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.
Power train, Jul 22, 2025
The contact's husband owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that metal shaving were discovered in the radiator due to a defective torque converter. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 143,057.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jul 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the “Service Stabili-trak” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the instrument panel went black, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated unintendedly. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact waited approximately 10 minutes before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The warning light was no longer illuminated. The failure occurred two more times while driving to the residence. The vehicle was taken to several certified mechanics who were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer assisted the contact in scheduling an appointment with the dealer. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Power train, Jul 19, 2025
While driving on an Interstate the vehicle violently shook and drive shaft ce off.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 7, 2025
I’ve had to have the transmission replaced before hitting 123k miles There is a constant shake, tremble in the car that dealer mechanics cannot figure out and they relate the issue to the transmission Electrical dashboard and ac lightning fixture burnt out
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion into cylinder #7, causing engine failure. The contact stated that metal shavings were found mixed in with the engine oil. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine, Jul 1, 2025
My 2018 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2 engine suffered a Connecting Rod Bearing failure causing the engine to seize/lock up. The engine components are available for inspection. The engine seized/locked up and could have caused a crash. The vehicle is at my mechanics shop right now and will remain there until it is repaired. The vehicle has been inspected by my mechanic but no one else. The engine had developed a "tick" at idle and while driving. My mechanic found a bent pushrod in the engine and then found the engine suffered a camshaft lifter failure. He replaced all the pushrods, camshaft lifters, and the camshaft. It had been repaired and had been driven for a test drive. There were no warnings the engine was going to to fail. The engine just locked up without warning. The engine was removed from the pickup and was then disassembled and found to have had a connecting rod bearing failure on cylinder 7 and cylinder 8.
Power train, Jun 27, 2025
Vehicle went into limp mode on I 65 in Indiana. Chevy dealer replaced tvb/ thermal bypass valve with newer version that opens at a lower temperature.Hard to get vehicle to the side of the highway. State Police arranged a tow truck to remove vehicle from highway.
Engine, Jun 27, 2025
2018 Chevy Silverado 5.2L with V8 engine equipped with AFM system broke down while accelerating onto a on ramp for the highway going 40 mph. Truck failed to accelerate any faster and a loud knocking noise occurred with a check engine and traction failure light. Safety was put at risk as there was no where to pull off and my truck had no power to it while accelerating onto a very busy interstate. The truck was towed to a Chevy dealership and determined the lifter valves were ticking form both sides and require replacement of them all and the cam shaft.
Power train, Jun 23, 2025
Driving on the fwy going 73mph While running Transmission stopped working and I’m not able to accelerate to move forward and safely pull over to the shoulder. The problem was not been confirmed by the dealer or service center. The vehicle was not been inspected by anyone. There is no warning lamps Messages, or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
Power train, Jun 21, 2025
The automatic transmission in my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 4.3L V6 has experienced repeated failures and overheating events starting shortly after a scheduled dealer transmission flush at approximately 50,000 miles. Since then, the transmission has slipped under load, failed to shift properly, and routinely overheated—reaching over 270°F—without triggering a dashboard warning or entering limp mode. Multiple dealer visits confirmed internal transmission damage, including discolored fluid, metal shavings, and torque converter clutch failure. The entire transmission and torque converter were replaced under warranty, along with a redesigned bypass valve. Despite these efforts, the transmission failed again, showing further signs of overheating and debris in the fluid. The vehicle has been inspected and serviced multiple times by the dealership (Karl Chevrolet in Iowa) and GM warranty contractors. The issue persists even after complete transmission replacement. This condition poses a safety risk as loss of power and unexpected gear disengagement occurred during normal road use, including highway driving and towing. Transmission temperatures spiking well beyond GM’s Dexron VI fluid thermal limits raise further concerns about systemic cooling design flaws. Warning signs included high transmission fluid temperatures (over 270°F), RPM surging, harsh downshifts, slipping, poor throttle response, and delayed engagement from park to drive. The manufacturer has been notified, and the issue has been documented with the Attorney General of Iowa. A GM case number was also opened, but no permanent fix has been offered.
Other or unspecified, Jun 21, 2025
Under 40,000 miles and both sides of the frame has rusted out and has made the vehicle unsafe to drive per the dealership.
Service brakes, Jun 12, 2025
02/03/2022 had brake shuttering and hard brake coming to stops and “Brake Assist” warning dealership pulled code C025E and replaced brake vacuum sensor. 04/22/2024 same problem arose hard braking shuttering pedal and “Brake Assist” warning. Took truck into dealer code C025E came up and they replaced my brake booster.
Air bags, Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact approached the vehicle and observed that the passenger’s and driver’s side roof rail air bags had independently deployed. The contact stated that there were no passengers in the rear seats during the failure. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local auto body shop; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the Insurance provider declined to cover the repairs. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and offered to buy the vehicle back. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V756000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not inclued. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon running a diagnostic scan on the vehicle, DTC: P0301 was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the exhaust valve lifter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14,211.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 6, 2025
TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING WEARD CONTACTED DEALERSHIP. THEY STATE THIS UNIT IS NOT UNDER RECALL BUT IT IS AN 6L80 AND IT IS ALL OVER YOU TUBE AND THE INTERNET ABOUT FAILURES THAT START WITH THE PM VALVE AND/OR THE TORQUE CONVERTER HOUSING THAT IS STAMPED BUT MOUNTING BRACKETS ARE WELDED TO IT CAUSING HARDED STEEL TO MEET STAMPED STEEL CAUSING FRICTION AND WEAR THAT POLUTES THE REMAINDER OF THE TRANSMISSION AND CAUSES FAILURE BEFORE 100000 MILES; USUALLY JUST AFTER 50000ISH. WHEN TRANSMISSION FAILS IT CAN CAUSE LOSS OF PROPULSION OR COLLION.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the engine sounded abnormally rough, with a knocking sound coming from the engine. In addition, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and was pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with failed lifters. The contact was informed that the lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Electrical system, May 30, 2025
Doors automatically lock with the keys in the ignition and running locking in anyone who is still in vehicle who cannot open to door physically. It will also prevent you from entering the vehicle without a second set of keys or other methods of unlocking the door (onstar, locksmith). This could put occupants in danger and exposed to the elements unexpectedly and also place inside children in danger. Diagnosis - Keyfob - If battery in keyfob is low, the programming of the vehicle is set to automatically lock even if vehicle is in the ignition and running. when unlocking vehicle with the defective fob, vehicle will unlock, then immediately lock preventing entry. Remedy - Replace battery in key fob and truck works as normal.
Engine, May 28, 2025
On 4/18/25 I was driving to work and was about 2 miles from work when I started to get all kinds of faults displaying on my screen. The engine started to run rough; it sounded like it was not running on all cylinders. After work I drove it straight to the maintenance shop I have been using. They informed me that a lifter failed and went into the cam shaft and created all kinds of metal. I was informed that this was the second Chevrolet Silverado they have had this problem and replaced the engine.
Power train, Service brakes, May 28, 2025
Brakes sometimes require more pressure to stop or slow down. Transmission shutters and makes a clunking noise between shifting points. Kind of a sound bad u-joints make. Air Conditioning leaked all freon out in 2024 with 70k miles just 2mos. after service at a GM Dealership. Still not repaired.
Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, May 28, 2025
The airbag module is not connecting to the rest of the modules. There is a recall on this module in other VINs but not mine.
Suspension, Engine, May 25, 2025
Both upper control arms have broken off at the ball joints. Also the cam and Lifters are failing and this vehicle has been maintained in accordance with the manufacturer guidelines.
Power train, Engine, May 24, 2025
My vehicle has had transmission and engine problems that should not have been an issue until after at least 100,000 miles. At 11,577 miles I reported hard down shifting as well as a hard shift / kick when going from reverse to drive when the transmission would feel like it would slip and then kick when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear on automatic transmission. There were no codes and dealership said they couldn't duplicate problem. At 58517 miles the service 4x4 warning light came on as well as a shifting problem was continuing. A transmission valve body was replaced and a transmission service / fluid replacement was done under warranty or extended warranty. The shifting problem has continued. It has come to my understanding that Chevrolet put out a bulletin about changing the transmission fluid should solve the problem and to tell customers that some hard shift could be normal and not a problem. And I have heard about some class action lawsuits that have been filed. A second and more major issue was the 5.3 liter engine failure that occured at 62,093 miles after having a tapping noise develop and some loss of power. But this issue began earlier at 40,125 miles when I had a fuel injection clean due to it running rough. Extended warranty replaced engine with a used motor and I was still charged $1158.93 for amounts extended warranty didn't cover. My Son's 2015 Silverado 1500 which I owned previously had to have the transmission rebuilt for just under $5,000 just out of extended or manufacturer's warranty. We don't pay $60,000-$70,000 to have engines and transmission fail before 100,000 miles and before the loans on vehicles are paid off. We shouldn't have to be paying a loan on a vehicle we can't even drive because it is in the shop for an extended period of time. At 62,298 miles after getting the truck back from the engine failure, the starter then failed and was replaced under extended warranty with $133.76 cost going to me.
Power train, Electrical system, May 22, 2025
The truck started shuttering one day it was like I was driving on the drunk bumps but I wasn't. Also it will drop gears when it shouldn't and at times it will kinda jump like it's losing power and don't want to go. I have taken it to my step dad who has been a transmission mechanic all his life and he said the transmission needs to be rebuilt but even rebuilding it won't solve the problem because it is a flaw in the way it was made so rebuilding it they use the same parts and everything so it will eventually do the same thing again it's all just a matter of when. He also had me go to another really good transmission guy and he said that we could replace the torch converter but still may need a rebuild l. I don't know if any that has to do with my passenger tire wear or my wheel bearing coming loose while driving only one bolt was holding it on when my husband checked it. The wheel bearing coming loose is pretty big safety problem. As for the transmission my step dad works at a transmission shop and he said they get probably 3 to 5 trucks a week having the same problem mine is having and I know they have been recalls on other trucks that have the same problem as mine just my one wasn't in the batch they recalled .
Power train, May 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal shuddering sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the stabili-trak warning light was illuminated. Additionally, on one occasion when the vehicle was started and shifted into drive(D), the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.
Power train, Service brakes, May 16, 2025
Sometimes when traveling higher speeds (55-70)and braking going downhill, a hard brake will come out of nowhere. Not enough lock up the brakes or anything but enough to scare the crap out of you!!! If it would happen to a elderly person or a less experienced driver, they could probably lose control or wrack. With the power train...sometimes when accelerating(from a stop or low speed)it seems as though it gets stuck in gear or skips a gear. You won't have any power then bam... almost cerps the back tires