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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD | 224.4 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 143.7 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,154 lb | 58/42 |
| 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 4X4 /Denali | 224.4 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 143.7 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,285 lb | 58/42 |
| 1500 Ext Cab L/Box 2WD | 243.3 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 157.5 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,243 lb | 59/41 |
| 1500 Ext Cab L/Box 4X4 | 243.3 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 157.5 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,503 lb | 60/40 |
| 1500 Ext Cab M/Box 2WD | 224.4 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 143.7 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 4,885 lb | 58/42 |
| 1500 Ext Cab M/Box 4X4 | 224.4 in | 79.9 in | 74 in | 143.7 in | 68.5 / 67.3 in | 5,309 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD Hybrid | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | +21% | $3,200 | 418 |
| Sierra 15 Hybrid 4WD Hybrid | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | +30% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Sierra C15 XFE 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | +4% | $3,700 | 500 |
| Sierra C15 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -2% | $3,950 | 532 |
| Sierra C15 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -2% | $3,950 | 520 |
| Sierra K15 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | +6% | $3,950 | 523 |
| Sierra C15 2WD FFV | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -8% | $4,200 | 564 |
| Sierra K15 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 16 | -1% | $4,200 | 573 |
| Sierra K15 4WD FFV | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -7% | $4,450 | 598 |
| Sierra C15 2WD FFV | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 14 | -19% | $4,800 | 618 |
| Sierra K15 4WD FFV | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -13% | $4,800 | 625 |
| Sierra K15 AWD FFV | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -13% | $4,800 | 623 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 GMC Sierra (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2013 Chevrolet Silverado | 21 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2013 Toyota Tacoma | 23 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2013 Toyota Tundra | 17 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Ram 1500 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
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.
Not every 2013 GMC Sierra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 GMC Sierra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 52 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Structure › Body — 26 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Engine — 12 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 65,435 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Sierra | 25 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 6 | 169 |
| 2025 Sierra | 26 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 178 |
| 2024 Sierra | 25 | 233.1 in | Not rated | 8 | 538 |
| 2023 Sierra | 26 | 229.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 558 |
| 2022 Sierra | 26 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 8 | 674 |
| 2021 Sierra | 26 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 10 | 668 |
| 2020 Sierra | 26 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 16 | 624 |
| 2019 Sierra | 21 | 225.6 in | Not rated | 17 | 729 |
| 2018 Sierra | 20 | 235.4 in | Not rated | 12 | 371 |
| 2017 Sierra | 20 | 235.4 in | Not rated | 11 | 481 |
| 2016 Sierra | 20 | 235.4 in | Not rated | 13 | 457 |
| 2015 Sierra | 20 | 235.4 in | Not rated | 23 | 915 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →