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, Oct 12, 2023
I am told by a GMC dealer that my engine mount is cracked/worn and needs replacing otherwise the engine can fall out. My mechanic tells me this is a common problem with GMC trucks; specifically the driver’s side engine mount. Perhaps a recall is necessary if this is a common issue. My vehicle is a 2018, so only 5 years old.
Engine, Aug 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while turning left at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Power train, Engine, Jun 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved but the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission was slipping and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating and shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her nearby destination. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer Liberty Chevrolet (105 Cooley Way, Villa Rica, GA 30180) where it was diagnosed that the driver's side lifters had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to a third dealer, Prince Chevrolet Buick GMC of Albany (2701 Ledo Rd, Albany, GA 31707) where it was diagnosed that passenger's side lifters needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer diagnosed that the camshaft needed to be replaced. The contact was advised that the warranty would cover a portion of the cost of the repair and she was responsible for the balance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,267.
Engine, Jun 10, 2023
When I’m towing my small boat, my temperature gauge starts to rise on my engine and there are no warning lights and it has caused me to have to pull over. I have told the dealership about this. Everyone seem to act like it’s no big deal but when I’m having to pull over, because I’m afraid my motors getting too hot, it’s a problem. And not only that even when I’m not towing anything my temperature gauge keeps going up then back down up and then back down never in my life have I experienced a vehicle doing this
Engine, Apr 6, 2023
Radiator failed. Mileage is under 60k. It is currently being replaced by dealership. Dealer Representative noted that it is a fairly regular occurrence for these models. So much so that the dealership stocks this replacement radiator(hard for me to understand). There was no indicator lights to alert to this malfunction, it was noticed after work one afternoon when coolant was dripping out of the front of the vehicle.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 14, 2022
While driving 35 miles per hour in the early morning hours I came to a 4-way intersection and applied the brakes slowly. Suddenly, I lost all power in the brakes and the steering wheel locked up. The lights, and stereo remained on, and my dash board display immediately showed a red check engine light. I immediately turn on my hazard lights, turned the ignition key off and tried to restart the truck. There was no clicking sounds. The truck would not start but the lights dimmed and the dash display now showed an intermittent yellow, flickering check engine light. After roughly 30 minutes while waiting for AAA to arrive I tried the ignition key and the truck started up with a red check engine light. Rather than attempting to drive I had AAA tow my vehicle to the Chevrolet dealership where I purchased the truck.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 3, 2022
THE SPEED OF THE TRUCK WILL NOT INCREASE. THE RPMS GOES REALLY HIGH AND THE TRUCK WILL NOT MOVE INTO THE NEXT GEAR. THE REAR END OF TRUCK VIBRATES. I TOOK THIS TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT IS THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IS FAULTY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DOES COME ON. I DID NOT HAVE THE NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED BECAUSE DEALER SAID IS COST $300 FOR THE FLUID AND $100 FOR THE LABOR AND $168 FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS. SO I STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO TOLD YOU CAN NOT PURCHASE THIS TRANSMISSION FLUID NO WHERE BUT GMC.
Power train, Engine, May 18, 2022
Leak detected in the engine oil cooling lines, requiring replacement.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 17, 2022
I was driving down the highway when my vehicle loss control of operation and check engine light came on. After taking it to the GMC dealership it was determined to be a bad lifter in the motor. The garage had to take the motor completely apart to repair a bent rod and cylinder in the motor. There are numerous reports and a pending class action lawsuit concerning this device in the GMC Sierra trucks and other GMC vehicles. The lifters in the cylinder of this motor are designed to switch the engine from V4 to V6 to save on gasoline. My vehicle has been repaired by the GMC garage but I've seen reports of this problem repeatedly happening in these vehicles and it causes me great concern because if there is a lot of traffic in the area I could get hit or cause an accident by not being able to operate the truck. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The safety of myself and others is put at risk because the sudden equipment breakdown could cause an accident. The problem was confirmed by the dealer. No other parties have inspected the vehicle. No warning lamps went off prior to this happening and the vehicle is only a 2018 and only has 36,000 miles on it.
