ProblemsChevrolet › 2013 Silverado 1500

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Problems & Owner Complaints

365 NHTSA owner complaints
16 crash 2 fire 13 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~26.1 complaints per year on the road — ranking 4 of 5 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

Thinking about buying a specific Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

This page shows problems reported across all 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s. Before you buy that one car, enter its VIN: get a free open-recall check, then unlock the full $19 safety report: every complaint, safety ratings & a downloadable PDF for that exact vehicle.

Checking a specific 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500? Enter its VIN

Free recall check · optional $19 full safety report before you buy

What owners report

Air Bags is the most-reported problem area on the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, cited in 94 of 365 filed complaints (26%).

Structure is next (84 complaints, 23%), followed by Engine (40), Power Train (24), Suspension (21).

Across all complaints, 16 report a crash, 2 report a fire, 13 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Vehicle Speed Control: 2 crash, 1 fire, 7 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 365.

Unknown Or Other 112 1 crash 4 injury

“Stabiltrack System, Traction Control System, Reduced Engine Power. Since purchase of the vehicle, intermittent immediate failure or previously stated vehicle systems caused critical safety concerns for occupants and other drivers while operating. Vehicle looses power enters safety "Limp Mode" due to faulty engineering. Upon inspection by State Police and Fire/EMS, owners urged to contact vehicle manufacturer and NHTSA to report issue. Failure of system first happened around 140k miles on odometer. No safety or warning lamps were present prior to stated malfunction of vehicle. Malfunction appea…”
NHTSA complaint #11531952, 2023 · 4 injury(ies)

“The frame is completely rusted My mechanic said it is paper thin and is in danger of falling GM is not offering to fix this even though it is a TSB It is very dangerous to drive”
NHTSA complaint #11676803, 2025

“The frame on my truck will not pass inspection do to the frame being unsafe to operate. Gm knows about their failing frames but won’t acknowledge. Like decorating my frame will repair the the missing metal on my frame”
NHTSA complaint #11639782, 2024

Air Bags 94 8 crash 4 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THE CONTACTS FRONT END SIDE OF THE VEHICLE BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. 2 PERSONS WAS INJURED WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INSURANCE LOT WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BEING TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.*DT*JB*J…”
NHTSA complaint #11398536, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“ROLLED TRUCK, ONLY AIRBAG THAT WENT OFF WAS PASSENGER DOOR.”
NHTSA complaint #11341521, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH A DRUNK DRIVER CRASHED INTO THE CONTACTS VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BROKEN FOOT AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10598445, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Structure 84 6 crash 1 fire

“ON THE WAY TO WORK ON MONDAY MORNING, SEPT 1ST, 2014 AS MY HUSBAND APPROACHED A STOP LIGHT HE NOTICED THE VEHICLE AT THE LIGHT BACKUP LIGHTS COME ON. HE THOUGHT THEY MAY HAVE PULLED TOO FAR UP UNDER THE STOP LIGHT AND WERE JUST GOING TO BACK UP A LITTLE BIT SO HE APPLIED HIS BRAKES. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO PUSH THE GAS AND SLAM IN TO THE FRONT OF MY HUSBAND'S TRUCK THEN DRIVE OFF. MY HUSBAND PROCEEDED TO THE NEARBY PILOT FUEL STOP LOOKED AROUND TO SEE IF THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS THERE THEN CALLED THE POLICE TO FILE A REPORT. AFTER THAT HE WENT ON TO WORK A FEW MILES DOWN THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10637450, 2014 · crash · fire

“The vehicle is unsafe to operate around pedestrians and other roadside objects because of the poor visibility, especially at critical moments where visual confirmation is needed like crosswalks, intersections, and parking lots. The A pillars, side mirrors, and tall front profile, block the driver from visually confirming hazards and pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. While driving, I made a right hand turn and attempted to park roadside. The vehicle was blocking my view of cement barriers placed in the parking space before mine, and the vehicle collided with the barriers. Also, many…”
NHTSA complaint #11496315, 2022 · crash

