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.
Service brakes, Apr 1, 2026
Parking brake pad failure has occurred twice. Last month at 31,668 mi, truck was taken in for servicing a warning light due to TPM failure (all replaced), and I asked for parking brake inspection because I was pushing pedal to the floor in order to engage. Mechanic said "Left rear prkg brake shoe has section missing." He had never seen that before and I exclaimed that it happened first in Apr 2021 at 18,770 mi. I am not sure which side it was since it was not written on the service invoice, but I suspect the right side because during a Nov 2021 oil change the invoice included "adjusted rear rh parking brake." OEM replacement pads were installed both times. I have the latest failed pad which shows about 2 in of material missing from the shoe substrate, not the 2021. Kearny Mesa Chevy repaired this in 2021; Walt's Danville Service in 2026. No safety issue, but could have been a problem in event of brake failure an need to stop vehicle by applying parking brake that would not hold. I asked KMChevy if this should be a warranty repair or a recall issue and they refused to consider in 2021. It cannot be coincidence that this happened to Chevy OEM equipment, I suspect to both sides. I paid ~$500 each time and feel that Chevy corporate should compensate me.
Suspension, Mar 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Power train, Engine, Mar 13, 2026
We purchased a 2018 Fully Loaded Chevy Silverado LTZ/Z71 (60,000) in 2019, with the idea it would last. After being super meticulous with maintenance and keeping this vehicle in top condition, we just passed the 110,000 mile mark. I have receipts of all the work/maintenance completed on this vehicle. I began to hear a ticking noise in the engine block, and the check engine light came on, so I pulled the codes and went to a local transmission/engine mechanic to find that I have a bent push rod (manufacture failure) due a failed lifter/AFM system. I opted not to take it directly to the dealer as they charge 179 base rate for diagnosis which could increase depending on the diagnosis needed. After numerous calls, I found this is a very common (7,500-11,000) issue with '18-'21 models. Explored my options only to find the 2021- 2026 engines are worse with issues involving crankshaft, engine seizures and an active lawsuit with the new 6.2L V8 engines. (Silverado, GMC Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukons) I was then pointed in the direction of speaking to the GM Manufacture directly, again. I had contacted them numerous times and was told the damages, even though are not preventable and are directly due to a manufacture error. I was told I must take my vehicle to a licensed service dealer to be diagnosed. I informed them, that I was already told my vehicle would not be covered so I did not feel the need to endure additional cost only to be told the cost would again, not be covered. I'm not seeking full payment; I even mentioned Goodwill assistance of which they denied; however, I'm without a vehicle and have received very little to no communication in resolving this issue, which is an issue I'm finding is happening to many others alike and General Motors Corp, is not taking any responsibility or accountability in this matter.
Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2026
1. Transmission 2. Car would shake and jerk 3. Yes, GMC Waipahu and it was always stated that the transmission needed to be flushed 4. Yes, GMC Waipahu 5. No
Engine, Mar 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power while driving over a ditch or speed bump. Several unknown warning lights were occasionally illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the negative and positive battery wiring cables were abnormally hot. The contact restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer. The contact was informed that the fuse box, battery cables, and ground wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to start with the ignition key; however, the contact was able to use a screwdriver to start the vehicle, and the starter was replaced by the same local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.
Power train, Mar 6, 2026
Transmission skips 1st gear and jumps and shakes vibrates. The transmission has to have a total rebuild
Electronic stability control (ESC), Electrical system, Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was inadvertently depressed while depressing the accelerator pedal. The messages "Service Stabili-trak" and "Service Trailer Brake" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and errors code: C0131 & C0161 were retrieved. The vehicle was diagnosed at the owner's expense. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,741.
Power train, Feb 27, 2026
-Transmission failed. - Driving down the highway and the truck just quit. (Morning rush hour traffic) -truck was towed to my mechanic -only made a weird noise the day before.
Power train, Feb 19, 2026
My transmission failed at around 69,000 miles. This was confirmed by the dealership. I bought my vehicle from and was covered under warranty. I purchased my vehicle in 2019 from a Dodge dealership and it came with a 10 year hundred thousand mile warranty for the powertrain. The tech indicated that the torque converter failed sending metal fragments through the transmission, coolant lines and transmission cooler. There were no warning indicators only hard shifting clunking when shifting and shuttering at different speeds.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 19, 2026
ABS warning light came on and brakes starting acting strange. The brake pedal was soft and was hard to depress. I took it to dealer and they checked codes and comfirmed the vehicle has serval codes. They cleared all codes and started the engine. Immediately the ABS warning came on. I am very concenedn about family, I just purchased the truck on Jan 21, 2026. Please help!!
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 11, 2026
Transmission is having hard shift and shutter at a speed of 60/65
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Pepboys, and the contact was informed that the engine was a quart and a half low on engine oil. The mechanic determined that a gasket was deteriorating, and the seal had fractured, causing the oil leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the engine and transmission needed to be removed to replace the gasket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed the repair was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Power train, Feb 10, 2026
While pulling a 14' enclosed trailer when i left off the gas pedal there was a sudden low growl/vibration coming from the bed area of the truck. I was slowing down for a red light and it started at around 20mph. I pulled off slowly when the light turned green and was listening with my head out the window but everything seemed normal, about 2 miles down the road from the initial vibration/growl incident and running about 40mph the rear differential completely locked up causing the drive shaft to snap off the pinion yoke and left me sideways in the middle of both lanes with an enclosed trailer and alot of ticked off people cussing at me like i did it on purpose or something. Because the rear end was completely locked up, there was no way for me to move out of the road way so i had to sit blocking both lanes for 2 hours while waiting for a tow truck. There was no warning lights, the only kind of warning was the quick and subtle vibration/growling noise at the redlight.
Power train, Feb 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the transmission was failing to shift into gear properly. The contact was unaware of which part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,690.
Engine, Feb 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon cold starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and suggested that a diagnostic test be performed. The contact called two other local dealers, Herndon Chevrolet Service (5617 Sunset Blvd, Lexington, SC 29072) and Jim Hudson Chevrolet Service (111 Newland Rd, Columbia, SC 29229), but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics and was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was contacted and offered a gift card towards the purchase of another vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine, Jan 29, 2026
Collapsible lifter and lift rod failure
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 22, 2026
My truck has been into the dealership repeatedly from Aug 2024 to where it sits now to this day because of the engine and the electronic fuel management system. This fuel management system has destroyed my engine by allowing excessive oil consumption to which it turns the oil black. The engine goes from v8 to 4 cylinder to save on fuel which makes the engine work harder. It causes the rocker arms and pistons to work harder which makes them fail. These problems have occurred with my truck and now the dealership wants 20,000 to replace the engine when they worked on it continuously even after my warranty period had expired. Keep in mind that they were still fixing these problems when my warranty hadn't expired yet they fail to fix it properly. I make payments on a truck that I hardly ever get to drive. I have service invoices to back up my claims. There are numerous others that are dealing with this problem and it's all over the internet so i am not the only person
Electrical system, Jan 21, 2026
This complaint is submitted as additional information related to a previously filed safety complaint for the same vehicle and incident. Since the original submission, General Motors Product Assistance Claims verbally denied responsibility, refused to inspect the vehicle, refused to provide written confirmation of their denial, and ceased responding to emails and calls. GM previously instructed me not to repair the vehicle and promised a rental vehicle and tow, neither of which were provided. The vehicle remains unsafe to drive due to smoke intrusion and shattered rear glass and has been left exposed to freezing and rainy conditions. This incident appears consistent with a known rear window defroster thermal defect similar to GM Customer Satisfaction Program N192265660. GM’s refusal to inspect or mitigate increases safety risk.
Electrical system, Jan 21, 2026
An electrical component related to the vehicle's rear sliding glass window and rear defroster malfunctioned and overheated, causing smoke to fill the cabin of the truck as it was being driven down a busy highway. Immediately following the smoke, the rear window violently shattered due to overheating from the malfunction. This dangerous defect was known to exist in our model and year of truck, as documented in Customer Satisfaction Program N192265660. This bulletin shows that GM knew about this exact issue, yet allowed the vehicle to be sold and driven. This incident was incredibly dangerous and easily could have caused my wife (who was driving) to crash the vehicle due to limited sight and distraction. My wife called me following this incident and was terrified and confused. There were no warnings, signs, or symptoms suggesting an issue with the electrical component until the incident occurred. We immediately contacted GM, who advised we were not permitted to get the vehicle fixed until they completed their inspection; however, it has been nearly a week and no inspection has occurred at this time.
Power train, Jan 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated or shuddered while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure. Due to the failure, the torque converter and the transmission were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls for the failure under the VIN. The failure mileage was 85,377.
Suspension, Power train, Engine, Jan 19, 2026
We bought the truck new 2018 and started having trans issues and leaf springs popping. So, we took back to dealership and all they did was change fluid in trans and pump grease in-between leaf springs. I did get them to finally change passenger side leaf spring out, but that does no good when leaf spring they put on has the same issue. The leaf springs have to much gap in between each leaf. I told them to give me a 1,000.00 and I would go and have some made. That way, if I put a load on leaf spring it less chance they could break going down the road. Also, we have issues with radio that also did not get fixed by gm and still has the issue we can't use today. My truck also has the 6.2l engine that you guys have had complaints on. I will tell you that I'm not happy with what Gm is doing with these defected parts on these trucks. They are doing quick fixes to save them money on their screw ups and could get us killed. We are still having the issues to this day and they just brush us off. We pay a lot of money for these truck and Gm is ripping us off and costing us more money because we have to pay to fix their mistake, they should be fixing for free. All I want from Gm is get these issues fixed right and pumping grease in-between parts does not fix anything. We have to hold them accountable for these issues and make them fix it before it cost more peoples lives. I just want what I paid for and I did not get that when I bought it with these types of issues.
Other or unspecified, Jan 17, 2026
The back sliding window on the drivers side exploded, sounded like a shot gun going off , I had started my truck with the key grabbed some thing to take with me pulled out of my driveway and it exploded , call The manufacturer went through a number of calls. They had a dealership do an inspection and Gm said not there issue , just had it replaced and it is immediately showed signs of overheating with discoloration and defroster lines breaking in the glass immediately after the vehicle got repaired. Certainly there is an issue that needed correction but can’t get the correct help.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jan 8, 2026
My transmission blew up and I almost wrecked my truck. No engine lights came on, and still no engine lights are coming on it only has 69,000 miles on it and has never missed a service. Its currently at the dealership where I bought it from
Electrical system, Jan 5, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 30,434. It was later discovered upon checking Carfax, Auto Check, and VIN Inspect that the mileage was 134,000.
Power train, Dec 22, 2025
Torque converter failed which led to premature transmission failure at 115,000. Known common issue with 6L80 and TSB advising this. No recall