Recall 13V147 affects 885 2013 GMC Savana and Express vehicles for unsecured seat wiring that can short. Repair is free at any franchised GMC dealer.
GMC recall 13V147 covers 885 2013 Savana and Express conversion vans because the seat adjuster and seat heater wiring harness was not properly secured. If the harness gets caught in the seat riser, the wires can be cut and short circuit, which increases the risk of a fire; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The front seat wiring harness in these 2013 GMC Savana and Express vans carries electrical power to the power seat adjuster and the seat heating circuit. The adjuster moves the seat on its base, while the heater circuit warms the seat cushion and backrest. Those wires need to stay clipped away from the moving seat riser.
On affected vans, the harness is not properly secured. As the seat moves, the loose wiring can become lodged in the seat riser mechanism, the metal support and track area under the seat. Once the harness is caught there, the moving parts can pinch or damage the wiring that feeds the seat adjuster and heater.
There is no warning sign before failure. A seat heater or power adjustment problem can be the first thing an owner notices, but the recall concern is the loose harness getting trapped under the seat.
Who's affected?
Covers Savana and Express vans, with front-seat components and wiring listed as separate component categories.
| 2013 GMC Savana | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| 2013 GMC Savana | seat assembly |
| 2013 GMC Savana | seat assembly |
| 2013 GMC Savana | wiring |
| 2013 Chevrolet Express | seat assembly |
| 2013 Chevrolet Express | seat assembly |
| 2013 Chevrolet Express | seat assembly |
| 2013 Chevrolet Express | wiring |
| Units affected | 885 |
The 2013 Savana or Express name narrows the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
Seat wiring that gets caught in the seat riser can be cut and short circuit. A short circuit can start a fire. Have the seat wiring secured promptly, and ask the dealer whether the harness needs replacement. Repair will be free at any franchised GMC dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 GMC Savana or Express is included in this recall.
- Watch for the owner notice from GMC before scheduling the dealer repair.
- Contact a franchised GMC dealer once the repair is open and ask for the free seat-wiring-harness service that secures the harness before it lodges in the seat riser mechanism.
- Bring the recall notice if GMC sent one. If not, reference recall number 13V147 when you call.
- Avoid using the power seat adjuster or seat heater until the harness has been inspected and secured.
What happens at the repair
Once the repair is available, a GMC technician secures the seat wiring harness that powers the seat adjuster and seat heater, keeping it away from the seat riser mechanism. If the harness is damaged, the technician replaces it. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. The remedy filed for campaign 13V147 also lists owner notification through Explorer Van Company, but the dealer work is the repair path for affected Savana and Express vehicles.
Timeline
| April 17, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 10, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V147?
Recall 13V147 covers 885 2013 GMC Savana and Express vans with seat wiring that is not properly secured near the seat riser mechanism. The wiring can become trapped, severed, and short circuit, increasing fire risk. Dealers will secure the wiring harness and replace damaged harnesses for free.
What should I do if my 2013 GMC Savana or Express is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 13V147. If it is, contact a franchised GMC dealer and ask for the seat wiring harness inspection and securing repair. Reference recall number 13V147 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the remedy for recall 13V147 says dealers will secure the seat wiring harness and replace damaged harnesses free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a fire from damaged seat wiring. If the harness gets caught in the seat riser mechanism, wires can be severed and short circuit. Have the free dealer repair completed so the harness is secured away from the moving seat mechanism.
When did this recall repair begin?
The recall repair began on May 10, 2013. Because that date has passed, owners can contact a franchised GMC dealer now and reference recall 13V147 to ask for the seat wiring harness repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V147000 |
|---|---|
| GMC customer service | 1-800-926-7878 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V147 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V147000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →