Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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 while driving approximately 5 MPH and going over a speed bump, the contact heard an abnormal banging sound underneath the vehicle like the tailpipe had detached and was striking the undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the rear-end of the vehicle was considerably lower than normal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the undercarriage, suspension arms, braces, and frame had rusted through in many large areas, rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive. The contact stated that she contacted her insurance provider who had the vehicle towed to a collision shop. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the local dealer for servicing, he was informed that the subframe of the vehicle was severely corroded and all cross members of the vehicle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the cross members were replaced and welded. However, the failure persisted. The contact stated that he could hear parts separating from the subframe and falling onto the ground while driving. The contact stated that upon inspecting the subframe, he noticed that unknown parts were corroded and had detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the shock mount fractured with the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken the dealer where the mechanic discovered severe corrosion on the crossmember. Additionally, it was discovered that the trailer hitch had nearly disintegrated due to the corrosion. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the ABS wiring and shocks were replaced; however, the corrosion remained. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who discovered significant corrosion on the rear subframe of the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed him that they had never heard of such a failure with that model vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon inspection of the vehicle, he discovered severe corrosion on the suspension. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where pictures were taken of the corrosion and were sent to the manufacturer. The manufacturer informed the contact that the corrosion warranty on the vehicle had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon changing the oil, he discovered severe corrosion on the undercarriage sub frame. The contact stated that the rust was located primarily around both rear wheels. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 99,200.
Frame of truck is completely rusted out, truck has only 88,000 miles. The body of the truck is in perfect condition with no rust but the frame is shot! This will be over 4,500 dollars to repair, this seems to be a common issue in the Chevy and GMC trucks. I did see on a web site GM had issues on application of a wax sealer on the frames that was thought to be discoverd in 2020. I contacted Chevy at [phone] call center and was told at this time it is out of warranty and thank you for being a valued Chevy customer! I have never had a vehicle in my life of 63 years have a bad frame like this, my wife and I have had over 19 GM vehicles in our life but never a issue like this! These frames are worse than the Toyata Tacoma frames! 10 years old well maintained, frame is shot.
My truck frame has rusted completely through. I have holes in my truck frame. I also have my rear shocks have broke free from my frame. I went back to the dealer the first week i had the truck to have my bed liner installed. At this time i pointed the rust and undercoating that was falling off. The told me they would take care of the problem. I assumed they would, my mistake. I had to go back 2 other times for warranty work on my drive train. Both times I complained about the rust. Each time I returned it was getting exponentially worse. Both times they told me Chevrolet would do nothing about it. That the rust was "normal" Now I have a truck that is not even 10 years old with my frame falling apart.
bought this truck from Granger DCJR in Orange, tx on 7/20/21. upon further inspection of vehicle on 7/25/21 found that there are no bushings in the rear shocks and that when you steer the truck at low speeds from a stop sign the rack and pinion locks up and you can not steer the truck. the steering issue almost caused me to hit 3 cars and almost run in a ditch. dealer states that they have spent to much money on this truck and refuses to do the repairs. now im stuck with a truck that cant be driven. also this truck supposedly passed a 172 point inspection but i dont see how with these issues.
I was sold a vehicle by a dealership with a completely unsafe frame. The frame is very rotted and has multiple holes and as well as a split open portion on the drivers side that extends down most of the frame. This issue was undisclosed by the dealer. There was also a discovery of rotted suspension components making the vehicle extremely dangerous to myself and others. Another undisclosed issue would be that this vehicles engine does not match the vin number.
Suspension complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the suspension of the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 7% of the model year's 301 complaints. The component named most often is rear (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles.
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.