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Chevrolet Silverado 1500Model year report

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Problems

Compared with other Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years

Fewer complaints than typical for this model

0/100 0.1× a typical year · 50 = typical

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
302filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
60,000miles, 171 complaints with mileage
Recalls
2campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
4 / 5stars overall, 8 rated versions
EPA fuel economy
17 mpgcombined, 4.3L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 20 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often report two things: cracked instrument-panel plastic around the passenger airbag and severe corrosion of the frame and cross members. Engine complaints center on oil consumption and lifter or camshaft noise in the 5.3L V8, while a smaller group describes airbag warning lights and transmission shifting problems. Mileage at the time of the complaint ranges widely, from a few thousand miles for dash and frame rust reports to well over 100,000 miles for engine and suspension issues.

  1. Air bags

    Cracked dashboard plastic around the passenger airbag

    • 89 complaints (29%)
    • median 57,000 mi at 4.9 yrs old (73 state mileage)
    • filed 2015–2026

    Complaints describe the instrument panel cracking, often in a line above or around the passenger-side airbag cover, sometimes with a loud pop while parked or driving. A few owners say their truck was garaged and little used when the cracks appeared. Owners who took the truck in report being told the damage was due to sun exposure or was not covered by warranty or a recall; some had the dash replaced and saw it crack again. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 150,000, with many under 70,000 miles.

    What to check: Inspect the top of the dash above the glovebox and around the passenger airbag seam for hairline cracks, and ask whether the dash has ever been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have 2 large cracks on my dash panel. One is near the dash mounted air bag, and the second is running above my instrument panel. These cracks developed over time. I have found out that this is a common issue with my vehicle. Chevrolet refused to cover the issue under warranty, even after I showed them how wide spread this issue is among Chevrolet vehicles.”

    NHTSA complaint #11315822, filed 2020-03, 60,000 miles

    “My dash cracked straight line above and attached to airbag, wasn't there, next day it was,nov 2016 38,000 mi. Called dealership(s) and I called GM/chev support and they said since it was no longer under warranty and there was no recall I would have to pay for it...I expressed my concerns as a huge safety issue and obvious defect.”

    NHTSA complaint #11120556, filed 2018-08, 38,000 miles
  2. Body and structure

    Frame and cross-member rust

    • 67 complaints (22%)
    • median 89,000 mi at 9.7 yrs old (18 state mileage)
    • filed 2015–2026

    Owners report rust on the frame rails, rear cross member and subframe, often found during an inspection, an oil change or a trade-in appraisal rather than while driving. Several describe holes in the frame near the fuel tank, and some say the fuel tank or suspension parts became loose. Dealers' responses varied: some replaced or welded frame sections, others said the corrosion warranty had expired or that they had not seen the problem before. Mostly reported between roughly 27,000 and 130,000 miles, and on trucks as little as a few years old.

    4 related service bulletins

    What to check: Look at the frame rails and cross members above and around the spare tire and fuel tank for flaking wax coating, bubbling or holes, and have a shop inspect for corrosion before buying.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I noticed excessive frame rust. Contacted my local dealer and they took the truck in for proper fix. Rust was supposedly ground off and frame and undercarriage were undercoated. Apparently the factory wax coating was not properly cleaned before paint. I recently noticed the rust is back on the frame and front steering parts. This truck has only 16,000 miles, is garage kept and has rarely been driven in winter months.”

    NHTSA complaint #11351906, filed 2020-08, 4,967 miles

    “Purchased vehicle with 9000 miles on it july of 2014. Within the last few months found that the frame wax is peeling resulting in the frame rusting. Dealers are advising because of mileage (40k) not their issue”

    NHTSA complaint #10760905, filed 2015-09, 30,000 miles
  3. Engine

    Oil consumption and lifter noise (5.3L V8)

    • 29 complaints (10%)
    • median 94,600 mi at 7.0 yrs old (16 state mileage)
    • owner-quoted repair $5,000 (median of 5 quotes)
    • filed 2017–2026

