Model year guide

2013 GMC sierra 2500

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2013 GMC sierra 2500 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

2013 GMC sierra 2500 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2013 GMC sierra 2500 at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints85
Overall safety4 / 5 ★

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2013 GMC sierra 2500 recalls 3

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #21V053000 · manufacturer #N212328790 · 05/02/2021

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, G…

Fix: 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 notificati…

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #21V054000 · manufacturer #N212328800 · 05/02/2021

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, Chevrol…

Fix: 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 notificati…

Equipment NHTSA Campaign #18V267000 · manufacturer #18146 · 26/04/2018

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 ex…

Fix: 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'…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2013 GMC sierra 2500 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 85 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2013 GMC sierra 2500 safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★

Rollover risk: 20.4% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2013 GMC Sierra 2500 PU/CC RWD W/ SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture 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 deploymen…

NHTSA #EA21002 · Air Bags · opened Sep 2021

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 1932

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 1932.

This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.

Bulletin PIT5698F · Sep 2026

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902W · Sep 2026

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

Bulletin PIT3271Q · Apr 2026

This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

Bulletin PIP6104 · Mar 2026

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902V · Mar 2026

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that some owners of Heavy Duty Trucks and Utilities may ask if they can lower their tire pressures. Tire pressures being set to the "Tire and Loading Label" will ensure the safe…

Bulletin PIT4506J · Feb 2026

This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin.

Bulletin PIT6400A · Jan 2026

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902U · Jan 2026

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General M…

Bulletin PIT5214G · Nov 2025

New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH

Bulletin 13598 · Sep 2025

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SIERRA 2500 4WD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2013 GMC sierra 2500 trims & engines on record

Trims
SLE
Engines
6.6L 8-cyl

2013 GMC sierra 2500 vehicles on record

Other GMC sierra 2500 model years

2013 GMC sierra 2500 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 GMC sierra 2500 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2013 GMC sierra 2500. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 GMC sierra 2500?

Across all 85 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, fuel/propulsion system, power train.

What is the 2013 GMC sierra 2500 safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2013 GMC sierra 2500 an overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars (frontal 3★, side 5★, rollover 3★).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.