This page covers 4 recalls and 14 owner complaints for the 2013 GMC Sierra 3500.
The most notable pattern in 2013 GMC Sierra 3500 complaints centers on the airbag system, which draws the highest complaint volume, though the narratives don't detail specific symptoms beyond owners flagging concerns. The powertrain and transmission area sees a recurring issue with the transmission control module failing and forcing the truck into a fixed gear, what's commonly called limp mode, while driving at highway speeds. Owners describe this as a sudden, unexpected reduction in power and gear selection, which they find particularly disruptive at 70–75 mph. A separate complaint describes ABS activating on its own at highway speed without a clear triggering event, with a dealer unable to identify the cause. The transmission control module availability also comes up across multiple reports, with owners noting the part has been difficult or impossible to source.
14
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
By System
The 2013 GMC Sierra 3500 has 4 recalls, the most serious being a Takata passenger airbag inflator that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
This airbag defect applies to vehicles sold or registered in high-humidity states and territories, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles. On the fuel system side, trucks equipped with dual fuel tanks have a low fuel level sensor in the front tank that can stick, causing the rear tank to overfill the front. If that happens, pressure builds and the front tank can expand until it contacts the driveshaft, potentially punching a hole in the tank and creating a fuel leak. There is also a recall covering certain fire extinguishers installed in the vehicle: the extinguisher may fail to discharge properly, leaving occupants without a working tool in the event of a fire.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to high humidity, high heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a different one at no cost to you.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may fail to deploy or deploy incorrectly in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to discharge, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may detach forcefully, potentially causing injury and making the extinguisher inoperable.
What the fix does
GM will provide a free replacement fire extinguisher from Kidde. Contact your vehicle manufacturer's customer service to arrange the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front tank's low fuel level sensor can stick, causing the rear tank to overfill the front tank beyond its capacity.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the rear tank fuel pump or update the fuel-level sensor software, and inspect and replace the front tank if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
