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: power train
170 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jan 28, 2023
The truck has has multiple issues.RR taillight always blows fuse,which I think sometimes stops my back sliding glass,I have no power to it,this has been an issue since day one,always have to carry fuses,then not long after having the truck,it has stabili trak issues,it stalls when first put into drive.delayed take off sometimes the truck jumps forward and revs the rpm’s up to 1000 X rpm sitting then it jumps to a fast hard takeoff.the truck does something called chuggel and buck I believe,it bogs way down,and then again it’ll slip buck it kicks jerks and also harshly engages.I love Chevy and haven’t given up hope just yet.this is my first Chevy.
Power train, Nov 9, 2022, crash
Motor vehicle accident 4/21/22. Vehicle stalled hit by 18 wheeler. Several times on several occasions after that on several days vehicle stalled in interstates with multiple 18 wheelers, trucks cars almost hitting me/my vehicle each time it stalled. Now and since May 2022, the transmission completely failed and is inoperable at this time. The stalling in the middle of interstate traffic where the speed limit on 4/21/22 is 55mph & on the interstate 65mph(The vehicle coasted slowly to the side of the road & stopped changing gears to go in either direction)
Power train, Other or unspecified, Oct 24, 2022
While I'm very slowly backing up my attached small 2 wheel trailer the Transmission over heating warning light comes on. This has happened SEVERAL TIMES!!!!
Power train, Oct 11, 2022
Transmission issues with 78500 miles, one owner, no hauling other than a boat. headed to shop... multiple complaints on 2018 transmissions why no recall
Power train, Oct 8, 2022
Under light to medium load on the throttle, the transmission will shift very hard from 1st to 2nd gear and sometimes 2nd to 1st while decelerating. Another issue is that the transmission or torque converter will shutter, but that is not as often. It does not happen every time, but happens way more often than it should for it being a 2018 with 26k miles. The GM Authority website has this as a known problem, but my VIN is not associated to it for some reason. Apparently flushing the transmission with Mobil 1 Synchromesh fluid can solve the issue. The truck seems to hesitate while taking off something and I think it is related to this transmission issue which can be a huge safety risk.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Seats, Oct 5, 2022
April 2022 & 5 2022 Complete transmission failure in traffic ALMOST causing death in traffic, emissions failure, leather seat defect REPEATED left fog light failure
Power train, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Sep 5, 2022
On Saturday Aug 6th, 2022 my girlfriend and I were driving in my 2018 Chevy Silverado and the car just came to a complete stop really hard. Once the truck froze up, the car would go FOWARD but very slow, jerkish, and sluggish. We were almost hit by three cars behind us when the truck froze up. The truck was towed to the dealership where they diagnosed the truck with METAL SHAVINGS in the TRANSMISSION. And the engine light came on four weeks after I bought the vehicle last October. This time…. There was NO engine light on. Nothing displayed on dashboard.
Power train, Aug 12, 2022
The transmission failed at 81k miles. Upon doing some research, it sounds like this is caused by the wrong transmission fluid that was installed by GM, not myself, the owner. If known about early enough, flushing the transmission 3 times and replacing with the newest transmission fluid is to correct the problem. I was not notified of this 'fix' and the transmission is already damaged to the point where it must be replaced.
Suspension, Power train, Wheels, Jul 20, 2022
leaf springs malfunctioned & yes its available for inspection. safety issues of cracking noise sounds like cracking in the suspension or axle. on 7/7/22 Lorenzo at Richland Chevrolet in Shafter, California confirmed & had it all day for inspection. no warning lamps or messages were provided. First appeared on 6/30/22. continental crosscontact LX20 P275/55 R20 111 t eco plus+ Tires are chopping & shredding safety & hazard issues are the tires can shred apart & cause an accident or death. on 7/7/22 Lorenzo at Richland Chevrolet in Shafter, California confirmed tires were having that problem & if there was a recall on them then General Motors would reach out to us. Then prior, on 4/28/22 during oil change & tire rotation service Lorenzo confirmed tires were chopping also. no warning lamps or messages.
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
Power train, May 23, 2022
The transmission failed. The truck had heavy shifting and the transmission needs replacement. The truck was no longer safe to drive. The problem was diagnosed by a licensed mechanic shop. The check engine light came on as well as the service stabilitrak light that came on the same day as failure.
