2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 7%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 151,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine of the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500, 7% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 151,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On or about 10-14-2020 I had got a call from my niece that she was at a parking lot and the truck didn't want to run the same. She was passing a intersection when she heard a very loud pop noise and a very scary noise coming from the engine. The noise did shack her some but when she notices the truck had lost its power she was more scare that she was going to get hit by a other car came out to be the lifters and camshaft . …”
NHTSA complaint #11395927, filed 2021-02, 177,000 miles“Heard a laud pop and grinding noise on my 2013 5.3 vortex v8 Gmc from the motor where I had to stop it because I thought my motor was going to luck up on me. I pulled over on the side of the road on missouri and triviz. Where my wife had to pick me up 1 hour after the the fact to haul it back home. Got home where I did my research to find parts and labor coast for my truck and came across some active class action lawsuits on Gmc for same tape of engine the 5.3 vortex and same and 1 year older or 1 year newer having the same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11376262, filed 2020-11, 177,000 miles“Check engine comes in related to low oil pressure sensor causes an emissions light to which will not pass inspection. Have changed oil pick up tube o ring, which was not damaged, pressure sensor and screen have been changed. No mechanics or local dealers have any idea how to fix this issue. While driving the truck and stopped in traffic or at a very low speed the oil pressure light comes on.”
NHTSA complaint #11221071, filed 2019-06, 70,000 miles“On 9-12-25 I was pulling a utility trailer when I went to back it in the driveway my 2013 gmc 1500 5.3 stalled . I restarted it only to have a lifter claddering !!!! I checked the oil it was good ! Oil pressure was good not over heating . It is just the lifter!!!!!! After doing some investigating I found that this is a common problem with GM's 5.3 with the AFM system!!! Companies should be held accountable for fraudulent designs!!! This is Not the first time for GM screwing consumers!!! GM had a similar situation back in the 70s and 80s Cadillac!!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #11687166, filed 2025-09“The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, while making a left turn, the accelerator pedal was depressed and there was a ticking sound coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11548370, filed 2023-10, 140,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11017263Mar 25, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 101 | 69% |
| 2025 | 59 | 48% |
| 2024 | 190 | 50% |
| 2023 | 212 | 42% |
| 2022 | 241 | 40% |
| 2021 | 322 | 54% |
| 2020 | 244 | 51% |
| 2019 | 313 | 48% |
| 2018 | 67 | 22% |
| 2017 | 58 | 16% |
| 2016 | 39 | 11% |
| 2015 | 84 | 12% |
| 2014 | 69 | 9% |
| 2013 | 8 | 7% |
| 2012 | 6 | 6% |
| 2011 | 16 | 6% |
| 2010 | 11 | 7% |
| 2009 | 13 | 6% |
| 2008 | 19 | 5% |
| 2007 | 19 | 7% |
| 2006 | 5 | 3% |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500
42 complaintsAir bags
36 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsForward collision avoidance
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology