2018 GMC Sierra 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 304 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 26 Sierra 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 10 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.
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: engine
72 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The message "Reduced Power" was displayed, and the RPMs increased. Additionally, the vehicle jerked, and the contact noticed that there was smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the starter, the battery, the fuel pump, the oil pump, the oil pump sensors, and the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 133,742.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 5, 2025
Engine lifters failed. Heard ticking noise first day truck was purchased that gradually got louder but was told by gmc service shop it was normal to hear the ticking noise. Also when cruise control is on and you are decending a hill the rpms raise and you lose engine compression this will cause your speed to drop to around 20 mph and has happened nunerous times.. as well when making a turn sometimes or just driving the vehicle turns off while in motion and you have to coast to the side of the road and turn the key off and back on to start driving agsin.. the loss of power is a complete blackout no dash.. no engine nothing. As result of the lifter issue the engine also hard shifts in and out of slow gears.. I have not driven my truck in about a year and still owe 22k on it. The issues with this vehicle are the same as the recalled 6.3 v8 engines.
Engine, Jun 3, 2025
My vehicle was a well maintained 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. It has 58000 miles. I was driving in 30 mph zone thank God. Heard a loud boom and the truck lost power and shut off. I got out and oil was pouring out. I took it to the GMC dealership and they told me the engine failed. They didn’t know why or what caused the failure. But said they is a hole in the block and all they can say is something in the engine failed.
Engine, May 28, 2025
Lifter when bad during engine start up. (known issue)
Power train, Engine, May 14, 2025
GM has discontinued a critical engine belt on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3L eAssist. This makes the truck undrivable and unsafe to own, even though the vehicle is still under financing and only 7 years old. There is no available part, and no alternative has been offered by the manufacturer.
Engine, May 1, 2025
Spun main bearing in motor. Motor blown. It is available for inspection. GM mechanic inspected and quoted for new motor. Vehicle shut down going down interstate at 78 mph. No warning.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, May 1, 2025
My engine and all electrical components including power steering and power brakes and all dashboard electrical will fail while driving. It is becoming more frequent and has almost caused an accident on numerous occasions to the point of not being able to drive safely on the highway any longer so now I only stay on surface streets and can't use for any out of town work. I usually do all of my own vehicle maintenance not been able to diagnose the culprit. Unfortunately I'm not able to afford the dealership diagnostic prices but open to any type of inspection.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 29, 2025
I have taken it in due to engine mounts 4 different times, transmission replaced and in October 2024 I took it in for issues I was experiencing like I had before my transmission went out. I did not get my truck back until almost Dec 2024 and that was due to there employee backing into the front end of my truck. So after all that my warranty was up Dec 24 2024 and then on April 16th 2025 I was driving my 2018 GMC Sierra 6.2l 1500 Denali 129,600 miles at approx 30 mph it was late so the streets were empty and we started to hear a knocking or what I thought at the time was a very bad exhaust leak. We parked and then we started to try to make it home very slowly which we did and it was not making to much noise. The next day I called GMC and explained they said bring it in. I towed it there to be safe but it did start and still ran at very slow speed. They called me and said that the lift side rockers/ lifters 1 failed and it was stuck due to a misfire and that the engine would need to be rebuilt and sent me over some very vague break down which looked like a lump sum price. I requested and better break down and got a screen shoot and that when he said that’s the best they can do. There were no engine lights on or warnings nothing at all. It also just got serviced at GMC for an oil change on February 27th 2025 along with some air filters. Today is April 29th and still waiting for the service manage to call and see if they can do anything to help out instead of charging full price. I will Attach pictures of the cost break down if possible. Thank you
Engine, Mar 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that at start-up there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty, and that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000.