“TRUCK WAS HIT ON FRONT DRIVER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRAME WAS BENT AND THE LEFT SIDE WAS ALSO DAMAGED. AIRBAGS WERE RELEASED. FRONT TIRES WERE DAMAGED. THIS OCCURRED ON JULY 9, 2020. INSURANCE AND REPAIR COMPANY ARE TRYING TO FIX IT WITH OTHER PARTS. I WAS IN MOTION ON A SIDE STREET AND A SPEEDING VEHICLE THAT I DID NOT SEE HIT ME.*DT*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11342790, 2020 · crash

Engine 40 4 injury

“Stabiltrack System, Traction Control System, Reduced Engine Power. Since purchase of the vehicle, intermittent immediate failure or previously stated vehicle systems caused critical safety concerns for occupants and other drivers while operating. Vehicle looses power enters safety "Limp Mode" due to faulty engineering. Upon inspection by State Police and Fire/EMS, owners urged to contact vehicle manufacturer and NHTSA to report issue. Failure of system first happened around 140k miles on odometer. No safety or warning lamps were present prior to stated malfunction of vehicle. Malfunction appea…”
NHTSA complaint #11531952, 2023 · 4 injury(ies)

“Due to General Motors AFM lifter defect and oil consumption issues that have been proven faulty, #4 AFM gave out on us in February of 2026 costing us approximately 5,000 in Engine repairs on our 2013 Chevrolet Silverado plus several tow bills and the inconvenience of not having a vehicle for weeks. GM Recently lost a class action lawsuit for this issue that they have failed to fix but the lawsuit didnt pay enough to fix the issues. GM knew about the oil consumption issues and lifter failures with these vehicles since 2007 and didnt do anything. To this day, there are still issues including on…”
NHTSA complaint #11729338, 2026

“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the subframe of the vehicle and the rear cross member were severely rusted, causing the fuel tank to become unsecured. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Additionally, the mechanic stated that the catalytic converter was faulty and created a fire hazard. The vehicle was not repaired.…”
NHTSA complaint #11703793, 2025

Power Train 24

“Front end, yes it is available for inspection upon my request. My safety wasn’t very safe the truck felt like the front wheels and back wheels were going to come out from underneath me. Vehicle has been to many shops and I have fixed some parts myself because of prices to pay at shops. The vehicle had at least two lights on the dash about the ABS & STABILITY TRACK”
NHTSA complaint #11698081, 2025

“4x4 light comes on every once in a while Airbag light come on says service”
NHTSA complaint #11656744, 2025

“Rear wheels lock up while driving. This happened several times and to get it to move again I had to unplug battery for 10 mins. This happened while driving at all speeds and it is so unsafe to drive that I do not feel comfortable driving the vehicle for my safety and the safety of others. I had it towed to the dealership, and they said transmission needed to be replaced and it was not under warranty. I called GM and they told me they could not help and to hire an attorney over some class action lawsuit. I just want my truck fixed!”
NHTSA complaint #11629044, 2024

Suspension 21

“The vehicle's structural frame rails have suffered a catastrophic failure. The driver-side frame rail has a physical separation gap measuring between 1/2-inch and 1 inch wide. The passenger-side frame rail is actively delaminating and separating from the inside out. The vehicle and the failed component are completely intact and available for immediate inspection upon request. SAFETY RISK TO OTHERS:The structural integrity of the truck is entirely gone, creating an extreme safety hazard. If driven, the frame is at risk of snapping completely in half, which would cause an immediate, catastrophic…”
NHTSA complaint #11752287, 2026

“Front end, yes it is available for inspection upon my request. My safety wasn’t very safe the truck felt like the front wheels and back wheels were going to come out from underneath me. Vehicle has been to many shops and I have fixed some parts myself because of prices to pay at shops. The vehicle had at least two lights on the dash about the ABS & STABILITY TRACK”
NHTSA complaint #11698081, 2025

