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, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 4, 2023
The component or system that failed or malfunctioned, FUEL PUMP ( METAL FLAKING IN FUEL SYSTEM ) has caused 1 or more CYLINDERS to FAIL. It is available for inspection upon request. My safety as well as the safety of many other motorists was put at high risk due to the fact that I had a 40ft. trailer hitched to the truck at the time the engine power was reduced. thus causing my vehicle to loose power while driving on a major highway. The 2018 Chevy Silverado was diagnosed by the Chevrolet Dealership doing-business-as ASCHENBACH CHEVROLET located at 925 East Main Street, Wytheville, VA 24382. The vehicle has not been inspected by the Manufacturer. When pressing down on the gas pedal, the truck would not accelerate as normal, then a message appeared on the dash-screen ENGINE LOOSING POWER. MAJOR ENGINE FAILURES & REPRODUCED REPAIRS: **JANUARY 2022 ENGINE REBUILT/REPLACED - Seguin Chevy Dealership **APRIL 2022 FAILED KNOX SENSORS - POWER REDUCED - Rush Elgin Chevy **NOVEMBER 2022 ENGINE REPLACEMENT, FAILED FUEL INJECTORS, GLO PLUGS & COOLANT LEAK - Robbins Chevy Dealership ** SEPTEMBER 2023 FAILED FUEL PUMP, FUEL INJECTORS - Aschenbach Chevy
Electrical system, Sep 22, 2023
At random the touch screen/radio will continuously switch through screens and apps while operating and will become extremely warm to the touch. The display screen on the instrument panel will also scroll through randomly. The heat will stay on continuously even though it is off.
Electrical system, Sep 17, 2023
turned on rear window defrost and unit started smoking badly with a chemical smell while driving truck. I pushed button to turn rear defrost off so it wouldn't start on fire but the unit had heated up so badly it shattered the window it was touching.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 15, 2023
UNKNOWN I had performed preventative maintenance this evening, fuel filter replacement and noticed after I pulled the fuel filter from the housing and tipped housing back upright, there was what appeared to be brass/gold metal shavings in the bottom of the housing in a little puddle of fuel. If there is metal shavings in the filter, that is a problem. Not sure if it would be fuel pump, or lift pump. Truck runs fine, I do get some hesitation from time to time, but not always. No warning lights/indicators, no water in fuel indicator, or presence of water in fuel. I am worried about safety if metal shavings contaminate entire fuel system, plugging injectors shutting down the truck on the interstate.
Engine, Sep 12, 2023
GM has produced millions of vehicles with the 5.3 motor with AFM,DOD,VVT issues. They are well aware of this issue. The factory defect causes the lifters to collapse causing catastrophic engine failure. This posses a hazard to consumers in traffic trying to navigate their stalled vehicles off the roadways. GM customer service is rude and dismissive, furthermore they offer no assistance to fix these problems. The issues with these motors is well documented and any repair shop/ dealership can confirm these issues. There is no indication from warning systems prior to this failure. However there are multiple Dash warning lights after the catastrophic failure occurs. The cost is passed to consumers to address these issues.
Power train, Sep 12, 2023
The GM 6L80 transmissions have a faulty torque converter. When it goes out it causes a horrible vibration and drive train failure. Which leaves you stranded in traffic or on the side of a busy highway. These transmissions have been installed by GM since 2013 knowing they fail prematurely as early as 60k miles. It’s a running joke that this transmission saved repair shops because of the sheer amount of failures. With the cost passed on to consumers. There are several in detail breakdowns of the defect in this part on various social media platforms and Internet forums. You can call any transmission shop across the nation they can confirm the defect. There where no warning lights prior to, during, or after the failure.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Aug 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the Stabili-trak warning light was illuminated. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. While making a turn at 40 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The contact used OnStar to perform a diagnostic test, and the result was a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Chevrolet of West (225 T M W Pkwy, West, TX 76691) where it was diagnosed that the battery fuse box and ground cables needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 28, 2023
Upon light acceleration of the vehicle, a rough gearshift occurred followed by a check engine light and the vehicle continued to shift roughly and idled roughly. After months of diagnostic work and attempts at repairs, it was determined the lifters were the issue. From independent research I understand this is a somewhat common (and pricey) issue. I’m not sure why there is not a recall for the cheap lifters, but I would like to pursue possible reparations for this fault of GM that has left me without a vehicle and left me with a great financial burden for over six months.
Service brakes, Aug 26, 2023
Brake caliper warped
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Aug 22, 2023
Service Trailer brake light would ding and appear randomly while parked and driving with no trailer or load hooked. Radio jumps screens making phone calls disconnecting Bluetooth just spazes out. Truck is currently sitting at the dealer suggesting a TCM repair. Truck will be in Drive and roll backwards. Driving down the road vehicle just goes limp.. no power nothing. Absolutely disgusted with my purchase and what I’m going through with my 2018 Silverado
Engine, Aug 21, 2023
without warning engine stalls
Electrical system, Service brakes, Aug 17, 2023
WARNING LIGHT CAME ON TODAY 08/17/23-TRAILER BREAK SYSTEM-WHILE DRIVING. I DON'T PULL NOR HAUL ANYTHING WITH THIS VEHICLE, IT STAYS PARKED.. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE WIRING SYSTEM AND NEED TO BE RECALLED ON THIS ISSUE. I SEE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT, AND WARRANTY OUT. 2018 MODEL AND KEPT BLINKING ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING. FOR SAFETY REASIN I NEED THIS REPAIR TAKEN CARE OF. NEED A RECALL SO CAN BE REPAIRED AT KNOW COST.
