2013 GMC Sierra 2500HD: common problems and reliability

The 2013 GMC Sierra 2500HD has 85 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and fuel/propulsion system. Owners most often flag transmission reliability problems — including shudder, grinding, failure to shift, high temperatures, and complete replacements under warranty. affects multiple model years (e.g., 2013, 2016, 2017). frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2013 model year

85
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 GMC Sierra 2500HD vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
14
fuel/propulsion system
10
power train
10
steering
10
electrical system
8

Recalls affecting the 2013 Sierra 2500HD

equipment

Campaign 18V267000

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 vehic

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 21V054000

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, o

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 21V053000

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, a

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year, powertrain choice, and intended use. Positive feedback centers on the truck's capability, towing comfort, and the refined ride quality of the independent front suspension, particularly in newer models. Th

  • Transmission reliability problems — including shudder, grinding, failure to shift, high temperatures, and complete replacements under warranty. Affects multiple model years (e.g., 2013, 2016, 2017). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Duramax diesel high cost of ownership — very expensive repairs (quotes of $6,000+ per incident, $20,000+ total), emissions system (DEF/DPF) failures, injector failures, and general unreliability cited as reasons to avoid. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) clogging — occurs with frequent short trips or stop-and-go driving, leading to expensive cleaning ($800-$1,600) or replacement (~$12,000). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Front suspension/steering component wear — including wheel bearings and torsion bar mount failures, especially on older 4x4 models. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Fuel system issues — fuel pump failures on gas and diesel models. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Sierra 2500HD.

Typical used price

Used Sierra 2500HD listings typically run $25,691–$45,898 across 2009 to 2024 model years.

Other Sierra 2500HD model years