Power train, Apr 8, 2022
For months this truck as stuttered while driving. Eventually one day the RPMs would shoot to 3500 when trying to shift gears and would struggle to shift. After having the spark plugs replaced and a tune up ($660 later) it started randomly just losing power to the engine while driving. All electrical still on but no power to the engine. I would pull over and turn the engine off and restart and it would be fine again. This continues to happen with no explanation. Always acts fine after I stop the care and turn it back on again. Nothing comes up on a scan for issues. Mechanic can't figure it out and now it isn't "acting up" when the transmission guy drives it and he doesn't know what's going on either. It's not safe to drive on the HW if its going to just randomly lose power. We checked with another transmission shop and he said they have two chevy Silverados in line for something similar. That made me look to see if there was a recall and led me to make this report. Chevy should look into this and do a recall.
Power train, Mar 25, 2022
Transmission shifts out of gear spontaneously while driving and warning light comes on for “transmission hot idle engine” forcing the vehicle to become inoperable unexpectedly without allowing the vehicle to drive forward or reverse to get to a safe location. Transmission temperature gauge rises quickly to 280 degrees in less than an hour of normal driving before overheating. Multiple General Motors dealers and General Motors headquarters have been unable to diagnose the problem and provide a solution despite multiple attempts and several thousand dollars in repairs including a completely new replacement transmission. General Motors first recommended the dealer to hook battery cables up to the transmission which did not fix the problem and in fact caused the vehicle to not start several times. General Motors then recommended the dealer replace the transmission entirely. Despite replacing the transmission, the same problem exists and the vehicle shifts out of gear while driving reporting an overheating transmission. Problem still occurs today 3/25/22 and vehicle becomes inoperable unexpectedly and suddenly while driving due to overheating transmission. General Motors is unable to diagnose the problem or provide a solution.
Power train, Service brakes, Mar 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the braking system malfunctioned causing the braking distance to be extended. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
Power train, Mar 2, 2022
While driving my transmission will shudder and the vehicle will lose power causing the vehicle to slow down abruptly. It also will shift very hard making a loud noise.
Power train, Feb 11, 2022
The transmission started shifting improperly at 40k and the fluid gets to hot
Power train, Feb 10, 2022
Transmission noise -something loose only 60k miles
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jan 21, 2022
When entering traffic, upon acceleration the truck stalls, and shutters. Going into traffic a vehicle had to maneuver to avoid collision with me. I took it to the dealer and they said transmission should get a flush and transmission oil was low. At 60,000 and out of warranty I paid for service and they said it was good now. it still continues. I can’t afford to take it in for service and pay again. From searching online customers state the dealer representatives all say it’s normal for truck to do that. Also, others say transmission (6l80) and/or torque converter is the problem. Again being without warranty I cannot afford to take it in and pay to just get that “it’s normal for the vehicle to do that.” A vehicle that stalls IS a hazard for the driver and for others on the road. Especially entering highways and heavy traffic streets. The main reason is we never know when it will stall or when it will accelerate what I believe is properly.
Power train, Jan 8, 2022
The torque converter failed internally allowing the torque converter clutch to shudder. The fluid exchange has already been done on RO#587959. Vehicle had 40k when torque converter was replaced. Issue arouse after a road trip to Houston Tx and progressive more at various speeds. James Wood dealership replaced the torque converter since it was still under power train warranty. When I researched online, I realized that this is a common problem within the 2014-2018 Silverado models. I hope I that after the dealership replaced this defected part I don't experience additional mechanical issue related to this faulty part.
Power train, Jan 2, 2022
The transmission stopped working randomly on the highway after being driven for 45 minutes perfectly fine. Thankfully this happened near a stoplight so the traffic on the highway was going slower than normal otherwise it could have been very bad. Local mechanic confirmed that the transmission was no good and has ordered a replacement. There was no indication of the issue prior to the failure. No lights came on to indicate that there was an issue.
Power train, Jan 1, 2022
While driving this truck i get a severe shudder at various speeds and now its not shifting gears correctly. I have been told there is a big problem with these 6 speed transmissions ans torque convertors.
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
Power train, Aug 3, 2021
I was on highway 65 coming out of Rocklin Ca going back to Yuba City Ca. The Chvey Silverado with out any warning it just lost power and I had to pull over. I am glad I was on the slow lane. If I was on fast lane with a big rig behind me. It would have been bad. After pulling over the Eng Light when on for the first time since I have owned the truck. Not any time before. I thought if a family with children was in the fast lane and this happened it would not be a good out come. I had it towed to my home the chevy dealer was close. On July 18 I had it towed to the dealer I had the truck towed to Wheeler Chevrolet In Yuba City They replace the engine computer and the tranny computer . And to day Aug 1 , 2021 they said they would fix the tranny. I am wondering if they know what they are doing ? This is very disturbing I am very apprehensive about the safety of the truck if this were to happen again !!
Power train, Aug 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 75 mph, the traction control and the transmission overheating warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road for 30 minutes for the transmission to cool down. The contact stated while driving to his residence, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,158.
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.