“I was sold a vehicle by a dealership with a completely unsafe frame. The frame is very rotted and has multiple holes and as well as a split open portion on the drivers side that extends down most of the frame. This issue was undisclosed by the dealer. There was also a discovery of rotted suspension components making the vehicle extremely dangerous to myself and others. Another undisclosed issue would be that this vehicles engine does not match the vin number.”
NHTSA complaint #11674232, 2024

Before you buy this car, see its exact open recalls + full $19 report Enter the VIN of the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 you're looking at, free recall check first

Steering 18 2 crash 2 injury

“TRYING TO TURN IN DRIVEWAY AT HOME, PICKUP TRUCK SURGED AHEAD, CAUSING HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH FIRE HYDRANT, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, SEATBELT LOCKED UP, DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCKED. MY WIFE SUSTAINED NUMEROUS INJURIES. COMPLAINED TO INSURANCE COMPANY TO NO AVAIL. GM SHOWED UP AT MY HOUSE FOR COMPUTER ANALYSIS, PROCESS STILL ONGOING. TRUCK IN SHOP FOR SURGING WAITING ON RESULTS. MY WIFE WILL NOT OPERATE TRUCK ANYMORE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10713925, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TRAVELING AT ABOUT TEN MILES PER HOUR. VEHICLE BECAME UNRESPONSIVE TO ANY ATTEMPT TO STEER AND A LOUD DING NOISE PLAYED. VEHICLE STRUCK CONCRETE LIGHT POLE. HAD BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR AN HOUR AND HAD JUST CAME OFF OF THE INTERSTATE. PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND THAT IS WHEN STEERING QUIT WORKING. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #10542033, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light or stop sign, the vehicle experienced rough idling. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was adding engine oil every 3,000 miles. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed by the dealer that the oil consumption was normal due to the mileage on the vehicle. A year prior to the fail…”
NHTSA complaint #11716199, 2024

Electrical System 16 1 crash 1 fire

“ON THE WAY TO WORK ON MONDAY MORNING, SEPT 1ST, 2014 AS MY HUSBAND APPROACHED A STOP LIGHT HE NOTICED THE VEHICLE AT THE LIGHT BACKUP LIGHTS COME ON. HE THOUGHT THEY MAY HAVE PULLED TOO FAR UP UNDER THE STOP LIGHT AND WERE JUST GOING TO BACK UP A LITTLE BIT SO HE APPLIED HIS BRAKES. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO PUSH THE GAS AND SLAM IN TO THE FRONT OF MY HUSBAND'S TRUCK THEN DRIVE OFF. MY HUSBAND PROCEEDED TO THE NEARBY PILOT FUEL STOP LOOKED AROUND TO SEE IF THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS THERE THEN CALLED THE POLICE TO FILE A REPORT. AFTER THAT HE WENT ON TO WORK A FEW MILES DOWN THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10637450, 2014 · crash · fire

“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that they discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 163,000. It was later discovered upon checking Carfax that the mileage was 302,584.”
NHTSA complaint #11738460, 2026

“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 135,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 190,000. The VIN was not available. Local authorities had not been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #11657634, 2025