Engine, Oct 5, 2021
47,012 MILES RADIATOR FAILURE, LEAKING BADLY. GM DENIED REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY
Engine, Apr 12, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VIBRATED ABNORMALLY WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INGERSOLL AUTO OF DANBURY (84 FEDERAL RD, DANBURY, CT 06810, (203)885-7774) FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THE ENGINE WAS FLUSHED ON FOUR OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIBRATION INCREASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SAME DEALER AND A TIRE ROTATION AND ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TORQUE CONVERTER WAS ALSO REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE REMAINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
Engine, Mar 22, 2021
AT 55000 MILES THE RADIATOR STARTED TOO LEAK GM WOULD ONLY PAY 250.00 DOLLARS OF THE 876.00 IT COST
Engine, Mar 20, 2021
WHILE DRIVING WITH THE ROADS IN A WET CONDITION, FOR VARIOUS LENGTHS OF TIME, AND IN DIFFERENT MANEUVERS, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WILL START FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE WILL BEGIN TO LOSE POWER. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WILL GO SOLID AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE LOSES MORE POWER. ON BRAKING, JUST BEFORE THE VEHICLE COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP, THERE IS A CLUNK IN THE TRANSMISSION AND THE VEHICLE LURCHES. THIS HAS OCCURRED 6 TIMES IN THE LAST 14 MONTHS. UPON INVESTIGATION, TROUBLE CODE P0308 SHOWS IN THE OBD TOOL. THE ISSUE COULD NOT BE REPRODUCE BY THE DEALERSHIP SO THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY RESOLUTION, JUST THOUGHTS.
Engine, Mar 5, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A COOLANT SMELL WOULD EMIT FROM THE VEHICLE UPON EXIT. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE HAD BEGAN TO LOSE COOLANT AT AN ABNORMAL RATE AND HAD TO BE FREQUENTLY REPLACED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MCCONNELL AUTOMOTIVE (3150 DAUPHIN ST, MOBILE, AL 36606) WHERE THEY CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR WHICH RESULTED IN A COOLANT LEAK. HE WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VIN AND THAT THE WARRANTY DID NOT COVER THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE SAME INFORMATION AS THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000.
Engine, Feb 1, 2021
THE RADIATOR IS LEAKING COOLANT WITHOUT ANY REAL CAUSE AND I WAS TOLD THE ENTIRE RADIATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
Engine, Dec 16, 2020
I HAVE HAD MY GMC SIERRA 1500 FOR ALMOST 3 YEARS. I HAVE A LITTLE UNDER 59,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK. A FEW THOUSAND MILES AGO A TECH AT THE GM DEALER LET ME KNOW THAT THEY HAD TO ADD SOME COOLANT AND IT WAS SOMETHING I SHOULD KEEP AN EYE ON. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO HAVE THEM LOOK INTO IT. THEY LET ME KNOW THAT THE RADIATOR HAS A SMALL LEAK. IT IS NOT BIG ENOUGH TO HAVE FLUID HIT THE GROUND IN MY GARAGE BUT IT IS LOOSING FLUID. I LOOKED ONLINE AND SAW THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND IT WOULD COST A GOOD AMOUNT TO FIX. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR UNDER 3 YEARS AND HAVE HAD 5 ISSUES WITHOUT ANY OF THEM BEING COVERED BY WARRANTY. THIS VEHICLE SEEMS TO BE A LEMON.
Engine, Dec 14, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATED. NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BECK & MASTEN BUICK GMC NORTH (11300 FM 1960 WEST, HOUSTON, TX 77065, (877) 380-8433) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND DETERMINED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING COOLANT AND THAT THE RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. COOLANT WAS REFILLED IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER FOR ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 47,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 13, 2020
AFTER LONG PERIODS OF RUNNING AND IDLE, VEHICLE STALLS OUT HAS A HARD TIME RESTARTING. GAS PADDLE BEING PRESS HELPS SOMETIMES. CHECK CODE P2635 PLUS OTHERS (RANDOM SECONDARY CODES), COME ON. THIS HAS TAKEN PLACE IN AZ WHERE THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE TYPICALLY IS OVER 100. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO GM DEALER WHO SAYS ITS VAPORIZING THE FUEL IN THE LINES. TSB PIP5507B DOSE NOT INCLUDE 2018, HOWEVER THE DESIGN HASN'T CHANGED. CONDITIONS; LONG IDLE, HOT WEATHER, LOW SPEEDS UNDER 25 MPH OR IDLE. LOCATION; AZ SONRONA DESSERT, OFF-ROAD, JOBSITE, CITY STREETS.
Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, May 20, 2020
CONDENSER ON AC LEAKING AT SAME LOCATION AS THE 2014-2017 MY. WARRANTY WAS OUT DUE TO MILEAGE BUT TRUCK IS ONLY 2 YEARS 3 MONTHS OLD. BLOWING WARM AIR WHEN AC WAS TURNED ON. *TR
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 23, 2019
BUCKING AND SURGING WHEN SWITCHING GEARS. HARD BANG WHEN TRYING TO SWITCH. SURGED FORWARD AT A COMPLETE STOP.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Jun 21, 2019
NO TRANSMISSION POWER REGARDLESS OF THE GEAR SHIFTER POSITION. I TURNED THE ENGINE ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES TRYING TO GET A SOLUTION, NO LUCK. I RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE 5 MINUTES LATER AND DID GET IT TO MOVE,,,WOULD ONLY GO 25 MPH AT 3000 RPMS. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF WI NOT NEAR ANY MAJOR DEALERSHIP ON-STAR WAS USELESS SAYING I HAD A MAJOR ENGINE PROBLEM AND THE COMPUTER WAS TRYING TO PROTECT THE ENGINE. I WAS DIRECTED ME TO A CHRYSLER DEALER SHIP, WHO TOLD THEY COULD NOT GET ME IN FOR 2 WEEKS, SUGGESTED ANOTHER BRANCH WHICH WAS OVER 45 MILES AWAY. I DROVE 5 MILES TO A FRIENDS HOUSE AND WAS ABLE TO FIND A DEALERSHIP IN JANESVILLE, WI (FAGAN). WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE TO JANESVILLE, THE TRANSMISSION DID WORK. FAGAN SPENT 2 HOURS WORKING ON IT, AND COULD NOT FIND A CAUSE FOR THE PROBLEMS, THEY CHECKED EVERY COMPUTER, COULD NOT DUPLICATE WHAT HAPPENED. THEY REPROGRAMMED ALL THE COMPUTERS. THEN IN CINCINNATI, OH THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WENT "OFF", WHILE STAIONARY. I TRIED RESTARTING SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL, DROVE THE 3 MILES LEFT TO THE G'KIDS HOUSE, NO POWER STEERING, TRAILER PROBLEM LIGHJT ON, NO RPM OR MPH NEEDLES MOVING. CALLED LOCAL DEALERSHIP (BORCHARDING) AND THEY SUGGESTED I DRIVE IT TO THEIR LOCATION 12 MILES AWAY. WHEN I STARTED IT, THE POWER STEERING WAS BACK ON, BUT THE UNIT WOULD NOT GET OUT OF 2ND GEAR, RAN 40 MPH AT 2500 RPM, WARNING LIGHTS ALL ON, ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON. NEXT MORING I STARTED THE VEHICLE, EVERYTHING WAS OKAY INCLUDING THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, BUT STILL HAD THE "CHECK ENGINE ON", THE DEALERSHIP KEPT IT (2) DAYS, INVOLVED GMC ENGINEERS, COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE FOR ALL THE PROBLEMS,INCLUDING LOSS OF "STEERING ASSIST". THEY DROVE IT OVER 50 MILES ON TWO TRIPS,COULD NOT DUPLICATE WHAT HAPPENED. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS SOME KIND OF COMPUTER PROBLEM, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE, THEY RESET EVERYTHING AGAIN.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 21, 2018
FUEL INJECTION SEALS #4 O-RING SPLIT - LEAKING FUEL - POOLING GAS ON MANIFOLD. TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SMELL OF GAS, LACK OF ACCELERATION AND POOR GAS MILEAGE. THIS IS KNOWN ISSUE BASED ON THE SERVICE BULLETIN 18-NA-137 - VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 6000 MILES