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.
Electrical system, Mar 13, 2024
The trailer brake signal will alert an unnecessary amount of times randomly.
Power train, Structure, Service brakes, Mar 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced several safety related failures which included unintended acceleration. The contact indicated that the transmission needed to be replaced on multiple occasions due to the failure. The braking system had malfunctioned and caused the brake pedal to become difficult to depress. The brake master cylinder was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering failed causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. The steering rack was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated that there was a loud clanking sound underneath the vehicle while driving over a bump in the road. The motor mount was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 52,000.
Power train, Mar 7, 2024
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2020 was under warranty (22,000 miles)….felt a little vibration in my steering wheel and suspected a transmission problem and called the dealer’s service department. I told them what I felt and they said…yes you have a transmission problem (that Chevrolet knows about) bring it in and we will fix it. The fix was…change transmission fluid to synthetic. Now I was not comfortable with the repair but what can I do. I also know changing to the synthetic fluid can handle higher temperatures and will not breakdown as quickly. So my point is Chevrolet knows and knew about the problem and did not even think about a recall due to the expense it would cost them. Chevrolet expects me to absorb the cost of a manufacture problem. Last year was the start of my families transmission problems. It started May of 2023 with my 2014 Silverado’s transmission (175,000 miles) and ended up getting it overhauled. The truck was not abused. November my 1st grandson’s 2018 Silverado’s transmission failed, December 2nd grandson’s 2015 Serria’s transmission failed. I also recently (3 days ago) found out my friend’s 2018 Silverado went failed last year. All within a 6 month’s period. Now I have lost my 2018 Silverado transmission (mentioned above) with 88,000 miles. This is just my family…I really can’t imagine what is going on country wide. All of the above events has prompted me to look into this problem. Every transmission shop and dealer is telling me Chevrolet knows and knew about the problem…I can go on. I am very concerned and will not stop at getting resolve with GM/Chevrolet taking ownership of the transmission problem. Sure I want help...but I also want to help others with the same problem.
Service brakes, Mar 7, 2024
The recall was to REPLACE the vacuum pump and vacuum belt. The dealer recalibrate the vehicle computer instead. I have spoken with GM several times now and am not gett8ng a straight resolve.
Suspension, Mar 1, 2024
Upper control arm weld broke around the top of the ball joint, a couple of months later other passenger side did the Exact same thing.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 27, 2024
The following Recalls were found on Kelly bluebook, that matched the issues I have been having with my vehicle perfectly. When calling the recall center, they stated my vehicle year 2018 Chevy Silverado and serial number were not listed for this but it's the exact diagnosis of what I'm experiencing. The 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. As the vacuum level drops, the brake assists decrease, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The brakes inflate on their own as if someone is pressing them down while driving. The vehicle begins to jerk horribly causing the inability to steer or maintain control of the vehicle or the ability to stop. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This is very dangerous. I have no control over the speed of the vehicle or if the brakes will fail, or if the brakes will burn up due to fighting with the accelerator while driving. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, the manufacturer inspected it and stated they could fix the issues, paid but then the same malfunction kept happening even after payment and supposedly being fixed. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? None related to the issues, Stabilitrak warning and then random hill assist to inflate the brake vacuum
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 21, 2024
P1. On or about Feb 9, Power Train transmission, Modular’s. While traveling about 40mph the truck shifted suddenly to low gear, and the water pump blew resulting in steam or smoke from engine hood. Automatic shifting was not possible, after slowing to 5-10 mph check if mauls shifting was an option. All gears L1 L2…were replaced with ‘L’. P2 March 2023 to presented 2024, the vehicle will vibrate and shake. More like a shimming. This happens what seems to be every .5 to 1.0 mile. P3 March 2023 The Transmission issue listed in para 1 happen exactly as describe above. Except the water pump was fine. On or about June 2021 The Transmission issue listed in para 3 happen exactly as describe above. I TOOK TRUCK TO HENDERSON CHEVROLET in Henderson , NV and reported the transmission sudden shift to low AND how the truck slams into gear when leaving a stop sign light. It feels like someone hit the back of the truck. Jerks forward. Service RESULT: that’s normal for the truck. October 2019, took truck to back to Circle Chevy / Hyundai in Shrewsbury NJ regarding the slamming and jerky transmission. RESULT: it’s normal or it didn’t do it while in service road test. I just bought the truck 1 month earlier from CIRCLE CHEVY of SHREWSBURY NJ. Regarding the most recent trans issue of Feb 2024, the power train went out of warranty in August. The issues should have been fixed when odometer was between 000064 to 60000 or Aug 2024. This truck is unsafe and sudden shift to low gear can cause the truck to get into accident
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 10, 2024
The high pressure fuel pump has failed at only 60,000 miles. My Safety along with the safety of others has been put at risk from major loss of power... not safely stopping the vehicle due to fuel pressure malfunction. Certified Chevy Dealer diagnosed high pressure fuel pump Come to find out from the dealer... a warning sign was the electric start button not working. Engine light did NOT come on till after the truck had major power loss/ misfire/ stall.
Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2024
Rear sliding window with defrost started sizzling sound than emit a bunch of smoke into the cab. Shut off rear defrost, preventing a fire. The window than shattered. There is a recall in Canada for this very issue. We live only a hour south of the Canadian border. GM says Canada get colder so that’s why the issue is up there.
Electrical system, Jan 30, 2024
Rear window defrogger overheated and caused the back electric sliding window to shatter and when door was closed the window blew out!
Power train, Jan 25, 2024
Vehicle wouldn't accelerate while in moving traffic. Rpm gauge would move but speed gauge would not and vehicle would not accelerate past 30-35. When I pulled over and put my vehicle in park then attempted to put in drive, it would not move. Transmission light turned on. Had it towed to a mechanic who after diagnostics, states it's definitely the transmission/torque converter.
Service brakes, Jan 21, 2024
Vacuum Pump is leaking oil and internal components are rattling indicating imminent failure and that is a safety hazard for the vehicle and passengers. Oil is being slung all over the front of the engine and multiple belts creating additional operating hazards for the vehicle and passengers. There was a recall concerning reprogramming software to reroute air pressure to the brake system and prevent total failures. Also, technical service bulletin addresses related issues to vacuum pump failures and other affected system components. My vehicle is available, no one has looked at it, we are in danger every time we ride in this condition, no indication of failure other than those already stated. My truck is going on 6 years old and 118K miles. Hardly the time for a brake system failure for a normal use vehicle. This is a safety hazard that GM has created by utilizing faulty components and should be treated as such with all vehicles affected recalled for replacement before vehicles and passengers are seriously injured.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 12, 2024
While driving my 2018 Silverado, the 5.4L, 327c.i. engine began idling very rough, shaking and periodically stalling. The check engine light began blinking and it threw codes PO308 & PO301. After compression test & new plugs/wires, it was found that the injectors had open circuits on injector #'s 1 & 8. The only way to replace the injector is through the bank. In this case both banks 1 & 2 were affected. Cylinder #1 is through bank #1 & cylinder #8 is through bank # 2. After removing the intake manifolds and injectors, it was found that the injectors were not providing fuel to the engine causing a misfire on 2 random cylinders #1 & #8. Called the dealer to order parts and discovered they have already been superseded. Original part# is 12698484 and it has been superseded by part# 12710481. Then injectors were replaced & new intake manifold gasket installed w/ proper torque. After repair completed and engine tested, the problem was resolved. Repair shop's invoice will be attached for reference.
Service brakes, Jan 10, 2024
Last night the truck wouldn’t turn on. The battery had died 4 days after the car was serviced at a local Chevy dealership. I turned the truck on this morning, with what seemed like it didn’t want to turn on and now I’m getting an alert “trailer brake system” i will be contacting the dealership once it’s open
Engine, Jan 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the remote became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under a warranty or service bulletin. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the motor on the active grill shutter was defective. The contact communicated with a GM engineer regarding the Technical Service Bulletin: PIE0500. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, the passenger’s side front brake caliper detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the caliper was missing and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage 67,500.
Power train, Engine, Dec 27, 2023
unknow getting gas in oil at 62532 miles on it which can cause the motor to grenade. a lot of the 5.3l on 2018 has this trouble from watching utube and using research, should be recalled and transmissions trouble as well.
Air bags, Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 - 50 MPH, there was an explosion on the passenger’s side of the vehicle followed by a cloud of white smoke. The driver's side seat belt had loosened and failed to retract. The contact noticed a message on the instrument panel stating "Service Restraint System" at the time of the explosion. The contact stated that the interior lights and the flashers remained illuminated after the explosion. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home and turn off and then restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the canister for the air bag had exploded; however, the air bag had not deployed along with the canister. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, and it was confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the Takata Recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 118,000.
