2013 Chevrolet Silverado Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Silverado years
Typical for this model
55/100 1.1× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.1× that of a typical Chevrolet Silverado year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 54 of its 64 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported problem: Unintended acceleration or throttle that will not release (12 complaints, median 11,050 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2010, 2011
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
- 64filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 10,050miles, 58 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid RWD · 20 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe sudden loss of steering assist, unexpected acceleration or failure to decelerate, and transmission behavior such as slipping at launch, hard downshifts, or the truck moving while in Park. Many reports arrive at low mileage, and several note the dealer could not duplicate the concern.
- Steering
Steering assist cuts out or wheel locks up
- 9 complaints (14%)
- median 9,744 mi at 1.0 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2016
Complaints describe the steering wheel suddenly becoming very hard to turn or locking altogether at highway and parking-lot speeds, sometimes with a warning chime. Several owners say it happened more than once and that the dealer test drove the truck but could not duplicate it. Some reports mention a dead spot or free play in the steering box that was present from new. Mostly reported under 20,000 miles, often while turning or making a lane change at speed.
What to check: Ask whether the steering angle sensor connector service or a power steering flush was ever done, and test drive at highway speed and in tight low-speed turns, watching for chimes or a stiff wheel.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Traveling 70 MPH on freeway, naturally veering left to right went to correct to the right and steering wheel locked up. I could turn to the left more but could not correct back to the right. Had to slow down to about 35 MPH nearly causing someone to rear-end me, then it finally broke loose. The entire ordeal lasted aprox. 12 seconds before it was corrected.”
NHTSA complaint #10509134, filed 2013-04, 5,100 miles“The problem I have been having has been going on for almost a year. The steering wheel seems to have a dead spot in it when the steering wheel is turned 3/4 turn to 1 complete turn. You can feel the slack in the steering box when making a turn(left or right)the steering wheel will have up to 2 1/2 inches of free play when turning(there is no free play when driving straight) it has been doing this since the day I bought the pickup new off of the lot. …”
NHTSA complaint #10592086, filed 2014-05, 500 miles - Air bags
Dashboard cracking near the passenger airbag
- 10 complaints (16%)
- median 37,000 mi at 2.7 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2016
Complaints describe cracks forming in the dashboard above or beside the passenger airbag cover, sometimes within the first few years of ownership. Owners say the dealer or manufacturer offered to replace the dash only if the owner covered part of the cost, and several express concern about what the cracked plastic could do if the airbag deployed. A separate group of reports describes airbags that did not deploy in a collision. Mostly reported between about 35,000 and 50,000 miles, often noticed while the truck was parked.
What to check: Inspect the dash above and beside the passenger airbag cover for cracks, and check that the airbag warning light behaves normally at key-on.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dashboard is cracked in 2 places adjacent to the airbag cover. Gm and the dealer are willing to replace it out of warranty but are requiring me to cover nearly half the replacement cost of $700. This should be a recall issue as an airbag deployment would create plastic projectiles in the cabin that could injure a passenger. I can provide a photo if requested.”
NHTSA complaint #10694696, filed 2015-03, 38,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10508458, filed 2013-04, 1,753 miles - Vehicle speed control
Unintended acceleration or throttle that will not release
- 12 complaints (19%)
- median 11,050 mi at 1.5 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2016
Owners describe the truck speeding up on its own, sometimes with cruise control engaged, and sometimes the engine holding rpm after the accelerator is released. Braking sometimes had to be applied firmly to slow the vehicle, and a few reports describe collisions. Dealers generally could not diagnose a cause, and one owner was told the behavior was normal. Reported from a few hundred miles up to about 20,000 miles, at highway and around-town speeds.
What to check: Test drive at a steady highway speed with cruise engaged and check for stored throttle or pedal codes; ask whether the throttle body or pedal assembly has ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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, filed 2015-08, 85,000 miles“Vehicle unexpectedly accelerated at a gradual increase form 25 to 40 MPH on its own accord. Vehicle did decelerate once brakes were applied. Manufacture notified through the visit to the dealer ,and.”
NHTSA complaint #10620782, filed 2014-08, 17,770 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Truck rolls or shifts out of Park
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report the truck moving on its own after being shifted into Park, in some cases with the parking brake applied, and one report describes a fractured parking pawl. Others describe the truck shifting out of Park into Neutral on an incline, or stalling once Park was selected. Dealers often said they could not duplicate the condition. Reported between roughly 1,000 and 10,000 miles, typically on inclines or after parking.
