TR

3/10/2014

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.

1/21/2015

TIRES

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

FIRST INCIDENT -BFGOODRICH MUD TERRAIN KM2 TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE CAUSING DAMAGE TO RUNNING BOARD ON RIGHT FRONT. WAS ON INTERSTATE GOING ABOUT 55 MPH. SECOND INCIDENT- 1 OF ORIGINAL SET OF 4 IS NOW ON BACK AGAIN ON INTERSTATE GOING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH TIRE SEPARATED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO RIGHT FENDER. *TR

2/5/2015

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2013 GMC Sierra?

The most reported complaint category for the 2013 GMC Sierra is AIR BAGS, with 7 owner reports. That is about 15% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN.

Are complaints about the 2013 GMC Sierra a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 27 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2013 GMC Sierra?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2013 GMC Sierra severe?

27 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

GMC Sierra: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
46
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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