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: service brakes
99 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 27, 2024
The following Recalls were found on Kelly bluebook, that matched the issues I have been having with my vehicle perfectly. When calling the recall center, they stated my vehicle year 2018 Chevy Silverado and serial number were not listed for this but it's the exact diagnosis of what I'm experiencing. The 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. As the vacuum level drops, the brake assists decrease, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The brakes inflate on their own as if someone is pressing them down while driving. The vehicle begins to jerk horribly causing the inability to steer or maintain control of the vehicle or the ability to stop. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This is very dangerous. I have no control over the speed of the vehicle or if the brakes will fail, or if the brakes will burn up due to fighting with the accelerator while driving. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, the manufacturer inspected it and stated they could fix the issues, paid but then the same malfunction kept happening even after payment and supposedly being fixed. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? None related to the issues, Stabilitrak warning and then random hill assist to inflate the brake vacuum
Service brakes, Jan 21, 2024
Vacuum Pump is leaking oil and internal components are rattling indicating imminent failure and that is a safety hazard for the vehicle and passengers. Oil is being slung all over the front of the engine and multiple belts creating additional operating hazards for the vehicle and passengers. There was a recall concerning reprogramming software to reroute air pressure to the brake system and prevent total failures. Also, technical service bulletin addresses related issues to vacuum pump failures and other affected system components. My vehicle is available, no one has looked at it, we are in danger every time we ride in this condition, no indication of failure other than those already stated. My truck is going on 6 years old and 118K miles. Hardly the time for a brake system failure for a normal use vehicle. This is a safety hazard that GM has created by utilizing faulty components and should be treated as such with all vehicles affected recalled for replacement before vehicles and passengers are seriously injured.
Service brakes, Jan 10, 2024
Last night the truck wouldn’t turn on. The battery had died 4 days after the car was serviced at a local Chevy dealership. I turned the truck on this morning, with what seemed like it didn’t want to turn on and now I’m getting an alert “trailer brake system” i will be contacting the dealership once it’s open
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the passenger’s side front brake caliper detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the caliper was missing and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage 67,500.
Service brakes, Dec 12, 2023
When I hit the brakes the brake pedal gets hard and I can hear air leak from around the brake pedal. There is a recall for this but my VIN does not fall into the recall, per the dealership and Chevrolet. The description of the recall is the identical thing that is happening when I hit the brakes. The recall info is listed below. Service brakes, hydraulic Recall date 2020-10-01 Recall no. 20V603000 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. Hide details Recall consequence A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall action GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin November 16, 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.
Service brakes, Dec 4, 2023
Both front brakes applied themselves going down highway. Brake pedal was hard and stiff. Had to pull over. Brakes did not disengage for several minutes. Could not get brakes to release. After turning the vehicle off, drove to nearest auto repair shop, and brakes seized again going barely 20 mph. Chevrolet dealership did diagnostics and could not find anything obvious. No warning lights or issues occurred before this moment. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Unknown exact cause. Has occurred since diagnostics. No replacements or work has been done directly related to this issue as nobody is certain what the cause is.
Service brakes, Aug 26, 2023
Brake caliper warped
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Aug 22, 2023
Service Trailer brake light would ding and appear randomly while parked and driving with no trailer or load hooked. Radio jumps screens making phone calls disconnecting Bluetooth just spazes out. Truck is currently sitting at the dealer suggesting a TCM repair. Truck will be in Drive and roll backwards. Driving down the road vehicle just goes limp.. no power nothing. Absolutely disgusted with my purchase and what I’m going through with my 2018 Silverado
Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 17, 2023
WARNING LIGHT CAME ON TODAY 08/17/23-TRAILER BREAK SYSTEM-WHILE DRIVING. I DON'T PULL NOR HAUL ANYTHING WITH THIS VEHICLE, IT STAYS PARKED.. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE WIRING SYSTEM AND NEED TO BE RECALLED ON THIS ISSUE. I SEE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT, AND WARRANTY OUT. 2018 MODEL AND KEPT BLINKING ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING. FOR SAFETY REASIN I NEED THIS REPAIR TAKEN CARE OF. NEED A RECALL SO CAN BE REPAIRED AT KNOW COST.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal extended to the floorboard, extending the stopping distance. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the vacuum pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V603000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Service brakes, Jul 14, 2023
Failure of the vacuum booster pump. GM has currently recalled 3.4 million pickup trucks and SUVs for this issue under NHTSA Safety Issue ID is 19V645000 but my current pickup is currently not listed as having an recall issued. Chevy dealership would only replace the entire vacuum booster pump as a fix which cost ~$800
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 24, 2023
June 24th 2023 on a sunny day right after i start my truck ( truck still on my drive way) trailer brake system service notice came on. I don't have any trailer on that truck at that time. This truck trailer brake system service notice on & off and beep too, it keep my eye off the road the most time this is danger this vehicle never been to accident or even small hit...PLEASE GET CHEVY FIX THIS PROBLEM , i don't want have a accident because that notice keep came up and keep my eye off the street.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 8, 2023, crash
The wheel/wheels locked up while in motion and caused vehicle to veer off road and cause the vehicle to crash. ABS light and Stability Control System warning came on prior to crash.
Service brakes, Jun 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the computer module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and there was smoke coming from the four wheels. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate or move forward. The contact pulled over, and her husband drove the vehicle to the residence. Additionally, while driving, the vehicle failed to move, and smoke was detected from the brakes. While her son was driving at approximately 35 MPH, he was unable to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the rear calipers had detached, and the braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic and the contact was informed that the front brake calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion while driving at an unknown speed, there was smoke coming from the brakes. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the hydraulic control module and referred her to the local dealer for assistance. The electronic stability control warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage approximately 69,000.
Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Service brakes, May 23, 2023
While driving on the highway the vehicle began to shake and the stability track light came on. It felt like it affected the transmission. We had to get it towed 30 miles to our home area. Shop Calibrated the brakes and says that took care of it. This vehicle only has 30,000 miles on it.
Service brakes, Apr 21, 2023
RECEIVING A PERSISTENT 'SERVICE - TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM
Service brakes, Apr 20, 2023
:Service Trailer Brake" warning comes on on every start up with no trailer hooked up. The warning can usually be dismissed, but for 40 minutes one time ,it constantly came on and off constantly. Could not get it to stop. Very distracting and dangerous. An independent repair shop has confirmed the condition, but unable to diagnose problem.
Service brakes, Air, Apr 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle independently made a sudden stop without warning. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle started operating normally. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home, but once the vehicle was home, the brakes locked up, not allowing the vehicle to move forward. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the ABS had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 111,000.
Service brakes, Mar 25, 2023
Service braking system attention
Power train, Service brakes, Mar 7, 2023
Transmission doesn’t shift smoothly and often slams into second gear from first very hard. Downshifting on rare occasions shifts to a lower gear before necessary causing rpms to go from 2800-3000 up to 4500-5000. I have to touch the gas real quick to upshift. Also brakes seem to require extra strength to engage if hard braking is required. Like the booster is not reacting properly.
Steering, Air bags, Service brakes, Feb 15, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at 80 MPH the steering wheel became stiff and the vehicle would not brake without any warning. The contact desperately pressed on the brake pedal but the vehicle would not brake, causing the contact to be struck by another vehicle on the driver's side. No one was injured and no major damage to none of the vehicles. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed a loss. All the air bags deploy but the front driver side. The manufacturer was not unable to reach them. The failure mileage was 69,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced unintended braking. Additionally, the steering wheel was shaking while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V761000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Service Brakes, Electronic Stability Control) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Service brakes, Nov 30, 2022
The brakes failed to work when I was in a parking lot. As I was pulling into a parking spot, the brakes did not work even when I pumped them. I was going approximately 3mph. It startled me, so I put the truck in neutral and then into park. Then I turned the vehicle off. Fortunately, this happened in a parking lot and I was able to avoid hitting anything, including a pedestrian. Also, this put my husband and me at great risk because if I had not chosen to go back into a parking lot, and had gone into an intersection and been unable to stop, I could have entered the intersection and been in a serious accident. The truck functioned well enough to get to my dealership. I avoided driving it for a couple of weeks until they could run diagnostics. Between the time it first happened and bringing it to the dealership, the problem did not occur. However, when the technician was driving it into the shop, it happened to him too. They did perform diagnostics and found a problem with a brake Pump 3.280 (Part No. 12696313). I had it repaired at my own expense ($587.65) on Nov. 22, 2022. NOTE: This truck has only 25,673 miles on it. There has been a recall for this problem on Silverados from this year, but my VIN number was not included in the recall. There were no warnings prior to this event. I would like to have this repair cost reimbursed.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 23, 2022
I have done some research and found other trucks same year and make have had the same problem and have had recalls but the problem is when I hit the break the lights will all flash like the truck is going to stall and it will say service trailer break system and stablitrak system and will even shut my truck off while I’m driving causing me to have to either pull of the side of the road and start my truck back up
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.