Vehicle Speed Control 11 2 crash 1 fire 7 injury

“Stabiltrack System, Traction Control System, Reduced Engine Power. Since purchase of the vehicle, intermittent immediate failure or previously stated vehicle systems caused critical safety concerns for occupants and other drivers while operating. Vehicle looses power enters safety "Limp Mode" due to faulty engineering. Upon inspection by State Police and Fire/EMS, owners urged to contact vehicle manufacturer and NHTSA to report issue. Failure of system first happened around 140k miles on odometer. No safety or warning lamps were present prior to stated malfunction of vehicle. Malfunction appea…”
NHTSA complaint #11531952, 2023 · 4 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DECELERATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A MAIL BOX AND TWO UTILITY POLES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,100. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 10/08/14*CN THE CONSUMER CHECKED THERE WAS A FIRE, BUT…”
NHTSA complaint #10585737, 2014 · crash · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“DRIVING AT APPROX 35-40 MPH APPROACHING A HAIRPIN TURN TRIED TO BREAK AND VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN SLID THROUGH THE CORNER INTO A ROCK, PUT THE VEHICLE IS REVERSE AND PRESSED ACCELERATOR THE VEHICLE RPM INCREASED ON OWN TRIED TO BREAK THE RPM DID NOT DIMINISH(FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR) BEFORE I HAD TIME TO SHUT THE TRUCK OFF I HIT A TREE BEHIND ME. IT APPEARS SOMETHING STUCK IN ACCELERATOR (MECHANICAL) OR THE COMPUTER SYSTEM( ELECTRONICS) FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN TESTED.”
NHTSA complaint #10758645, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Visibility/Wiper 10

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW DROPPED DOWN INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CATALANO MOTORS INC (8327 ERIE RD, ANGOLA, NY 14006) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEEL CABLE FRACTURED DUE TO RUST AND THE PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,209. *TT CONSUMER STATED DUE TO THE EXTREME COLD WEATHER THE CABLE RUSTED AND BROKE.*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11185897, 2019

“THE WIPES STARRED WHILE DRIVING GOING SLOW AND WOULD JUST STOP. WHICH AFTER TALKING TO CAR SPECIALIST WAS TOLD IT WAS TGE MOTOR HAD HONE BAD. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 90K ON IT SHOULD THIS HAPPEN SO SOON? THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS TO SUDDENLY HAPPEN WITH NO WARNING OR INDICATION THE MOTOR WAS GOING BAD. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON HIGHWAY AND IN CITY A 30 TO 40 MINUTES AWAY FROM HOME.”
NHTSA complaint #11102651, 2018

“WIPERS RUN VERY SLOWLY AND SOMETIMES STOP. THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS WHEN IT'S RAINING AND HAS CAUSED ME TO STOP DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWO OTHER TIMES. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. I'VE READ THIS MAY MAKE THE WIPER MOTOR WORK HARDER WHICH COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.”
NHTSA complaint #11010294, 2017

Seat Belts 7 3 crash 1 injury

“TRYING TO TURN IN DRIVEWAY AT HOME, PICKUP TRUCK SURGED AHEAD, CAUSING HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH FIRE HYDRANT, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, SEATBELT LOCKED UP, DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCKED. MY WIFE SUSTAINED NUMEROUS INJURIES. COMPLAINED TO INSURANCE COMPANY TO NO AVAIL. GM SHOWED UP AT MY HOUSE FOR COMPUTER ANALYSIS, PROCESS STILL ONGOING. TRUCK IN SHOP FOR SURGING WAITING ON RESULTS. MY WIFE WILL NOT OPERATE TRUCK ANYMORE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10713925, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“ON TUESDAY MARCH 18, 2014 I WAS DRIVING A 2013 CHEVY SILVERADO AND REAR ENDED A CHEVY TAHAO AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WITHOUT HITTING MY BRAKES. CONDITIONS AT THE TIME WERE CLEAR AND DRY ALTHOUGH VERY WINDY. I WAS THE ONLY PASSENGER IN MY TRUCK. I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT. I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH MY CHEST. THE ONSTAR SYSTEM CALLED TO SAY THEY COULD SEE I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND HELP WAS ON THE WAY. I EXCHANGED INFO WITH THE OTHER DRIVER AND RETURNED TO MY VEHICLE. THE SEATBELT WAS IN THE EXTENDED POSITION AND WOULD NOT EXTEND FURTHER OR RETRACT. ON THE DISPLAY PANEL IT HAD AN 'AIRBAG DEPLOYE…”
NHTSA complaint #10576260, 2014 · crash