Engine, Mar 11, 2025
Lifters failed and damaged engine at 68000 miles
Engine, Feb 26, 2025
DRIVING 70 MPH ON [XXX] IN MODERATE TRAFFIC WHEN MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY SLOWED DRAMATICALLY AND BEGAN TO SHUDDER . I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THREE WESTBOUND MARKED LANES AND WAS ALMOST HIT BY A DRIVER BEHIND ME WHICH HAD BEEN FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY. THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND MY OIL GAUGE WENT TO THE HIGH SIDE. I EXITED ONTO [XXX] AND AT 40 MPH THE TRUCK WOULD SHAKE AND SHUDDER UNTIL I DROVE THE 6 MILES TO MY RESIDENCE. ON [XXX], I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO LASH GMC DEALERSHIP IN JOHNSTOWN OHIO. ONCE THERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAILED LIFTER THAT BROKE INTO PIECES RESULTING IN A BENT ROD AND DAMAGED CAM SHAFT. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED FULL ENGINE REPLACEMENT DUE THE SEVERITY OF THE FAILURE. THE TRUCK IS A 2018 GMC SIERRA DENALI WITH ONLY 65,449 MILES ON IT. IT COST ALMOST $70,000.00 NEW AND THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE COST ME $14,221.96. I FEEL MY PERSONAL SAFETY WAS JEOPARDIZED IN THIS INCIDENT. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE RESEARCHED THE 6.2 GMC ENGINE ONLINE AND HAVE FOUND REPORTS OF NUMEROUS SIMILIAR FAILURES AND INCIDENTS INVOLVING THE ENGINE IN QUESTION. I TRULY FEEL NHTSA SHOULD TAKE A STRONG LOOK AT THE ENGINE FAILURES INVOLVING THIS ENGINE AND FORCE GMC TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE ENGINES IN QUESTION DUE TO THE SAFETY ISSUES INVOLVING THE ENGINES FAILURES IN TRAFFIC AND THE RISK ASSOCIATED WITH AN OCCURENCE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Feb 6, 2025
I have a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 with a 6.2 motor. Back in December of 2024, I had to replace a tie rod, cam shaft, and the lifters. $8400 to get everything replaced. Since my warranty had expired, I had to pay all of this out of pocket. I know there is currently an investigation going on in GMC's 6.2 motors. Almost 900,000 engine failures. This is unacceptable. GMC just needs to man up and send out the recall notice. Since I have already had to pay for my replacements, GMC should do the right thing and and cut me a check.
Engine, Feb 4, 2025
Lifters and cams fatal failure, requiring extremely pricy replacement of the parts affected or replacement of the entire engine!
Engine, Jan 31, 2025
The failure was a lifter collapsed in my vehicle's motor. I had reduced power and major shuttering due to the issue. If I had been towing a load I would have possibly become a hazard by not maintaining a speed that would have been able to keep up with traffic flow. Also if I had been in an congested traffic area I would have been slower to clear or have major breakdown causing increased backups. It was confirmed by a local shop. There were no warning lights at the time of incident, nor leading up to this incident. Fortunately no accidents or disruptions happened and I had to be towed in to a repair shop.
Engine, Jan 31, 2025
My 2018 Silverado 1500 has had 3 cylinder 4 misfires over a 9 month period that had to be repaired after warranty. This caused the repair/replacement of the lifters. I have had this happen for a forth time this year January 7 2025 with the same code of "cylinder 4 misfire". That means four of the same issues in one year. I can be driving along smoothly, then suddenly from one light to the next, the check engine light comes on with the misfire to cylinder 4 coming on. It was shared with me the AFM can cause this to happen. On the third time of misfire, I saw a little smoke, then once it was repaired with lifters replaced, no smoke and back to running smoothly. This time the intake cam lobe was scored which voided the warranty. I am now at a crossroad as to what to do now, and have parked the truck for now. It is my understanding the 5.3L engine was considered a solid engine until the AFM was installed. Did I mention this is the first "truck" I have ever owned? I have had a Chevrolet vehicle since I was able to drive, and have never had engine problems of this magnitude. My concern now is that this could cause my engine to lock up while I'm driving around and cause a possible accident. I depend on this truck as my mode of transportation, but now I have to make a decision that impacts me greatly as a senior citizen on a fixed income.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at various speeds, the vehicle occasionally shuts off. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not found. The contact was informed to take the vehicle back to the dealer if the failure returned. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
Engine, Jan 20, 2025
Engine failed before 100,000 miles. Lifter failed leading to a damaged camshaft and replacement of lifters being require. Required 10,000$ in repairs. Failure light appeared suddenly. No issues were known of ahead of incident.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 14, 2024
This vehicle has 88400 miles, it out of warranty, which I know this, I use AMSOIL ASM SIG SERIES SYN SAE 0W-20 , 5.3L GAS. TWO YEARS AGO, I CHANGED OIL AT RICHARD BUICK GMC IN DAYTON, OH AND SENT A SAMPLE OF THE OIL TO OIL ANALYZERS FOR AN ANALYSIS, THEY SET IT BACK, IT SHOWED THERE WAS A LEVEL 4 SEVERE GASOLINE IN THE OIL. THEY CHANGED THE HIGH SPEEP FULE PUMP, BOTH IN JECTORS, AND IT THOUGHT IT WAS FIXED, ON 12 - 11 -24 HAD THE OIL CHANGED AT LOCAL BOYS SERVICE CENTER, SENT A SAMPLE OF THE OIL-TO-OIL ANALYZERS AND RECIEVED BACK, A SEVERE FUEL LEAK OF GASOLINE IN THE OIL, i DON'T THINK THAT MANY DRIVERS WHO HAVE THIS VEHICLE KNOW ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM, IT COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE FAILURE OR EVEN WORSE, GENERAL MOTORS NEEDS TO FIX THIS PERBLEM.