Recall 13V0010001 related service bulletin
What to check: Park on a slope and confirm the truck holds with the brake released, and ask whether the shift lever or park lock components have been inspected or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado. After shifting into the park position, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician stated that the vehicle was operating as designed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10658964, filed 2014-11, 10,000 miles“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that she shifted into park, turned the vehicle off and was attempting to exit but the vehicle began to roll away. The contact then restarted the vehicle and secured the vehicle in park once again. The vehicle was later taken to the dealer where they advised that they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10564754, filed 2014-02, 4,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slipping at launch and hard downshifts
- 5 complaints (8%)
- median 1,500 mi at 1.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2013–2014
Complaints describe the engine revving with little movement when shifting into Drive, then engaging abruptly enough to chirp the tires, often on the first shifts after the truck has sat. Others report the transmission dropping several gears during deceleration, causing a hard slowdown, and some note delayed throttle response followed by a surge. Owners say the dealer either could not verify the concern or pointed to a bulletin without performing a repair. Frequently reported under 5,000 miles, often on the first shifts after a cold start or after sitting.
Recall 13V0010001 related service bulletin
What to check: Ask whether the clutch select solenoid or transmission software update described in service bulletins was applied, and drive from a cold start to feel the first 1-2 shift.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Since I purchased this truck in june 2013, I've had several occasions where when the truck sits without being used for several days, when I back out of my driveway and put the transmission in drive, the transmissions slips. The truck won't move for a second, the engine RPM's race and then when the transmission catches, it will actually squeal the tires. Then at times it will continue to do this for the first several times I stop at a light or stop sign. …”
NHTSA complaint #10550744, filed 2013-11, 600 miles“Transmission down shifts multiple gears when I decelerate. The first occurrence happened at 70 MPH causing a very hard deceleration and near loss of control of the truck. I have had three other like incidences at speeds between 45 and 70 MPH. These happened on dry pavement and I was able to slow safely. Had this occurred on wet or snow covered roads, I have no doubt there would have been an accident. 2 . At times when I accelerate there is no throttle response for several seconds. …”
NHTSA complaint #10535605, filed 2013-08, 1,500 miles
Buying note. Ask for service records covering steering sensor work, transmission software or solenoid repairs, and dash replacement, since several reported concerns were hard for dealers to reproduce. A careful test drive from a cold start, at highway speed, and on an incline will surface most of what owners describe.
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 64 consumer complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado. 58 of the complaints include a mileage, and 88% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 10,050 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 257 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 8 Chevrolet Silverado model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 55 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (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.
- Air bags11 17%
- Body and structure9 14%
- Steering8 13%
- Engine7 11%
- Other or unknown7 11%
- Electrical system6 9.4%
- Vehicle speed control6 9.4%
- Fuel system3 4.7%
- Seat belts3 4.7%
Also reported: Tires (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Brakes (2), Wheels (2), Electronic stability control (1), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “I purchased a new black 2013 Chevrolet Silverado crew cab in october 2012 from marine Chevrolet in jacksonville, nc with a 3 yr/36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. On 16 may, 2015, I called marine Chevrolet's service department about a 1 1/2 crack above the center of the passenger side airbag. My truck had 37,017 miles and was no longer covered under the original factory warranty. However, I wanted to know if this was a common issue with this model. The dealership schedule a service appointment for 8:30 am on 18 may, 2015. …”
NHTSA complaint #10717413, filed 2015-05, 37,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “When the vehicle's transmission was placed in park, it would roll on its own even with the parking brake firmly applied (our driveway is rather steep), as though the transmission was in neutral. We tried several times over the next couple of days to re-engage the transmission to work properly, however; nothing changed. We reported it immediately to the dealer the following monday, but, their mechanic could find nothing wrong with the vehicle upon inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #10606987, filed 2014-06, 1,196 milesBody and structure: “Since I purchased this truck in 12/2013, the rubber door gaskets develop a very strong chemical smell when truck sits in the sun, or when weather is warm, which is most of the time here in florida. It smells bad enough to cause nausea, which is a distraction when driving the vehicle. I would like to know if there is a remedy to this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10592142, filed 2014-05, 20,500 milesSteering: “We have many problems with our truck. I don't remember all the dates so I am starting with the most recent and will work back. On 7/17/14 I was driving down the highway when the steering wheel of my truck locked up on me and the truck would no longer accelerate. I could no longer steer. Had I not been trying to make a lane change when it happened, I would have been ran over by 2 semis who then had to scramble to avoid hitting me. One took the turn lane while the other almost ran a car off the road to get around me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10617751, filed 2014-07, 19,800 milesMileage when problems were reported