“HIT A DEER AT 47MPH ON LEFT FRONT OF VEHICLE. AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON WITH CODE B0052 DEPLOYMENT COMMANDED. NO AIR OR PRETENSIONER DEPLOYED. CONTACTED GM THEY SENT AN INSPECTOR OUT TO RETRIEVE CRASH DATA FROM RECORDER. THEY CONTACTED ME AFTER THEY RECEIVED THE INFO FROM THE INSPECTOR , AND SAID I NEEDED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO DEALER TO DIAGNOSE CONCERN. THERE WERE NO CODES. THEY HAVE NOT TOLD ME IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SDM THAT WAS REPLACED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10508458, 2013 · crash

Service Brakes 7 1 crash

“TRUCK WAS HIT ON FRONT DRIVER SIDE BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRAME WAS BENT AND THE LEFT SIDE WAS ALSO DAMAGED. AIRBAGS WERE RELEASED. FRONT TIRES WERE DAMAGED. THIS OCCURRED ON JULY 9, 2020. INSURANCE AND REPAIR COMPANY ARE TRYING TO FIX IT WITH OTHER PARTS. I WAS IN MOTION ON A SIDE STREET AND A SPEEDING VEHICLE THAT I DID NOT SEE HIT ME.*DT*JB”
NHTSA complaint #11342790, 2020 · crash

“When driving sometimes, the ABS light is illuminated along with the traction control and Stabilitrak lights. The DIC says Service Traction Control and Stabilitrak. This issue needs to be fixed immediately as this is a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11555359, 2023

“at least once a month gives a false trailer braking error and the truck brakes itself, dash dies, driver loses control over the vehicle. It is a risk of crashing or being hit because the truck stops itself in the middle of driving without brake lights coming on to alert other drivers. No way to overcome this - can't hit the gas pedal, etc. It seems to think that you are hauling a trailer and it thinks the trailer is swaying... problem is this truck has never towed a trailer even one time... it's completely false. But also very dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11465856, 2022

Wheels 6 1 crash

“ON 7/14 AM I HAD THE CHEVROLET DEALER PUT 2 NEW TIRES AND HAD AN ALIGNMENT DONE. WE LEFT ON TRIP LATER THAT DAY AND IN A HEAVY RAIN STORN NEAR JACKSONVILLE, AR, WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE TRUCK SPUN OUT OF CONTROL ON HWY 167S DUE TO SEVERE HYDROPLANING. THE NEXT DAY I LOOKED AT THE TIRES AND THEY WERE NOT THE SAME TIRES AS ON THE REAR OR AS SPECIFIED BY GM. THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN P245 AND THEY WERE MS245. I RECALL WHEN I FIRST LOOKED AT THE TRUCK WHEN WE PICKED UP AT THE CHEVROLET GARAGE THAT THEY DID NOT LOOK "NEW". THEY WERE DUSTY AND DIRTY AND DID NOT HAVE THE "NEW TIRE STIPLING" THAT I HAVE SE…”
NHTSA complaint #10887892, 2016 · crash

“IM NOT ABLE TO LET DOWN THE SPARE. THE SYSTEM DONT WORK PROPERLY ON MOST TRUCKS. THIS IS DANGEROUS WHEN ON THE INTERSTATE”
NHTSA complaint #11373454, 2020

“CHROME COVER OF 20" WHEEL CAME OFF AND ENTIRE WHEEL WAS REPLACED ON 1/28/2016. IT CAME OFF AGAIN ON FEB . 16., 2016 WHILE DRIVING.”
NHTSA complaint #10840403, 2016

