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, Service brakes, May 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating abnormally while driving 45 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The mechanic later determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted, and determined there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 12, 2025
There was fuel in the engine oil. Had to replace all of the injectors and the high pressure fuel pump. The shop I had it done at said this is known issue on these trucks - why isnt something being done?
Electrical system, May 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly lost electrical power before returning to normal functionality. The contact stated that during the brief failure, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, May 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who observed damages to the main wiring harness, due to a failure with the over molding protective shell. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Suspension, May 2, 2025
Passenger side Upper control arm broke in two about to re-enter I75. Had been on I 75 and was going back on it when handling went wonky on Service road. You can see from the rust in the break this stamped part was cracked a while. Vehicle has not hit or run over anything since I have owned it. Had I been on I75 at highway speed it would have been deadly.
Engine, May 2, 2025
This 2108 vehicle had 56174 miles on it in October 2023 when the starter went bad, then with 56382 miles on it in November 2023 the lifter failed and the engine had to be replaced and then with on 56838 miles on it in Dec 2023 the engine light came on and the dealership replaced the canister and solenoid. All in a 3 month time. Chevy says it happens. Then we start reading it is a problem with their 2019 to 2024 vehicles. Maybe it goes back more.
Engine, May 2, 2025
In May 2023, my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 6.2L V8 engine experienced a catastrophic engine failure at 82,986 miles. The failure involved the camshaft, lifters, oil pump, and other internal components. I paid $7,319.63 out of pocket to have the engine disassembled and repaired by a certified mechanic. I recently learned GM issued a recall (NHTSA Recall No. 24V266) for 2021–2024 vehicles with the same engine due to internal engine failures caused by crankshaft and rod bearing defects. Although my 2018 model isn’t included, the failure I experienced closely mirrors the conditions cited in that recall. I believe the same defect may exist in earlier models like mine. I’m submitting this complaint to urge NHTSA to consider whether the recall should be expanded to include additional affected years.
Wheels, May 2, 2025
At 25,000 miles, noticed "howling" noise coming from front end. Noise became louder as speeds increased. Lifted truck on jacks and determined the front passenger wheel bearing was failing. Required replacement.
Power train, May 1, 2025
Hard shift when transmission is shifting around 70 mph and also transmission temperature keeps rising above 230 degrees. Shuddering when shifting after city driving.
Engine, May 1, 2025
The engine/ transmission has been rebuilt 3 times now and still having issues. The RPM goes up out of nowhere. Something is wrong with the truck. I have taken it to my mechanic over 10 times in the past year. It is still having transmission issues even after being repaired 3 times by a transmission shop.
Engine, May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the lifters collapsed. The contact was able to pull over safely. The contact stated that the engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer, who informed them about the diagnosis and the cost for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Engine, Apr 30, 2025
I well maintained my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, and now the motoer is failing, loss of power and just started smoking from exhaust, my mechanic said that the motor is in the process of blowing up. I made every oil change, and maintained the vehicle because I wanted it to last and be the last vehicle I had to purchase. It failing almost caused a bad accident on the interstate, but luckily I was able to avoid an incident and get to safety.
Engine, Apr 24, 2025
An independent service center confirmed that the water pump failed and fell apart. This water pump is a 4-groove pulley (part number 12685259) specific to my vehicle. Most other Silverados have a 6-groove pulley system. This 4-groove pulley water pump is unavailable from the dealer or any of the part stores, as they are on back order with no resolution or availability date. GM has notified some parts stores that this part has been discontinued and is no longer available. This truck is less than 10 years old. There are no other parts, either aftermarket or otherwise, to replace my water pump. The water pump is a vital engine component needed to prevent significant engine damage, and without it, the truck can not run independently without overheating. It is essentially the heart of the automotive cooling system, because the truck water pump function is to continuously circulate the engine coolant from the radiator to the engine and back to the radiator. I have had my truck in an independent service center since January 2025, waiting for this part, which is unavailable. I do have the original part at the shop available for inspection. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem before the failure; it just started making a clanking sound, and I immediately took it to a shop, and have been out of a vehicle for 5 months.
Power train, Apr 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently shuddered. No warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Steering, Apr 19, 2025
While driving steering wheel will lock up and become really hard to move, making it difficult to maneuver out of the road
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and was slow to respond as needed. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the exhaust. While driving, the rear end locked up. The contact stated that the vehicle was slipping, and the vehicle shut off while driving. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact replaced the spark plugs, coil pack, and spark plug wires with a misfire in cylinder #6. The contact stated that the fluids were replaced at an unknown local dealer prior to the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Engine, Apr 15, 2025
Engine all of a sudden had no power or acceleration. Started shaking and thumping extremely loud.
