2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 519 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 19 Silverado 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 10 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 11 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bagsMay 21, 2026
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles. The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace both RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262557310. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 21, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 26V166.
Campaign 26V325000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsMar 19, 2026
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 Crew Cab vehicles. The left or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the left and right-side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262549710. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
Campaign 26V166000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJun 26, 2025
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Sierra 2500, 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab vehicles. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increases the risk of injury or crash.
Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2025. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252513060.
Campaign 25V432000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorOct 10, 2024
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2018-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 Crew Cab trucks. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC Customer Service at 888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N242474500.
Campaign 24V756000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, power assist, vacuumOct 1, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.
A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-522-9559, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N202300860.
Campaign 20V603000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, wheel speed sensor/tone ringOct 24, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Campaign 19V761000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, power assist, vacuumSep 6, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Campaign 19V645000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
111 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Jan 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vent valve solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, a month later, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel filler neck needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the metal lock ring had rusted and the metal lock ring, fuel pump, and fuel pump sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the dealer, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 51,145.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 28, 2022
Service Trailer Brake System message appears and disappears constantly, check engine light.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 8, 2022
Sudden loss of vehicle electrical power as well as steering and break control due to faulty negative battery terminal. Engine will stall and steering wheel will kick back and issue a stabilitrak service message. Vehicle will become inoperable while still moving with no way to control.
Engine, Oct 2, 2022
During the mornings when first starting my truck, I get a stutter or hesitation to the engine when accelerating out of my driveway. This happens just about every morning. I have determined that the truck has to be off for about 10+ hours. The stutter/hesitation goes away after the car warms up in about 1 mile. Have had the truck into the shop but they can find NO problems.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 26, 2022
Faulty injector connectors get a loose connection and make truck shutter and check engine light come on . This has happened 3 times already and had to replace one faulty plug . This is all over the internet from other l5p owners. Yet gmc want do anything
Engine, Jul 29, 2022
Our 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was purchased new and only serviced at Chevrolet dealerships. While on vacation we were driving on a 3-lane paved road and then engine started knocking for a few seconds and then a chime could be heard and the check engine light came on. The vehicle lost power and the vehicle was difficult to control. We were fortunate that other vehicles were able to avoid us since our truck slowed quickly (without the brakes being applied). The vehicle had to be towed to a local Chevrolet dealer for diagnostics. The dealer found that the hydraulic lifters on the right bank of the engine collapsed (resulting in a misfire) and there was extensive engine damage. The vehicle was equipped with a 5.3l engine with AFM/DFM (cylinder deactivation). Mileage was 64,562. Vehicle was repaired with "upgraded" valve train parts from General Motors as this failure mode seems to be somewhat common in AFM/DFM engines (can find class action information during web search).
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, May 31, 2022
Truck was brought in for routine maintenance they noticed At the dealership a radiator leak. I was told this is not covered under warranty And I have no lights on
Engine, May 1, 2022
I have a 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 that I bought in June of 2018, brand new from integrity Chevy in Chattanooga tn.. One ago ago I was driving home and the check engine light came in and starting running poorly and you could hear a knocking noise coming from the engine. I took it back to integrity Chevrolet in Chattanooga, the employee at the auto service counter got inside and started the truck and he new at once what the issue was, he didn’t even take it back to the shop so the mechanic could look at it. He told me it was the lifters knocking. I left the truck with them. The next day he called me and told that the lifters where bad and had bent push rods. They had to replace everything on both sides, told me how much it would cost. It was out of warranty as I had 74,000 miles on it. The total cost that I had to pay was $5,468 dollars. The truck is less then 4 years old. The employee at the desk when I paid for it said that I just paid for a new engine! Again the truck was less then 4 years old.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 19, 2022
10 degrees outside starter motor will freeze up and not want to start the truck. had 3 mechanics not a deal all look at it, tested the battery and came to the starter motor is defective. to have the starter replaced at the dealer for its under warranty.
Engine, Dec 10, 2021
Vehicle will not start, starter is bad
Engine, Dec 7, 2021
Driving on highway 70 mph with out prior warning the truck begins to shake, backfire, lunging, loss of power, all the lights on the dash starting going crazy, cars behind me trying to avoid hitting me ,it wouldn't speed up, having a hard time getting it off the road and out of the way of highway traffic before getting rear ended by traffic behind me. The truck only has a little over 60000 miles on it which is just beyond the 60000 mile warranty, The truck lost compression because of a lifter failure in the motor. After this I have no interest in ever buying another Chevy product, If they cant build a motor that will last more than 3 years maybe they should rethink their future in the auto industry.