Structure, Aug 16, 2023
Have had two different door actuator/locking mechanisms fail on both rear doors. This is an easy part to replace and is able to be replaced by the consumer. Both times it was replaced the actuator failed immediately in the locked position. Door could not be opened from the inside or the outside and had to have door panel cut off to reopen. After the second failure, the GM Dealer tech showed me a "trick" that was only known to GM techs and that if the consumer did not replace the latch with the undocumented "trick" and only used the standard repair manual the latch would fail as such. I approached GM for an answer on this and they stated that I am not a licensed GM technician and should not attempt to do anything on my vehicle other than put gas in it and drive it. While I do understand that at times it is necessary for a trained professional to be involved, but that should not be the case for a door latch. The lack of concern on GMs part as the door had to be cut off because of this is irresponsible. There are plenty of other stories of the same issue occurring with this same style of latch. Someone could easily be trapped in the vehicle with this issue and killed.
Engine, Aug 15, 2023
Driving and truck down shifted and dash said Brake assist then said transmission temperature was 250 degrees
Power train, Aug 15, 2023
The truck excellerate when I stop at stop sign or red light, with my foot on brake pedal acts like it is going to take off without my foot on gas
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after five minutes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.
Power train, Aug 11, 2023
The transmission caused a vibration and sometimes a surge when it would go into gear. I had to be very careful when initially driving forward, especially in heavy traffic making sure I had a safe distance ahead of me. The entire vehicle would shutter when accelerating almost at any speed.
Engine, Aug 9, 2023
My 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 keeps stalling/dying when making turns. There is zero correlation to speed, stop and go, slow, fast, sharp or gradual turn, acceleration or slow rolling start, hard stop then start. It happens mostly when turning right, or left, mostly right. It 's happened 12 times from July '22 to January '23.Dash only shows mileage when it dies. (digital). Rest of console is black (similar to when remote started). It has happened when remote started (twice), other times when manually started with the key. I have tried to recreate stalling turning/starting fast/slow/sharp, etc in empty parking lots while videoing multiple times without success. I took it in to dealer's service center in January '23. They trouble shot it, determining that it was a faulty fuse box and changed that out. It has continued to occur despite this "fix." It has occurred 8 times since January, four of those times in the last 3 weeks, twice on one day. All of these times, except yesterday, I was lucky that no one was behind me. Yesterday, it happened when I turned left. I was able to place it in park restart, and continue. I stopped at stop sign, then turned right. It died again while a truck was behind me. Because it had happened so often, I shifted into neutral, restarted engine, shifted into drive and was able to get enough speed to avoid them hitting me from behind. I was luck the other driver noted that I had stopped and slowed down accordingly. Had I been in heavy traffic, that may not have been the outcome. I know there is a recall for the 2017 year models PIT5405C which describes the exact same thing happening, including engine revving when accelerating from stop after restarting. It then requires stopping, turning off and restarting. I am taking it back to the dealer's service center for further trouble shooting in two days. The service center does all my maintenance and oil changes. I would welcome someone else inspecting/trouble shooting to fix the problem.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal extended to the floorboard, extending the stopping distance. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the vacuum pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V603000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 30,000.
Suspension, Aug 8, 2023
I have an odd bounce/vibration front suspension both tires intermitting bounce on flat roads. It feels similar to drive on washboards raises on the highway. Suspension bouncing extremely fast. Transmission issues: Some owners have experienced jerky shifts, delayed gear engagement. On and Off Noise Click In dashboard.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 28, 2023
The vehicle has just completely died on me at least twice while driving it, the power steering keeps cutting out, and the headlights will dim significantly upon pressing the brake pedal or using turn signals. This has been going on intermittently for months. Upon an internet search, this does not appear to be an uncommon issue.
Service brakes, Jul 14, 2023
Failure of the vacuum booster pump. GM has currently recalled 3.4 million pickup trucks and SUVs for this issue under NHTSA Safety Issue ID is 19V645000 but my current pickup is currently not listed as having an recall issued. Chevy dealership would only replace the entire vacuum booster pump as a fix which cost ~$800
Power train, Jul 5, 2023
I have a 2018 Chevy Silverado that has issues with the transmission slipping into different gears as well as hard violent jerking even on the freeway ,and I heard hard rumbling in my transmission burnt out with only 76,000 miles, it's like they're designed to go out.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 26, 2023
The control module for the passenger side air bag failed. A warning light depicting the air bag was continuously displayed until the module was replaced According to the dealer service department, the air bag would fail to deploy with this failure.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 24, 2023
June 24th 2023 on a sunny day right after i start my truck ( truck still on my drive way) trailer brake system service notice came on. I don't have any trailer on that truck at that time. This truck trailer brake system service notice on & off and beep too, it keep my eye off the road the most time this is danger this vehicle never been to accident or even small hit...PLEASE GET CHEVY FIX THIS PROBLEM , i don't want have a accident because that notice keep came up and keep my eye off the street.