    Complaints describe low-oil warnings, having to add oil between changes, and rough idling or a ticking or knocking from the engine. Several say a dealer found collapsed lifters or a worn camshaft, or that spark plugs in specific cylinders were fouling and triggering the check-engine light. Some report being told the oil use was normal for the engine. Typically reported from about 60,000 to 150,000 miles.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check the oil level and look for a fuel or burnt-oil smell, ask whether oil is added between changes, and listen for ticking at cold start.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My 2013 has developed the notorious lifter tick from a collapsed lifter (this affects many 5.3l v8 engines of this era). This will lead to excessive oil burning, and clogged exhaust systems over time due to the oil burning. This also damages/destroys the cam shaft over time and requires frequent spark plug changes. I suspect this problem started as early as 60,000 miles (while still under warranty) however because the truck wasn't consuming 1 qt / 1000 miles GM refused to look into the issue further. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11366651, filed 2020-10, 1 miles

    “I own a 2013 Chevrolet SILVERADO 1500 with 71,453 miles . The vehicle was serviced regularly and I recently noticed an oil consumption issue. After a visit to my usual service garage and subsequently a certified dealer., the problem was acknowledged. I called Chevrolet USA and opened a file based on my information. At one point my truck computer warned to pull over and not drive any further due to low oil. Upon inspection there was no external reason for the fact that the oil was low. The vehicle has regular oil changes with mobil 1 synthetic. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11376367, filed 2020-11, 71,453 miles
  4. Air bags

    Airbag warning light and airbag repair concerns

    • 39 complaints (13%)
    • median 75,979 mi at 7.8 yrs old (11 state mileage)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2016–2026

    Owners report the airbag warning light or a service-airbag message coming on, and some had the passenger-side inflator replaced under a recall. A few describe the repair itself leaving damaged threads or a torn dash area, and one reports a collision in which the airbags did not deploy. Some complainants asked the dealer about the airbag recall and were told their vehicle was not included. Reported from about 57,000 miles upward, often on trucks over 100,000 miles.

    Recall 21V053000Recall 21V054000

    What to check: Ask whether the passenger airbag inflator recall was completed and check that the airbag light goes out after the bulb check at startup.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “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.”

    NHTSA complaint #11342790, filed 2020-08, 65,000 miles

    “The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine made an abnormal sound. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,400.”

    NHTSA complaint #11580126, filed 2024-03, 128,400 miles
  5. Transmission and drivetrain

    Rough or delayed transmission shifting

    • 9 complaints (3%)
    • median 89,238 mi at 8.1 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2015–2024

    Complaints describe the transmission dropping into limp mode on the highway, shaking or stalling on downshift, or straining and making noise between gears with the check-engine light on. In one case a shop traced it to a solenoid and the truck needed a transmission replacement in another. Some owners were told the behavior was a normal characteristic. Scattered from a few hundred miles to about 112,000 miles.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Test-drive at highway speed and through stop-and-go downshifts, and check for stored transmission codes before purchase.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Transmission has bad solenoid in transmission. While yruck was in motion no signs that the vehicle had issues and dropped to limp mode while driving on the highway. Check engine came on shooting trouble code po796. Found this to be common with many other same year make and models, even told so by transmission shop. Wanted to report this incase it needs to be added to possible future recall”

    NHTSA complaint #11372772, filed 2020-11, 99,476 miles

    “Lifter ticking and lifter collapse. Stability and traction control system working improperly and flashed on and off and the truck started to hesitate and jerk. Oil consumer is excessive. This all occurred while driving on a city street without any prior problem. There were no check engine light or other 'idiot light' warnings before the lifter clicking started or the stability and traction control system acted up.”

    NHTSA complaint #11378092, filed 2020-12, 79,000 miles

Buying note. Have the frame and underbody inspected for corrosion before buying, since that is the most commonly reported concern, and confirm whether the passenger airbag recall was completed. Also verify oil level and service records on the V8 and listen for lifter noise.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 302 consumer complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. 171 of the complaints include a mileage, and 39% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 60,000 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 1,126 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Vehicle speed control (5), Fuel system (4), Seat belts (4), Wheels (4), Engine cooling (2), Exterior lighting (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Electronic stability control (1), Equipment (1), Seats (1), Tires (1).

Example complaints

Other or unknown: “The dash on my 2013 Chevrolet SILVERADO 1500 has cracked just above the airbag on the passenger side of the vehicle. To me this poses a safety concern should there be a collision causing the airbag to deploy where the crack may puncture the airbag. The vehicle was stationary, being parked just in front of my house when the crack occurred.”

NHTSA complaint #10985492, filed 2017-05, 72,000 miles

Air bags: “On 1/22/2016, I was involved in a front end collision while making a left turn onto a major street. The vehicle I collided with approximate speed was 35mph when the collision occurred!!! The smell of gun powder was through out my vehicle. Also the service air bag warning light was flashing on my dash board. None of the factory air bags deployed during the front end collision!!!”