Fuel/Propulsion System 5 1 crash 1 injury

“DRIVING AT APPROX 35-40 MPH APPROACHING A HAIRPIN TURN TRIED TO BREAK AND VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN SLID THROUGH THE CORNER INTO A ROCK, PUT THE VEHICLE IS REVERSE AND PRESSED ACCELERATOR THE VEHICLE RPM INCREASED ON OWN TRIED TO BREAK THE RPM DID NOT DIMINISH(FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR) BEFORE I HAD TIME TO SHUT THE TRUCK OFF I HIT A TREE BEHIND ME. IT APPEARS SOMETHING STUCK IN ACCELERATOR (MECHANICAL) OR THE COMPUTER SYSTEM( ELECTRONICS) FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN TESTED.”
NHTSA complaint #10758645, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Throughout this truck's lifespan, it's had multiple problems with the engine and fuel system. Around 70k miles, the engine had to be completely rebuilt because of the issues with oil consumption; well known GM 5.3 liter V8 issue. The oil consumption issue then started back up around 140k miles. Once the vehicle hit 100k miles, it started throwing codes for running to lean and too rich, plus it showed the alcohol (ethanol) content at 40%. I've never used E85/20/15/10, but did use 3.5% blended fuel for the first 100K miles. Since then I've switched to 91 premium which does not contain ethan…”
NHTSA complaint #11544764, 2023

“I experienced a failure of the BOSCH 4.2 fuel rail pump while driving on Interstate 65 North near Louisville KY at night and my truck had a dead pedal and was unable to accelerate any and I was in the right lane going over a bridge and two tractor trailers were in each lane behind me and having been on the bridge I was unable to leave the lane of travel until I had completely transversed the bridge I was traveling over. I did engage my emergency flashers immediately but having the trucks side by side and the truck in my lane traveling at highway speeds I was almost struck from behind as the tr…”
NHTSA complaint #11453267, 2021

Tires 4

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRAILER BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE TRAILER BRAKES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LONE STAR CHEVROLET (18900 NORTHWEST FWY, JERSEY VILLAGE, TX 77065, (844) 891-7243) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT A NEW MODULE FOR THE BLACK BOX AND NEW RELAYS NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.”
NHTSA complaint #11180045, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE BECAME PREMATURELY WORN APPROXIMATELY EVERY 17,000 MILES. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,500.”
NHTSA complaint #10640803, 2014

“I WANT TO FILE A SAFETY COMPLAINT I HAVE A VIBRATION PROBLEM WITH THIS TRUCK AND BELIEVE THE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE GOODYEAR TIRES THE DEALER HAS CHANGED 11 TIRES AND ONE RIM ON MY TRUCK THE WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THERE IS A STRONG VIBRATION AND THE LONGER YOU DRIVE THE WORSE IT GETS I THINK BECAUSE THE TIRES ARE HEATING AND MAKING THE TIRE WEAK THERE IS ONLY ONE TIRE AVAILABLE IN THE SIZE THAT GM POSTED ON DOOR STICKER GOODYEAR WRANGLER SR-A LT265/60R20E I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK NEW GM SAYS VIBRATION IS NORMAL THE VIBRATION GETS TO THE POINT WHERE IT FEELS LIKE TH…”
NHTSA complaint #10609470, 2013

Engine And Engine Cooling 3

“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light or stop sign, the vehicle experienced rough idling. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was adding engine oil every 3,000 miles. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed by the dealer that the oil consumption was normal due to the mileage on the vehicle. A year prior to the fail…”
NHTSA complaint #11716199, 2024

“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made rattling sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lifters and camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11523182, 2023

“THE 2013 SILVERADO TRUCK I OWN HAS A LOUD POPPING NOISE IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WHEN THE TRUCK IS TURNED OFF. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT IS NORMAL, BUT THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT DIDN'T SOUND RIGHT TO HIM. THIS IS CAUSING CONCERN TO ME THAT THE TRUCK MAY BE A FIRE HAZARD SINCE THE EXHAUST GETS SO HOT THAT IT POPS LOUDLY AS IT COOLS OFF. OTHER TRUCKS DO NOT MAKE THIS MUCH NOISE IF ANY. I AM GETTING MORE AFRAID THAT THE TRUCK MAY CATCH ON FIRE WHEN I'M DRIVING IT. I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND GENERAL MOTORS SINCE JAN. 2014 TO TRY AND RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. AS OF…”
NHTSA complaint #10644366, 2013