Engine, Nov 30, 2021
radiator crack. and also looks like previous years have the exact problem and have a special coverage done on them, Special Coverage Adjustment 15829 Radiator Leak #PI1513A Bulletin No.: PI1513F
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 22, 2021
Twice now GM has recalled the block heater for my truck. The first remedy did not fix the issue and had to be recalled again. This was back in July 2021. It is now the end of November 2021 and nothing more has been done. My truck requires a block heater in order to start in the upcoming cold months. This will make two years in a row I cannot use my truck when the temperatures fall below freezing. It directly affects my livelihood because I need a truck for work. What more can I do to speed this process up? How is it GM can still sell new diesel pickups with working block heaters, but are not required to fix the older diesel pickups?
Power train, Engine, Nov 4, 2021
The engine gave out at 60k miles. Only covered buy the extended warranty I bought. the transmission thunks on downshifts. The exhaust adaptive valve started making a terrible noise at 40k miles. I took it to the dealership for them to tell me my extended warranty doesn't cover it and to buy an aftermarket exhaust because it would be too expensive to replace it. I think they quoted me at $1200
Air bags, Engine, Nov 2, 2021
On Saturday the check engine light came on then Sunday it flashed service restraint system soon dash lights came on clicked and lights stayed on about a memory then went off truck wouldn’t start on Sunday night no lights on dash worked
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, a bystander informed her that the vehicle was leaking fluid. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she parked on the side of the road and called her husband for assistance. The contact stated her husband added antifreeze to the vehicle however, the leaking continued. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,700.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated he replaced the battery and was able to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while the vehicle was parked. The contact stated he was able to jumpstart and restart the vehicle however, as he was exiting the parking lot and making a right turn, the vehicle inadvertently stalled almost causing him to crash into a wall. Several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact jumpstarted the vehicle however, the failure reoccurred while driving and he veered to the side of the road. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The radio, the headlights were engaging and disengaging independently. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of repair as the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 56,500.
Engine, Jul 29, 2021
The "check engine" light keeps coming on.
Engine, Jul 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 19, 2021
Radiator started leaking at 40,000 miles. Leaking at a weld where tube connect to side tanks.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds during high weather temperatures, it was discovered that the air conditioning system failed to activate and cool the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the radiator valve was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,540.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 26, 2021
REDUCED POWER STEERING ASSIST ENGINE STALL IPC / RADIO / HVAC GOES BLANK VARIOUS DTC. HAD MY HEAD LIGHTS FLICKERING, HAD STABILITRAK ERRORS, POWER STEERING ERRORS, AND THE WORST OF ALL, THE STEERING WHEEL JERKING OUT OF MY HANDS. ISNT MY VIDEO BUT SIMILAR WHEN I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 5MPH [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Feb 6, 2021
BULLETIN NO PI1513F DESCRIBES AN ISSUE WITH CHEVY SILVERADOS (AMONGST OTHER MODELS) AND THE RADIATORS LEAKING DUE TO OVER CYCLING OF THE THERMOSTAT. I HAVE A 2018 THAT IS BARELY 2 YEARS OLD, AND A LEAKING RADIATOR! GM IS DOING NOTHING TO OWN UP TO THIS ISSUE, AND THEY ARE EXPECTING ME TO PAY THE ENTIRETY FOR A REPLACEMENT, AND I DON'T EVEN HAVE CONFIDENCE IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. THIS BULLETIN SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO COVER ALL YEARS UNTIL GM PROVES THEY HAVE A SOLUTION IN PLACE. IT IS COMPLETELY UNETHICAL FOR GM TO NOT ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND EXPECT ME TO PUT THIS MUCH MONEY INTO A BRAND NEW TRUCK. I SLOWLY BEGAN TO NOTICE THE COOLANT RESERVOIR GOING DOWN. I EVENTUALLY BROUGHT IT TO MY DEALERSHIP (TWICE), AND ON THE SECOND VISIT THEY FOUND THE LEAK, ALTHOUGH MILEAGE WAS OVER THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY DURING THE SECOND VISIT. IT IS A VERY SLOW LEAK.
Power train, Engine, Dec 19, 2020
COOLANT WATER KEEPS SPILLING FROM WATER PUMP. AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THE PUMP BLEW AND SPILLED ALL THE COOLANT AND HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE. HAD TO GET IT REPLACED PAID $150 FOR THE PART AND THAN LABOR ANOTHER $150. TRUCK HAS LESS THAN 30K MILES AND THE WATER PUMP ALREADY BREAKING DOWN. NEW VEHICLES ARE NOW DESIGNED TO BREAK ON YOU EASILY SO US CUSTOMERS SPEND MORE ON PARTS AND LABOR.
Power train, Engine, Nov 3, 2020
TRANSMISSION OVERHEATS WHEN BACKING A TRAILER UP A SLIGHT HILL AND WILL NOT MOVE UNTILE IT COOLS DOWN.