Power train, Apr 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the transmission became stuck in second gear. The contact pulled over the right side of the road and turned off the vehicle for two minutes. The vehicle was then restarted and there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the gear shifter. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The Insurance Company had not yet been contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 141,000.
Suspension, Power train, Engine, Apr 8, 2025
I purchased a used 2018 Chevrolet Silverado High Country (VIN: [XXX] ) on [XXX], with 24,375 miles. On the day of pickup, the truck felt like it was driving over rumble strips. Dimmitt Chevrolet flushed the transmission and used the updated Mobil 1 HP LV fluid. This worked temporarily, but the shudder returned. CarMax then sent the truck to Burke’s Transmission in Sarasota, where they replaced the torque converter. However, the shop declined to rebuild the transmission, citing its complexity. I later brought the truck to Cox Chevrolet in Bradenton. Despite clearly describing the shudder, harsh shifting, and driveline clunk, they told me the behavior was “normal” and refused to investigate further, stating, “We’ll look into it once the unit fails completely.” The symptoms have worsened. Harsh 1–2, 2–3, and 3–4 shifts are back. Shifting into Drive causes a loud clunk and forward lurch. Cold starts cause bucking and sudden stopping. I’ve replaced the tires, Bilstein 5100 rear shocks, and front suspension parts, but the problem persists. I signed on to a class action lawsuit against GM over the 8L90 transmission, but my claim was denied. This issue is well-documented and matches reports from many other owners. It affects drivability, safety, and long-term reliability. GM and its dealers have failed to properly address this known transmission defect. I urge NHTSA to investigate further. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Apr 6, 2025
Lifter problem misfire
Power train, Apr 2, 2025
on or about [XXX] while driving through Olathe Kansas, the torque converter and subsequently the transmission on my 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 failed while driving in heavy traffic. While navigating to a safe place outside the high-speed traffic corridor, the truck would run at approximately 3000 RPM at a speed of 40MPH. By sheer luck, we were not involved in a traffic accident. Replacement cost of the transmission unit was $7907.88 and $800 for a rental truck while the dealer replaced the transmission. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Mar 24, 2025
transmission temprature excessively high, there is a TSB#21-NA-199 Document[XXX] on Thermo bypass vlave on 2018 trucks 6 speed transmissions. 200 degree transmission temp is too high. Service advisor originally said thats normal, after high temp issue a 5th time. I referenced the TSB #21-NA-199 to the dealership service advisor, Advisor said bring it in. Dealer replaced the original Thermo 198 degree transmission bypass valve with Gm's recommended 158 degree trans bypass vlave. Delaer proceeded to charged me $200 diagnostic fee and $167 for part and $258 for labor Total cost was $658 from Holz Morots Hales Corners Wisconsin. My truck was purchased in 2020 and I recieved the full 6 year warranty vehicle currently has 57,000 miles. Im within 60,000 drive train warranty. Dealer claims TSB is not part of the drive train warranty therefor not covered. How's that possible, a drive train is damaged by excessive heat and the thermo bypass valve of 198, creates excessive heat in the transmission destroying countless chevrolet transmissions. My position is: if the Thermo Bypass transmission vlave is not part of the drive train, then what is it doing in my transmission which moves the vehicle? I want to file a complaint, I want Chevrolet to stand behind the product they built and sold . Dodging responsibility on technicality is how Chevrolet will lose buyers. I'm very unhappy with the way I was treated with zero responsibility for the GM product. The dealership would not provide any type of discount .. too add insult to injury the dealer charged me a diagnostic fee after lengthy conversation on the problem which is absurd and offensive to any consumer. I paid and I said to myself, Chevrolet just lost a great customer because of a lousy policy claiming the thermo by pass valve is not part of the drive train ... Bleed the consumer for a repair on the failures created by the manufacturer. Its under warranty on top of it all.. Best Regards [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Mar 21, 2025
Bad torque converter cause transmission to totally fail. Had chevy do transmission flush,2 yrs ago. Back in Aug 2024, transmission started to slip,while driving,then totally failed,no forward or reverse gears,nothing, had truck towed into chevy dealer, almost $7000.00 later,transmission had to be replaced.
Power train, Mar 19, 2025
Transmission failed at approximately 120,000 miles. All maintenance had been done and 90% of miles on vehicle were highway miles. Appears as though there's a thermostat mounted on the exterior of the transmission that is prone to failing around the 100,000 mile area, and when this part fails, there is no transmission fluid circulating to be cooled, so the transmission gets so hot it fails. There are tons of youtube videos from many GM owners that have had to spend thousands and thousands of dollars to replace the entire transmission, when General Motors knows of the faulty part.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact attempted to depress the brake pedal; however, the brakes failed to engage as needed. The contact stated that the more consistently the brake pedal was depressed, the more the brakes failed to function as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.