Is the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

▲ Better than typical

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 301
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2013: 301 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1994	10
1995	3
1996	7
1997	555
1998	361
1999	587
2000	613
2001	468
2002	509
2003	805
2004	797
2005	525
2006	358
2007	849
2008	914
2009	444
2010	363
2011	563
2012	216
2013	301
2014	1,434
2015	1,105
2016	792
2017	712
2018	518
2019	1,077
2020	730
2021	827
2022	630
2023	381
2024	303
2025	97
2026	98

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

28% · 83 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Was involved in an MVA at @ 40 MPH no air bags were deployed

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-05-29

Truck was hit on front driver side by another vehicle. The frame was bent and the left side was also damaged. Airbags were released. Front tires were damaged. This occurred on July 9, 2020.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-08-02

Also filed under Structure

Rolled truck, only airbag that went off was passenger door.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-07-26

Structure

25% · 75 reports

Most commonly citing body and frame and members.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

The vehicle's structural frame rails have suffered a catastrophic failure. The driver-side frame rail has a physical separation gap measuring between 1/2-inch and 1 inch wide.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-23

Also filed under Suspension

Engine

11% · 33 reports

INJURY

Suspension

7% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing rear.

Power train

4% · 13 reports

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2021-05-11Air bags21V053000 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...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-05-11Air bags21V054000 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...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds

Buy-smart checklist

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 83 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 75 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 33 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 21V053000 · Air bags
Recall 21V054000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.