88% of the 58 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 2,000 and 26,632 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2013 Chevrolet Silverado version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD | 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid | CVT | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD | 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid | CVT | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
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
- 13V544000Oct 30, 2015Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 2013–2014, GMC Sierra 2013–2014, Chevrolet Express 2013–2014 +1 more
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD, Chevrolet Express, and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, and model year 2013 GMC Savana compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles that fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety…
- 13V615000Dec 11, 2013Fuel system, dieselCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 2012–2013, GMC Sierra 2012–2013
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, equipped with 6.6L diesel engines and dual fuel tanks. In the affected vehicles, the transfer pump which moves fuel from the rear tank to the…
- 13V001000Jan 2, 2013Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Chevrolet Silverado 2013, GMC Sierra 2013, Chevrolet Suburban 2013 +9 more
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles…
Recall details for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado → · 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. 257 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10108645Jul 19, 2017Tires. This informational bulletin provides information on the temporary tire flat spotting condition.
- 10108627Jul 18, 2017Engine, Equipment. This informational bulletin provides warranty policy information on revised wiring repair labor operations and required additional information.
- 10108626Jul 18, 2017Electrical system. This informational bulletin provides warranty policy information on revised wiring repair labor operations and required additional information.
- 10108625Jul 18, 2017Equipment, Engine. This informational bulletin provides warranty policy information on revised wiring repair labor operations and required additional information.
- 10108599Jul 17, 2017Suspension. This technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition of a squeak noise originating from the rear of the vehicle.
- 10113404Feb 8, 2017Fuel system. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a bump feel or clunk noise at a stop or on launch. Dealer should communicate to the…
- 10113364Jan 31, 2017Brakes. This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10113325Jan 12, 2017Transmission and drivetrain, Engine cooling, Engine. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on at…
- 10078601Apr 4, 2016Electrical system, Equipment. This preliminary information communication advises the technician that the part restriction for the accessory dc power control module and the seal kit has ended.
- 10113889Mar 1, 2016Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with a list of modules to check for communication with the scan tool, if the navigation radio does not display the current Hybrid…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 125 | 32,000 | 0 | — | 20 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 5 | 664 | 2 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 76 | 5,860 | 7 | — | — | 83 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 124 | 4,913 | 13 | — | — | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 64 | 10,050 | 3 | — | 21 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 68 | 20,482 | 2 | — | 21 | 53 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 75 | 53,000 | 2 | — | 21 | 32 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2010 | 62 | 43,232 | 0 | — | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2009 | 76 | 58,500 | 0 | — | 21 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 162 | 65,650 | 1 | — | — | 24 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 183 | 56,500 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 182 | 59,756 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 316 | 53,737 | 8 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 622 | 46,746 | 8 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 695 | 44,000 | 6 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 710 | 46,567 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 877 | 49,008 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 1,305 | 57,604 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 1,660 | 64,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 279 | 73,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 272 | 81,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 186 | 79,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 263 | 124,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 210 | 121,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 69 | 187,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 40 | 160,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 17 | 107,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 25 | 88,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 22 | 106,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 15 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Silverado model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado?
Owners of this model year most often describe sudden loss of steering assist, unexpected acceleration or failure to decelerate, and transmission behavior such as slipping at launch, hard downshifts, or the truck moving while in Park. The issues reported most often: Steering assist cuts out or wheel locks up; Dashboard cracking near the passenger airbag; Unintended acceleration or throttle that will not release.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado have?
NHTSA recorded 64 consumer complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 11 complaints (17% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 11.
Has the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado (Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD, 6.0L 8-cyl · hybrid) at 21 mpg combined, 20 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado reported?
Among the 58 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 10,050 miles and the middle half falls between 2,000 and 26,632 miles; 88% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. 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.