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, Mar 15, 2025
Transmission locked up. Vehicle has low miles.
Engine, Mar 13, 2025
Truck suddenly started slowing down and smoke came from the tailpipe. No warning issued before the failure. Transmission replaced in January of this year also.
Power train, Mar 12, 2025
Had to replace rear end now transmission is starting to act up like might be going out (the truck started by like having a shake as you drive ot not for long period just every so often to when i gave ot rhe gas the really loud whinning noise let off gas it stopped )looked up to see if any others and many others with the same model as mine is having same trouble as I am and have not seen any recalls,but many people have been having same issues .
Power train, Mar 5, 2025
My transmission had a history of failing trans symptoms, all documented at the dealer from 10,000 miles until it ultimately failed at 127,000 miles. Those symptoms where a down-shift thud, confusion to what gear it should be in, shuddering, shaking and fluid temp running hot without towing a load. Was told by the dealer this was all normal, that the transmission was "still learning". Eventually the trans failed and was towed to the dealer. Dealer said that pieces of the torque converter were found in the fluid and building up in the filter, ultimately clogging it. I had all my recommended maintenance done at the dealer over the life of the truck. Once the trans failed I had an independent service center rebuild the trans, not wanting the same remanufactured trans that failed put back into my truck without any improvements made. No warning lights ever came on.
Power train, Feb 25, 2025
Transmission failed and truck shut down mid road while going uphill. Shifting jumps when gears are switched and power jumps and goes down while stepping on gas pedal. At first it showed a check engine light but because i was traveling i had to skip and tried turning on again. It happened at least 5 times while on the road that day and now shifting is messed up and jumps while stepping on gas. I inspected and took to a mechanic for an inspection and said need a new transmission unless there is a recall because it happens to many 2018 chevy silverados 1500.
Power train, Feb 16, 2025
We just purchased the truck from a Chevrolet dealership 6 days prior took it on a trip to Missouri. Truck transmission shuddered then downshifted nearly causing a rear end accident behind us. Luckily the driver was attentive and did not hit us
Power train, Feb 14, 2025
Transmission slipping and shuddering when fluid warms up. Dealership diagnosed torque converter/transmission failure. Stated it may cause transmission lockup while driving
Power train, Feb 11, 2025
Radiator replacement Thermostat replacement BG Coolant Exchange Mileage: 57,000 2018 -Silverado-1500
Power train, Engine, Jan 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the engine and transmission were recently replaced, and the vehicle was released by the dealer and the failure occurred three days later. Additionally, the contact stated that the dealer installed a rebuilt transmission and engine, with a warranty up to 100,000 miles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact stated that the repair was declined coverage under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
Power train, Air bags, Engine, Jan 26, 2025
Unknown
Power train, Engine, Jan 26, 2025
Transmission jerks with hard shift and rough idle
Power train, Jan 24, 2025
My truck has had transmission issues since we purchased it. At 79,000 miles the factory transmission finally went out and needed replaced. The truck currently has 81,000 miles on it and is already having transmission problems with the rebuilt parts. Background: the truck began having hard downshifts since purchase. Over the course of our ownership, we noticed it started struggling with shifting from 2nd gear to 3rd and 3rd gear to 4th. Constant "clunking" and shuttering when trying to shift. Approximately November of 2024 the truck suffered from the known GM transmission failures. It was almost "skipping" upon acceleration and had a very hard time with cycling between gears. The transmission began making a sound comparable to a normal operating diesel truck (almost sounded like the turbo engines upon acceleration). The truck was sent to the dealership and the transmission was replaced. However, since this replacement we are now experiencing similar symptoms to the previous transmission. There is a very hard downshift, there is clunking sound when the truck is trying to go from 3rd to 4th, and the truck has a noticeable gear burning smell when driven long distances.
Power train, Jan 23, 2025
Transmission Failure & Torque Converter Clutch Failure, Less than 90,000 miles on vehicle. This is a known issue with this year and model truck that GM is aware of. It has been inspected by the certified dealer and they are aware that this is a known issue. I don’t tow with my truck or do anything but drive it regularly. I was Quoted $8,900 with a $2,000 Core reimbursement.
Engine, Jan 23, 2025
I was driving on the interstate and then all of a sudden my vehicle started shaking while driving and by the time I got home in less than 15 miles, the truck was producing huge clouds of smoke out of the exhaust. I took it to a dealership and it was determined the lifters were bad, less than 6 months after I paid off my vehicle and the extended warranty expired. In repairing the lifters it was determined there was a misfire in cylinder 6 which in conjunction with the lifter failure, it damaged rods and pistons to such an extent full engine replace was deemed necessary. I had every maintenance and inspection done on time since the purchase of the vehicle by a local Chevrolet dealership and there apparently was no warning or concern that my lifters were going to imminently fail and/or cause extensive engine damage. My truck was in the repair shop for nearly a 1 year while I waited for a new engine Chevrolet agreed to pay for half of an engine even though I was out of warranty by a few months, but I was under the mileage on the warranty by 30k miles. The truck was not heavily used. Most miles were highway interstate miles from long road trips, but the vehicle largely sat undriven most days of the week for a couple years leading up to the engine failure.
Power train, Engine, Jan 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the transmission failed to operate as designed and the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle returned to normal functionality afterwards. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure; however, the check engine warning light illuminated after the failure and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The failure persisted and the vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, Dec 31, 2024
Tailgate came open while driving and I lost items in the truck bed. This is the second incident. I had double checked to ensure it was latched before driving.
Other or unspecified, Dec 31, 2024
Tailgate came open while driving and I lost items in the truck bed.
Electrical system, Structure, Dec 30, 2024
Have had 3 rear door actuator locks fail. Refer to complaint 11538814. Will be able to upload files at request.
Power train, Wheels, Dec 17, 2024
Purchased this vehicle from a used car dealership 2 months ago. Now the transmission seems to be going out with 132,000 miles on it and funny noise from the transfer case. I have researched and found numerous complaints about the drive train on this vehicle and as a disabled veteran I don't have the funds to have it fixed. How can I get a recall in place for this issue?
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 4, 2024
Entire system (everything) shut down without warning, sometimes kick back on, and other times not at all. Extremely dangerous as it will occur no matter traveling on highway or turning a corner in a parking lot. There are discussion boards in which many people have experienced this problem and clearly it is because of "Bad Battery Cables" and common within the 2014-2018 models. My truck is currently in a dealership garage to have the cables replaced and I have to have a rental car while the cables are on backorder for 5 to 10 days (maybe longer). How is this not a "recall" when so common and so dangerous? Dealership could see in a diagnosis that power had been lost and communication lost, over and over and over. There has never been a dash warning light come on at all.
Power train, Engine, Dec 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact stated that the vehicle felt like the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting abnormally. Additionally, while the vehicle was stopped and idling with the brake pedal depressed, the RPM was fluctuating, and the vehicle was moving unintendedly. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that the check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer replaced the serpentine belt however, the failure persisted and became more persistent over time. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who retrieved a DTC code for engine failure. The mechanic referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Power train, Nov 21, 2024
Transmission vibrates when it approaches 35 mph and 65 mph. The vibration feels like rumble strips and last for 3 seconds
Engine, Nov 19, 2024
Two broken exhaust manifold bolts
Service brakes, Oct 19, 2024
There is a recall for a brake issue on Chevy Silverados of the same year mine is doing exactly the same as the recall calls for but when I try to get the repair for the recall I’m told my vehicle doesn’t have the recall. The problem almost causes crashes due to the brakes not working when the pedal is pressed.
Power train, Engine, Oct 9, 2024
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 vehicle was shaking and jerking. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. In addition, the contact stated while driving uphill, the failure reoccurred. The contact was almost involved in a crash because the vehicle had failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled backward. The contact turned the vehicle off and restarted the vehicle and the contact was able to get to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine and transmission failure. The contact was informed that the engine and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring for over five years. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times due to the failure. The contact was informed several times that the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.