Makes›GMC›Sierra›2013

2013 GMC Sierra

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Body styles
1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD, 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 4X4 /Denali, 1500 Ext Cab L/Box 2WD, 1500 Ext Cab L/Box 4X4
Engines
6.0L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 4.3L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, FFV, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 20 city / 23 hwy
Length
224.4–243.3 in
Curb weight
4,885–5,503 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 21 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2013 standard pickup truck (17.3 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 GMC Sierra is a standard pickup truck offered with 4 engines (6.0L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 4.3L 6-cyl and 4.8L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 224 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 144-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,154 lb (1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (20 city / 23 highway), 21% better than the 2013 standard pickup truck average of 17.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 195 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.

What changed for 2013

  • Lightest version 183 lb lighter

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Sierra →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD224.4 in79.9 in74 in143.7 in68.5 / 67.3 in5,154 lb58/42
1500 Crew Cab S/Box 4X4 /Denali224.4 in79.9 in74 in143.7 in68.5 / 67.3 in5,285 lb58/42
1500 Ext Cab L/Box 2WD243.3 in79.9 in74 in157.5 in68.5 / 67.3 in5,243 lb59/41
1500 Ext Cab L/Box 4X4243.3 in79.9 in74 in157.5 in68.5 / 67.3 in5,503 lb60/40
1500 Ext Cab M/Box 2WD224.4 in79.9 in74 in143.7 in68.5 / 67.3 in4,885 lb58/42
1500 Ext Cab M/Box 4X4224.4 in79.9 in74 in143.7 in68.5 / 67.3 in5,309 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD Hybrid6.0L 8-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Rear-Wheel Drive20 / 23 / 21+21%$3,200418
Sierra 15 Hybrid 4WD Hybrid6.0L 8-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel Drive20 / 23 / 21+30%$3,200423
Sierra C15 XFE 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18+4%$3,700500
Sierra C15 2WD4.3L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-2%$3,950532
Sierra C15 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-2%$3,950520
Sierra K15 4WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17+6%$3,950523
Sierra C15 2WD FFV4.8L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-8%$4,200564
Sierra K15 4WD4.3L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 16-1%$4,200573
Sierra K15 4WD FFV4.8L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15-7%$4,450598
Sierra C15 2WD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 14-19%$4,800618
Sierra K15 4WD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive12 / 18 / 14-13%$4,800625
Sierra K15 AWD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive12 / 18 / 14-13%$4,800623
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
17.3 MPG2013 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 GMC Sierra.

Similar 2013 standard pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 GMC Sierra (this car)21 MPGNot rated7
2013 Chevrolet Silverado21 MPGNot rated7
2013 Toyota Tacoma23 MPGNot rated6
2013 Toyota Tundra17 MPGNot rated5
2013 Ram 150021 MPGNot rated11

Recalls (7)

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V053000 · 692,526 vehicles

Problem
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, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010 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 Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2009 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 Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
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 notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328790.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V054000 · 1,778,128 vehicles

Problem
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, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
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 notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.
Equipment · Apr 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V267000 · 6,154 vehicles

Problem
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 expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
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's number for this recall is 18146.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Auxillary Tank · Oct 19, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V664000 · 35,292 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 trucks equipped with dual fuel tanks. The low fuel level sensor for the front tank may stick causing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.
Risk
If the front tank overfills, the excess pressure may cause the front tank to expand and contact the driveshaft, possibly resulting in a hole in the tank. The hole will leak fuel, which in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear tank fuel pump or update the fuel-level sensor software, as well as inspect the front tank, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service for Chevrolet 1-800-222-1020 or for GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17399.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Oct 30, 2015

NHTSA campaign 13V544000 · 1,808 vehicles

Problem
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 Standard No. 303 "Fuel System Integrity of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles." In the affected vehicles, the text of the CNG fuel-only label is smaller than the required size, and as a result, may be less noticeable.
Risk
Text that does not conform to the required labeling size could inhibit fuel tank inspection practices and safe refueling, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
GM will notify owners and will send them a replacement label, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 13365.
Fuel System, Diesel · Dec 11, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V615000 · 9,733 vehicles

Problem
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 front tank could malfunction and cause the fuel gauge to indicate an inaccurate reading.
Risk
If the fuel gauge indicates an inaccurate reading it may result in the vehicle unexpectedly stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
General Motors will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel transfer pump, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 13420.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Jan 2, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V001000 · 54,686 vehicles

Problem
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, manufactured between November 7, 2012, through December 18, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect", and FMVSS No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." The vehicles may have been built with a fractured park lock cable or a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly.
Risk
As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position. The vehicle may also shift out of Park without application of the brake pedal while the key is off. Either of these scenarios may cause the vehicle to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible vehicle crash and/or injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. Cadillac owners may call 1-866-982-2339. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 GMC Sierra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

195Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
65,435 miTypical mileage at failure
Unknown Or Other66
Air Bags52
Structure › Body26
Engine12
Suspension11
Electrical System10
Power Train10
Fuel/Propulsion System10
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/07: 322/08: 122/09: 123/01: 223/03: 223/04: 123/05: 123/06: 323/07: 123/08: 223/09: 423/10: 523/12: 124/06: 124/08: 324/09: 224/11: 124/12: 125/01: 125/07: 125/09: 225/10: 125/12: 126/10: 122/0723/0123/0523/0823/1224/0925/0125/10max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 GMC Sierra buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 52 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Structure › Body — 26 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Engine — 12 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 65,435 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 GMC Sierra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Sierra years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Sierra25241.3 inNot rated6170
2025 Sierra26241.3 inNot rated4178
2024 Sierra25233.1 inNot rated8539
2023 Sierra26229.5 inNot rated4558
2022 Sierra26241.3 inNot rated8676
2021 Sierra26241.3 inNot rated10668
2020 Sierra26241.3 inNot rated16624
2019 Sierra21225.6 inNot rated17729
2018 Sierra20235.4 inNot rated12371
2017 Sierra20235.4 inNot rated11481
2016 Sierra20235.4 inNot rated13457
2015 Sierra20235.4 inNot rated23915

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →