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
519 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Jun 19, 2023
Control Arm failure with tire separation from vehicle
Engine, Jun 15, 2023
Took to the dealership and they did a diagnostics and are requiring me to purchase a new transmission valve. The truck only has 84,000 miles and they have to Remove and replace transmission, Transmission has burn smell, color of fluid is dark, excessive metal shavings present the problem I presented to the dealership was that after you exceed the speed of 50 miles an hour the truck starts to jerk and pulls on you and there’s a very screeching sound every time you accelerate and it always jerks hard on the highway and it feels like if I’m being hit by something from the back
Power train, Jun 8, 2023
Transmission shifts very hard in lower gears and is very sluggish at times.
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.
Electrical system, Engine, Traction control system, Jun 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH and approaching a bend, the vehicle lost motive power and shuddered. The traction control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. There was smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle had previously lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that there was a possible electrical failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure was approximately 88,799.
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.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jun 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while stopped at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light and the service stabili-trak warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to notify the manufacturer of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Jun 1, 2023
My trailer brake system service light is on. This is due to a faulty wire harness. This issue is also causing the Stabilitrak service light to appear.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, May 30, 2023
UNKNOWN The ignition, steering wheel, and electrical. While driving it flickers off and on, turns off the engine, unlocks my doors and turns on again. Yes, our safety as well as others are put at risk this can cause an accident to happen on the road while driving, most likely to get rear ended. Today it gave me a scare because my 2 year old granddaughter was in the truck.
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.
Power train, May 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission was stuck in first gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Back over prevention, May 12, 2023
My back up camera is blue. It works intermittently. There is a recall on the exact same problem for 2019 but not for mine. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10160418-9999.pdf I don't understand that but it is what it is. I am not paying for it to be fixed since it is an issue in the following year. I don;t think I should have to pay for a software issue. I just thought I would report it. Maybe there will eventually be a recall.
Suspension, Power train, May 11, 2023
Back in December of 2018 when I got my truck it only had a1000 miles on it and it has been down shifting hard it jerks hard I have reported it to the mechanic at the dealership at Mitch smith in Cullman Alabama and that said oh it’s supposed to do that well now it’s out of warranty and they said it needs this that and the other
Electrical system, May 9, 2023
Vehicle started to fill with smoke. I exited vehicle to look in the back seat when all of a sudden the rear window exploded causing glass to come flying at me. There was a recall for this exact same issue, however gm says this vehicle is not included in it. Obviously there are more vehicles that need to be recalled!
Power train, May 5, 2023
My vehicle has been properly maintained since new. At around 90,000 miles the transmission started making noise. I had trans filter changed and the noise abated. at 92,000 the car started shifting oddly. Several times on the highway the engine would rev and the car loses speed. Loud noises from the transmission and hard shifts. I most recently was unable to accelerate while getting on the highway. This is a truck, I have things I have to transport. I am unsure if I should continue to drive on the highway. I am going to my local dealer next week to explore repair options. I have learned that this problem is well-known to GM .
Steering, Apr 27, 2023
For about a month I heard a clunking sound in the steering wheel shaft when I initially started the vehicle and turned the steering wheel. After a few miles of driving it would go away. The vehicle then began to have a hesitation when I would try starting it. Diagnosed as two cells were dead in the battery. Replaced the battery and the steering improved. Two weeks after replacing the battery, I started the vehicle and started to turn out of a parking spot. At that time the steering wheel refused to turn and it sounding like a pump going out. The service steering warning came on. I got it to the dealer and they diagnosed the electric rack and pinion drive belt had broken and sheared the gears in the assembly. The vehicle is a 2018 Chevy 6.2L High Country with 71,000 miles. I was told by the dealer that if this would have happened while driving at highway speed it would have locked the steering wheel in the position at the time of component failure and would have more than likely resulted in a crash. Currently the vehicle is still at the dealer for the last month waiting on the rack and pinion to be shipped. Apparently there isn't any of these parts anywhere in the United States.
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.
Power train, Apr 20, 2023
While on the Interstate with cruise control on, my truck started to vibrate while on highway, then shakes so badly it becomes difficult to grip steering wheel firmly. Slowly came to a stop and checked all four wheels. Waited on side of road until engine cooled down somewhat and then got off highway at next exit and made my way back home on side streets NOT DRIVING OVER 40-45 MPH. Vehicle is currently at dealer Service Department. Said it is normal, but transmission would be checked.
Engine, Apr 15, 2023
My engine cooling lines are leaking and that can potentially cause a very bad problem to my engine itself imagine I'm driving and they pop off causing me to lose all my oil and then my engine can drown and sudden stop while I'm on the highway I was first aware of the problem when my veichle had to be taken in because the transmission was failing at around 55000 miles the dealership told me about this problem which said did not need to be addressed since it's a small leak on the lines but once I got down under my truck and took of the undercover it's more than a small leak now I'm facing having to spend money on a veichle that should not be giving me problems yet at the miles it's at I'm trying to get a hold of my extended warranty to see if it's covered because chevrolet said it's not there problem anymore yet I'm not the only one with this exact problem upon investigating the 2019 had a recall for this exact problem the engine cooling lines and I had notice I had to do more oil changes way faster but never thought it was that
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.
Power train, Mar 26, 2023
My 10 speed transmission is failing, problem is a shutter in the transmission at various speeds. Have the shutter verified as not wheel balance problem, as all wheels were spin balanced. Upon looking up info online they said it could be dangerious and cause an accident.... My 2018 Silverado with the 6.0 engine and 10 speed transmision has only 42,000 thousand miles on it...
Electrical system, Mar 25, 2023
Service parking brake system keeps coming on, switch has been replaced and it still comes on. I have had the traction control light and service abs light come on. Took to shop they told me there was a broken wire the first two times in the harness
Service brakes, Mar 25, 2023
Service braking system attention
Power train, Mar 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 64 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the transmission became inoperable. While going up a hill, the vehicle was shifting hard in first and second gear. Upon accelerating, there was an abnormal winding noise detected. The vehicle was shifting roughly. The transmission got up to 160 degrees and continued to shift hard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that a transmission replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed him that the vehicle was above the warranty mileage. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.