Engine, Dec 3, 2024
Vehicle is a 2018 GMC Sierra Crewcab 4x4 with a 5.3 engine. The vehicle was purchased new in Washington and serviced at the Chevrolet dealership in Oregon within vehicle recommended service intervals. At 64K miles, the engine developed a sudden AFM lifter issue. Lifter for cylinder #6 came apart causing the engine to miss, smoke, have excessive oil on the spark plug, and low cylinder PSI (75 compared to others at 200+). Vehicle is just outside of it's 5 yr/60K powertrain warranty. Vehicle is undrivable and will need probable engine replacement due to damage from AFM lifter failure. My mechanic verified the miss, oil on the spark plug, and low PSI. The local Chevy dealership removed the valve cover, inspected, and advised that the lifter came apart. Dealership wants $1200 to pull the head to determine extent of damage and $4-5K to repair valves or $12-14K for engine replacement. GM offers no assistance at this point.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the exhaust manifold bolts had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
Power train, Engine, Oct 2, 2024
Engine AFM has failed. No engine light was present at the time. A loud ticking noise was noted from the engine bay. Was taken to get diagnosed, and the AFM was replaced. The problem was then resolved. Transmission has been jerking and hard shifting through the period of owning the vehicle. No diagnosis has been made
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 6, 2024
2018 gmc Seirra 1500 8 speed transmission. Making unsafe conditions while driving transmission tends to make hard shifts, jerks, hesitation when moved into gear, gets worse when stopping momentarily at stop lights and then trying to accelerate vehicle will not move. Makes hard shift and jerks then will accelerate in an unsafe manner.
Power train, Engine, Apr 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra LD. The contact stated the vehicle experienced jerking and shaking. The contact also stated when the accelerator pedal was applied, the vehicle made a loud noise and lunged. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a transmission flush and an alignment were performed. However, the contact stated the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Nov 18, 2023
My 2018 Sierra began experiencing severe shuddering while driving down the road. The dealer said it was caused by moisture getting into the transmission fluid and contaminating it. In my ownership of dozens of vehicle's this has never happened before. This formerly inexpensive minor fluid change requirement morphed into a $618.00 major surgery just to fix a problem that should have never occured. If the fluid was contaminated by moisture as the dealer explained, it's a design defect which caused it and nothing I have ever done. I am still unsure as to if the transmission or torque converter may be damaged. The manufacturer should be liable for the cost to fix this not me!
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 29, 2023
The electric power steering failed while accelerating into a turn from a stop at an intersection. The wheel was jerked from my hands, and the engine stalled, all electrical failed momentarily. Within a couple of seconds everything returned to normal. This has happened several times since I purchased this vehicle. Also the electrical power steering drops out quite often at low speeds, such as in parking lots. No warnings have ever been given. In May of 2021 the dealer replaced the steering rack, the problem has continued intermittently to this date. I have researched for recalls on this problem and found that GMC issued a recall for years 2014-2017, and am amazed that they could just declare the problem fixed, and leave such a dangerous problem unresolved!