Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light or stop sign, the vehicle experienced rough idling. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was adding engine oil every 3,000 miles. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed by the dealer that the oil consumption was normal due to the mileage on the vehicle. A year prior to the failure, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the steering wheel while turning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. …
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the subframe of the vehicle and the rear cross member were severely rusted, causing the fuel tank to become unsecured. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Additionally, the mechanic stated that the catalytic converter was faulty and created a fire hazard. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the rocker arm lifter was stuck in the open position. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 60,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made rattling sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lifters and camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
I bought a 2013 silverado truck with 30,000 miles. I paid $30,000. A year and half later the engine blew. It was 3 months after warranty and I had to pay $8000 to replace. 2 yrs later I heard a very disturbing noise. Mechanic assess and said frame is rusted through. Tubing, gas tank following off. Suspension so rusted it was a miracle it didn't just fall apart. I again bring it to Chevy (now a 3rd owner in 5yrs) and they tell me they will give me $1000. I still own almost $6000 on the loan due to the engine. There are major issues with this truck. The wax coating they used and poor steel excelled the rust at a rapid pace. If you recoated this with rust resistive spray it would void all warranties. I am now 5 years in with a blown engine and rusted through frame. Chevy has no other solution except to add my balance of that truck into a new loan and buy another. …
The truck lost power, starred sputtering and misfiring. I shut the engine down, restarted and was able to drive it home. This same issue occurred a couple more times but each time it was restarted it drove okay. I started doing research and found a history of this same issue being reported by other owners and upon complaining to GM, nothing was done. I stopped driving the truck and it has been sitting for 3 years now. On April 22 2024 I had the truck towed to Stingray Chevrolet to have the issue checked. I was informed that the engine was would need to be replaced at a cost estimated to be 18K. I had the truck towed back to my home and it has been sitting, until I decide what I am going to do. I have continued investigating and I have found where GM acknowledged there were engine issues that dated back from 2013/2014 more than 10 years where the same problems were reported. …
Throughout this truck's lifespan, it's had multiple problems with the engine and fuel system. Around 70k miles, the engine had to be completely rebuilt because of the issues with oil consumption; well known GM 5.3 liter V8 issue. The oil consumption issue then started back up around 140k miles. Once the vehicle hit 100k miles, it started throwing codes for running to lean and too rich, plus it showed the alcohol (ethanol) content at 40%. I've never used E85/20/15/10, but did use 3.5% blended fuel for the first 100K miles. Since then I've switched to 91 premium which does not contain ethanol. However, me readings continue to be over 40% ethanol. All physical parts of the system, that could lead to this issue have been replaced. Recently, my mechanic happened upon Bulletin PIP4792D, which speaks directly to the issue I among countless others are having. …
I experienced a failure of the BOSCH 4.2 fuel rail pump while driving on Interstate 65 North near Louisville KY at night and my truck had a dead pedal and was unable to accelerate any and I was in the right lane going over a bridge and two tractor trailers were in each lane behind me and having been on the bridge I was unable to leave the lane of travel until I had completely transversed the bridge I was traveling over. I did engage my emergency flashers immediately but having the trucks side by side and the truck in my lane traveling at highway speeds I was almost struck from behind as the tractor trailer applied his brakes and was able to avoid the collision luckily. I took my truck to the local dealership and was told what the issue was and I had it fixed immediately. The price of the repair was $10,362.64 give or take a few dollars. …
Stabiltrack System, Traction Control System, Reduced Engine Power. Since purchase of the vehicle, intermittent immediate failure or previously stated vehicle systems caused critical safety concerns for occupants and other drivers while operating. Vehicle looses power enters safety "Limp Mode" due to faulty engineering. Upon inspection by State Police and Fire/EMS, owners urged to contact vehicle manufacturer and NHTSA to report issue. Failure of system first happened around 140k miles on odometer. No safety or warning lamps were present prior to stated malfunction of vehicle. Malfunction appears now daily causing impaired drivability and serious safety concerns for occupants and fellow drivers. Messages on Dashboard State The Following. "Service Stabiltrack, Service Traction Control, Reduced Engine Power". NO Certain Cause OR Remedy from manufacturer.
Driving down the road and motor died, like when you run out of gas. Would not restart. Had it towed. Engine had to be rebuilt, cost over 5k. Was told by a mechanic who makes a living rebuilding 5.3 motors that motors with active fuel mgmt. and displacement on demand will fail unless your lucky. Valve springs bad, push rods bent, lifters, oil pump, exhaust and intake valves, VVT delete kit, DOD cam, etc..... I researched this problem and it is common and videos all over the internet. Chevy has known this for over 15 years yet still sells these and no recalls. I will NEVER BUY A CHEVY AS LONG AS I LIVE AND I TELL EVERYONE ABOUT THIS. Lucky I was on a country road or it would have been disaster if I was on the freeway. This caused me MAJOR HARDSHIP with my wife disabled and us both seniors, having to spend money we didn't have.
Engine complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 11% of the model year's 301 complaints. The component named most often is engine › crank/camshaft position sensor (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.