Exterior Lighting 3

“at least once a month gives a false trailer braking error and the truck brakes itself, dash dies, driver loses control over the vehicle. It is a risk of crashing or being hit because the truck stops itself in the middle of driving without brake lights coming on to alert other drivers. No way to overcome this - can't hit the gas pedal, etc. It seems to think that you are hauling a trailer and it thinks the trailer is swaying... problem is this truck has never towed a trailer even one time... it's completely false. But also very dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11465856, 2022

“IMY 2013 CHEVY Z21 HAS STARTED LEAKING SROUND THE LIGHT ON TOP AND BACK LIGHT ON THE HOOD OF THE TRUCK. I NOTICED WET SPOT ON BACK PART OF HEADLINER AND SOME MOLD IN THE AREA. I HAVE FOUND WHERE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE SAID THE SAME PROBLEM ON THEIR 2013 SILVERADO, I CAN'T FOUND ANY RECALLS ON THIS. I FEEL THERE NEEDS TIO BE A RECALL FROM WHAT I HAVE FOUND ABOUT THIS.. MY 3 YEAR OLD SON RIDES IN THE BACKSEAT RIGHT WHERE THE LEAK IS.AND I'M AFRAID IT COULD MAKE HIM SICK”
NHTSA complaint #11387053, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE DIMMING INTERMITTENTLY WHENEVER SOMETHING ELECTRICAL WAS BEING OPERATED. ON ONE OCCASION, THE WINDOW WAS BEING OPENED AND THE HEADLIGHTS DIMMED DOWN INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10.”
NHTSA complaint #10639399, 2013

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2

“THE WARNING LIGHTS FOR STABILITY AND TRACTION HAVE COME ON. THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKING BADLY AND PIECES ARE FALLING OFF. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11330829, 2019

“ALL STABILITRAK/TRACTION CONTROL SHUT OFF. DEALER STATES CODE C0455, STEERING ANGLE SENSOR. PLEASE INVESTIGATE HOW MANY CODE C0455 HAVE BEEN LISTED FOR YEARS. SERVICE BULLETINS HAVE BEEN ISSUED BY GM. KNOWN ISSUE NOT BEING REPAIRED CAUSING STABILITRAK AND TRACTION CONTROL TO DISENGAGE. THE NUMBERS POSTED IN FORUMS INDICATE A LARGE PROBLEM. SHOULD BE A RECALL.”
NHTSA complaint #10724228, 2015

Fuel System 2

“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the subframe of the vehicle and the rear cross member were severely rusted, causing the fuel tank to become unsecured. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Additionally, the mechanic stated that the catalytic converter was faulty and created a fire hazard. The vehicle was not repaired.…”
NHTSA complaint #11703793, 2025

“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that he noticed that the vehicle was leaking fuel. The contact stated he noticed an abnormal odor of fuel around the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed him the fuel tank was leaking. Additionally, the metal connection for the fuel pump had melted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11537836, 2023

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2 1 crash 1 injury

“TRYING TO TURN IN DRIVEWAY AT HOME, PICKUP TRUCK SURGED AHEAD, CAUSING HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH FIRE HYDRANT, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, SEATBELT LOCKED UP, DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCKED. MY WIFE SUSTAINED NUMEROUS INJURIES. COMPLAINED TO INSURANCE COMPANY TO NO AVAIL. GM SHOWED UP AT MY HOUSE FOR COMPUTER ANALYSIS, PROCESS STILL ONGOING. TRUCK IN SHOP FOR SURGING WAITING ON RESULTS. MY WIFE WILL NOT OPERATE TRUCK ANYMORE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10713925, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the front driver’s and passenger’s side door handles had malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The contact indicated that the front driver side exterior door handle detached from the door and both the driver’s side and passenger’s side interior door handles would not function and could not be used to open the doors. The door handles were all replaced by the owner. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted regarding the failures, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 40,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11435756, 2018

