Is the 2013 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500 reliable?

The 2013 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500 has 36 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: STEERING problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500?

Top problems: STEERING (7 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (7 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (5 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): EQUIPMENT, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500 is approximately $1,478/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500 has 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.1x the segment average of 34. The most common issue is steering problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2013 chevrolet silverado. the contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph the steering wheel began shaking vigorously from left to right. the vehicle was taken to the dealer twice diagnosis. the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. the manufacturer was not made. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 1 crash report 1 injury

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

7 complaints

19%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING VIGOROUSLY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE
• I DRIVE A 2013 CHEVY SILVERADO 3500HD, DIESEL. I HAVE HAD TWO INCIDENTS. THE FIRST ABOUT A MONTH OR TWO AGO, TURNING SHARPLY AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE POWER STEERING SEEMED TO QUIT FUNCTIONING MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE SECOND TIME WAS LAST WEEK WHILE PULLING
• I DRIVE A 2013 CHEVY SIVERODO 3500HD, DIESEL. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS. THE FIRST ABOUT A YEAR AGO, TURNING SHARPLY AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE POWER STEERING SEEMED TO QUIT FUNCTIONING MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE SECOND TIME WAS SHORTLY AFTER WHILE PULLING IN

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING VIGOROUSLY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500

Based on 29 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 56K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

Reported earliermedian 13K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 56K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

Later than typicalmedian 79K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

EQUIPMENT26/04/2018

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 vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,478

Full coverage / month

$123

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-12%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1478

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500 Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2013 SILVERADO 3500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 36 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
STEERING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING VIGOROUSLY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE FOLLOWING GOING THROUGH A CAR WASH. I STOPPED AFTER PULLING ACROSS THE STREET AND NOTICED FALSE FAULT INDICATIONS ON THE DISPLAY, FOLLOWED BY SMOKE BLOWING FROM THE HEATER VENTS. I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE, RAISED THE HOOD, AND SAW FLAMES COMING F
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BROKE OFF . DUE TO CHEAP METAL USED.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: According to GM 2009 to 2015 Chevy Silverado transmission control module and wiring harness failed. People have been without their cars for more than a year ours has been down for 6 months. NO dates for the parts to be back in stock.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)