NHTSA complaint #10821876, filed 2016-01, 13,000 miles

Body and structure: “Paint is chipping and peeling along upper windshield. There have been no rocks or hail or any other reason for this to happen. A flake came off one day and as time went by I began to notice more areas. Upon a google search of chevy forums I find that this is not an uncommon issue, right down to the specific year/make/model and area of damage.”

NHTSA complaint #11144219, filed 2018-10, 125,000 miles

Engine: “Twice I have encountered un-commanded rapid acceleration while driving at approximately 45mph. I was able to get the acceleration back under control by pressing and holding the brakes. It has happened in the same location, I'm guessing it is some sort of radio signal interference.”

NHTSA complaint #11141157, filed 2018-10, 54,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

39% of the 171 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 37,000 and 90,000 miles.

6%0–108%10–2525%25–5025%50–7516%75–10016%100–1505%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (171 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 60,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

20162018202020224220242026
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Silverado 1500 · regular cab 4WD★★★★☆5 / 4554 · 18.5% risk
Silverado 1500 · crew cab 4WD★★★★☆4 / 4554 · 18.5% risk
Silverado 1500 · extended cab 4WD★★★★☆5 / 4554 · 18.5% risk
Silverado 1500 · regular cab RWD★★★★☆5 / 4554 · 19.1% risk
Silverado 1500 · crew cab RWD★★★★☆4 / 4554 · 19.1% risk
Silverado 1500 · extended cab RWD★★★★☆5 / 4554 · 19.1% risk
Silverado 1500 Hybrid · crew cab 4WD★★★★☆4 / 4554 · 18.5% risk
Silverado 1500 Hybrid · crew cab RWD★★★★☆4 / 4554 · 19.1% risk

Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating; 2014: 5 stars overall. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Silverado C15 2WD4.3L 6-cyl4-speed automatic152017$3,950
Silverado K15 4WD4.3L 6-cyl4-speed automatic141816$4,200
Silverado C15 2WD4.8L 8-cyl · flex-fuel4-speed automatic141916$4,200
Silverado C15 2WD5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic152117$3,950
Silverado C15 2WD6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic131814$4,800
Silverado C15 XFE 2WD5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic152218$3,700
Silverado K15 4WD4.8L 8-cyl · flex-fuel4-speed automatic131815$4,450
Silverado K15 4WD5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic152117$3,950
Silverado K15 4WD6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel6-speed automatic121814$4,800

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,126 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 1,126 bulletins →

Other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20261274,00034–519Too new to compareToo new
20251087,0000519Too new to compareToo new
202432010,7092518Too new to compareToo new
202339134,000351944 · TypicalToo new
202265636,75064–51860 · TypicalRising
202185556,00084–51770 · MoreRising
202075027,177124–51977 · MoreRising
20191,09715,727104–51990 · MoreRising
201852337,500751937 · TypicalStable
201771444,500751955 · TypicalStable
201679747,0001251966 · MoreStable
20151,11154,7921151957 · TypicalFalling
20141,43763,000652067 · MoreFalling
201330260,00024170 · FewerStable
201221675,00024170 · FewerFalling
201156570,00044175 · FewerFalling
201036367,0003—170 · FewerFalling
200944570,0003—160 · FewerFalling
200891470,0003—1715 · FewerFalling
200784970,0002—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200635960,0000—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200552562,2200—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200479768,5410—16Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200380580,3170—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200250987,9900—16Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200146890,0000—16Not compared (before 2008)Stable
2000614100,0000—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
1999587110,8960—16Not compared (before 2008)Rising
199836173,5760——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199755589,0000——Not compared (before 2008)Rising
19967110,2500———Not enough data
199410150,0000———Not enough data

All Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

Owners of this model year most often report two things: cracked instrument-panel plastic around the passenger airbag and severe corrosion of the frame and cross members. The issues reported most often: Cracked dashboard plastic around the passenger airbag; Frame and cross-member rust; Oil consumption and lifter noise (5.3L V8).

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?

NHTSA recorded 302 consumer complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is reported most often?

Other or unknown is named most often, in 105 complaints (35% of the total), followed by air bags with 83.

Has the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 8 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

What gas mileage does the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (Silverado C15 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reported?

Among the 171 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 60,000 miles and the middle half falls between 37,000 and 90,000 miles; 39% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.