What are the most common GMC Sierra 1500 problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 has 12 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Stretched Timing Chain on 5.3L AFM V8, P0700 — Transmission Fault Flag from Failing 6L80/6L90 Internal TEHCM, Front Hub Bearing Assembly Failure Causing ABS Activation, Noise, and Wheel Play. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
The 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 has 12 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Stretched Timing Chain on 5.3L AFM V8 and P0700 — Transmission Fault Flag from Failing 6L80/6L90 Internal TEHCM. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common GMC Sierra 1500 problems?
Repair costs for known GMC Sierra 1500 issues range from $20 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Stretched Timing Chain on 5.3L AFM V8, typically costs $150-$1,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2007-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation Fault from Stretched Timing Chain on 5.3L AFM V8?
P0016 means the crankshaft and Bank 1 intake camshaft are out of sync beyond tolerance. On the 5.3L V8 Sierra 1500 this is a signature failure because of two engine-specific problems: (1) the timing chain stretches over time — accelerated by AFM lifter debris and extended oil-cha… Repairs typically run $150-$1,800. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2018 GMC Sierra 1500 P0700 — Transmission Fault Flag from Failing 6L80/6L90 Internal TEHCM?
P0700 itself is only a flag: the Transmission Control Module has stored one or more transmission faults and is requesting the MIL. On Sierra 1500s with the 6L80 (and 6L90 on heavier variants) 6-speed automatic, the notable design issue is that the TCM is integrated into the valve… Repairs typically run $600-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1999-2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Front Hub Bearing Assembly Failure Causing ABS Activation, Noise, and Wheel Play?
Front wheel hub bearing assemblies on Sierra 1500 trucks commonly wear out, especially on 4WD models and trucks used with larger tires or in rough conditions. Owners report humming or growling that changes with speed, looseness in the front wheel, and in some cases ABS warnings o… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2000-2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Blend Door / HVAC Actuator Failure Causing Clicking Behind Dash and Incorrect Air Temperature or Mode?
Sierra owners across both GMT800 and GMT900 generations frequently report small electric HVAC actuators stripping internal gears or losing calibration. The result is a repetitive clicking or tapping noise from the dash, air stuck on defrost or floor, or one side blowing hot while… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Power Door Lock Actuator Failure Causing Intermittent or Inoperative Locking?
GMT900 Sierra trucks are well known for failing door lock actuators, often starting with one door that unlocks weakly or only works intermittently before additional doors fail. Owners report the key fob cycling the locks while one or more doors remain stuck, requiring manual oper… Repairs typically run $180-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2018 GMC Sierra 1500 P0430 — Catalyst Efficiency Bank 2 (Driver-Side) Converter Failure on 5.3L V8?
P0430 is the Bank 2 counterpart to P0420 and, on the Sierra 1500 V8, points to the driver-side (Bank 2) catalytic converter falling below efficiency threshold. The mechanism is identical to Bank 1: the rear O2 sensor voltage begins mirroring the front sensor, so the ECM concludes… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2017 GMC Sierra 1500 P0420 — Catalyst Efficiency Bank 1 from Failing Cat, Often Caused by AFM Oil Consumption or Air-Box Debris?
On the 5.3L V8 Sierra 1500, P0420 sets when the downstream (post-cat) O2 sensor tracks the upstream sensor too closely, meaning the Bank 1 catalytic converter is no longer scrubbing exhaust efficiently. The distinctive part on these trucks: the converter frequently dies premature… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2022 GMC Sierra 1500 P0011 — Intake Cam Over-Advanced from Sludge-Clogged VVT Solenoid on 5.3L V8?
P0011 means the Bank 1 intake camshaft is timed more advanced than the ECM commanded — the phaser is stuck/biased advanced. On the Sierra 1500 5.3L/6.2L, the dominant cause is a VVT (camshaft actuator) solenoid whose internal screen has clogged with oil sludge or AFM debris, jamm… Repairs typically run $40-$450. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Upper Dash Pad Cracking and Interior Panel Failure in Sun-Exposed GMT800/GMT900 Trucks?
Owners of 2007-2013 Sierra 1500 trucks commonly report the upper dash cracking near the passenger airbag area and around defrost vents, especially in hot climates. While primarily a cosmetic and rattling issue, some owners also complain that broken plastic edges and loose pieces… Repairs typically run $120-$1,200. Severity: low.
What is the 2007-2019 GMC Sierra 1500 P0128 — Engine Never Reaches Operating Temp from a Stuck-Open Thermostat?
On the Sierra 1500, P0128 means the coolant did not reach the expected regulating temperature within the time/airflow the ECM predicted — almost always a thermostat stuck open (or partly open) so the engine runs too cool. The GM thermostat on the 5.3L/6.2L is integrated into a pl… Repairs typically run $200-$850. Severity: low.
What is the 2007-2023 GMC Sierra 1500 P0455 — Gross EVAP Leak from Failed Vent Solenoid, Missing Gas Cap, or Broken Vent Hose?
P0455 indicates a large (gross) EVAP leak — the ECM cannot pull or hold vacuum in the evaporative system at all. On the Sierra 1500 the classic causes are a completely missing/unsealed gas cap, a stuck-open or failed EVAP vent solenoid (mounted under the truck near the fuel tank/… Repairs typically run $20-$350. Severity: low.
What is the 2007-2018 GMC Sierra 1500 P0442 — Small EVAP Leak from Loose/Cracked Gas Cap or Fractured Filler Vent Hose?
P0442 on the Sierra 1500 is a small EVAP leak detected during the ECM's key-off/idle vacuum test. On these trucks the two most common real-world causes are a loose, worn, or cracked gas cap seal (the cheapest fix and always the first check) and — a documented GM issue (TSB 15-NA-… Repairs typically run $20-$250. Severity: low.