Seats 2

“ENGINE USES 3 QUARTS OIL BETWEEN REQUIRED OIL CHANGES. #2 PROBLEM 4WD SWITCH IF I USE AUTO 4WD . 4WD DOES NOT ENGAGE AND WONT SWITCH OUT OF AUTO .I WAS TOLD AT DEALER SHIP JUST DON'T USE AUTO 4WD IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PROBLEM”
NHTSA complaint #11075229, 2018

“THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER HEADREST SQUARE IN THE MIDDLE ARE HARD AS A ROCK. I FEEL IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT WHEN THE OCCUPANTS HEAD HITS THE HEADREST IT WILL DEFINITELY CAUSE HARM TO THE BACK OF THE PERSONS HEAD. THERE IS NEXT TO NO CUSHIONING IN THE CENTER, THE SIDES ARE SOFT BUT NOT THE MIDDLE. I FEEL THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10562447, 2014

Back Over Prevention 1

“Front end, yes it is available for inspection upon my request. My safety wasn’t very safe the truck felt like the front wheels and back wheels were going to come out from underneath me. Vehicle has been to many shops and I have fixed some parts myself because of prices to pay at shops. The vehicle had at least two lights on the dash about the ABS & STABILITY TRACK”
NHTSA complaint #11698081, 2025

Equipment 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FACTORY JACK PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE VEHICLE WAS INADEQUATE TO RAISE THE VEHICLE IN THE EVENT THAT A TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RAISED HEIGHT FOR THE JACK WAS TEN INCHES; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS TWELVE INCHES HIGH. GORDON CHEVROLET (31850 FORD RD, GARDEN CITY, MI 48135, (734) 427-6200) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE JACK WAS SUPPLIED BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE SPECIFIC VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. THE APPROXIMAT…”
NHTSA complaint #11075042, 2018

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“APRIL, 2013 - TRUCK WAS PARKED OUT SIDE, AND I LEFT FOR A 70 MILE TRIP EARLY IN THE MORNING, AFTER THE DEW HAD FALLEN. JUNE, 2013 - A TROPICAL STORM SWEPT THROUGH THE AREA, DUMPING TONS OF RAIN; CAUSING THE HUMIDITY TO RISE A FEW HOURS LATER AS WELL AS CAUSING EVERYTHING TO BE MOIST/WET. BOTH EVENTS WERE EITHER IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OR IN THE EVENING AFTER THE SUN WENT DOWN, AND INVOLVE WETNESS/MOISTURE, HUMIDITY, AND THE INABILITY TO "DRY" THE WINDSHIELD. PROBLEM: THERE IS A "CONDENSATION FILM" THAT FORMS ON THE WINDSHIELD DUE TO THE OUTSIDE ELEMENTS BEING MORE MOIST AND HUMID THAN T…”
NHTSA complaint #10533608, 2013

Visibility 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. ONCE THE DEFROSTER WAS ACTIVATED, IT FAILED TO DEFROST THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD BLOCKING THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FLAP WAS STUCK AND MANUALLY MOVED THE FLAPPER. THE FAILURE RECURRED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. MA 10/19/15 THE CONSUMER STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE COLD AND THE DRIVER SIDE WAS NORMAL. HOWEVER, AFT…”
NHTSA complaint #10758887, 2013

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 draws about 26.1 complaints per year on the road, ranking 4 of 5 among the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

Before you buy this Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Don't buy on the strength of a problems page alone. Check the exact VIN of the car you're looking at. The open recalls are free, and the full $19 safety report pulls every complaint, safety rating and a downloadable PDF for that one vehicle.

Related

Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.

SaveVIN

Free vehicle recall & safety reports using public U.S. NHTSA data.

Uses public U.S. NHTSA data SaveVIN is an independent service, not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to NHTSA, the U.S. government, or any vehicle manufacturer.
For official recall notices, check nhtsa.gov/recalls and register your vehicle with its manufacturer. SaveVIN alerts are best-effort and do not replace official notices.