Service brakes, Dec 12, 2023
When I hit the brakes the brake pedal gets hard and I can hear air leak from around the brake pedal. There is a recall for this but my VIN does not fall into the recall, per the dealership and Chevrolet. The description of the recall is the identical thing that is happening when I hit the brakes. The recall info is listed below. Service brakes, hydraulic Recall date 2020-10-01 Recall no. 20V603000 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. Hide details Recall consequence A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall action GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin November 16, 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.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Dec 11, 2023
I purchased this vehicle from Galles Chevrolet in Albuquerque New Mexico as a certified pre owned vehicle. Couple of days after I noticed a vibration coming from the front steering and drivetrain I immediately took it back to Galles and they told me nothing was wrong with it and that the aggressive tires was what I was feeling. So I took it back and drove it for a couple of weeks and the vibration started getting worse so took it back again they rotated and balanced the tires and said it was fine. A few weeks passed and it started again took it back and told me tires were out of round and that was what I was feeling 21/2 months it sat in the back lot until they figured out who was gonna replace the tires. Finally got the truck back and it was ok until the new tires started cupping again and the vibration was back in total I took it in about 8 times in past 18 months for the same issue and to this day has not been resolved. According to GALLES CHEVROLET the technician stated that that was normal for a 2500 4 wheel drive truck with aggressive tires drives and assured me that there’s nothing wrong with the vehicle. Now look at the video and tell me if that’s normal for this truck For some reason it’s not letting me load a video of me moving the wheel up and down side to side where it moves about 3” with the steering wheel locked wheel is very very loose
Service brakes, Dec 4, 2023
Both front brakes applied themselves going down highway. Brake pedal was hard and stiff. Had to pull over. Brakes did not disengage for several minutes. Could not get brakes to release. After turning the vehicle off, drove to nearest auto repair shop, and brakes seized again going barely 20 mph. Chevrolet dealership did diagnostics and could not find anything obvious. No warning lights or issues occurred before this moment. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Unknown exact cause. Has occurred since diagnostics. No replacements or work has been done directly related to this issue as nobody is certain what the cause is.
Steering, Dec 1, 2023, crash
While driving my truck on [XXX] , steering locks up, unable to turn the steering wheel. Crashes into guard rail going approximately 57mph, thankfully no other vehicle involved in this matter. I was not hurt, and had seatbelt buckled and then noticed damaged on the drivers side of the truck. Which included front bumper, left headlamp assembly, left front fender, left upper control arm, damage to front and rear doors, bedside panel, rear bumper and both wheels, and tires. Gerber Collision body shop in Henderson, Ky wrote the estimate and did the repairs for approximately $16,000.00 in damage and paint. On 10/02/2023 we took this truck to Kenny Kent Chevrolet for power steering intermittently going out, and they replaced the battery, codes for low voltage to power steering module. Tested battery and found to test bad, so they replaced the battery. Checked for codes and none were found after replacement of the battery, appeared to be the point of failure at this time. That repair was $404.96, kind of strange on part availability for a electric power steering is on BACKORDER! and module is not serviced separately, and even NO RECALLS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 29, 2023
The plastic fuel pump module (GM part # 13510918) has cracked. The top flange that rests against the top of the fuel tank has an approximately 3 inch crack. The indications were a failed EVAP Check Engine Light PO442 (Small leak). The vehicle had less than 35K miles at the time. Contacted dealer who stated that it was a common problem. Also contacted GM but they provided no assistance. This crack could lead to fuel leaking from the top of the tank. The issue required the fuel pump module assembly to be replaced.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 27, 2023
I have a 2018 chevy Silverado 1500 crew cab, I’ve been having problems where the truck warning light would come on saying “service stability control” and the truck would turn off when reversing and while driving on highway and the light flickers and the steer wheel would lock up as well, please help me out, I have searched over the web and have seen other people posting about it and having the same problems but yet Chevy has not done anything about it, this is a safety hazard
Power train, Oct 20, 2023
Torque converter failed resulting in failure of transmission. Requiring complete replacement of transmission at the cost of $7100 from dealership.