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: power train
130 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Power train, Tires, Nov 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle was shaking while shifting gears. The contact stated while shifting from four cylinders to eight cylinders, the rear-end was shaking violently. The hood latch warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the tires needed to be replaced. The tires were replaced three times however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Power train, Sep 27, 2022
Experienced heavy vibration or shudder through transmission once fluid got to around 145 degrees. Also transmission has rough shift on the first shift of a drive cycle. When I started to research I found many of the same issues reported with 8 speed transmissions. I’ve also read about the issues with the lifters not working for the active fuel management system though I haven’t experienced that yet. The replaced my transmission fluid at the dealership under the powertrain warranty. This issue showed up at around 35,000 miles, so I am very worried about the safety and reliability of this engine and transmission.
Power train, Sep 2, 2022
Transmission System, hard shifts and shaking causing vehicle to down shift hard and throw itself forward almost causing an accident when coming to a stop, when vehicle was taken into service they did not diagnose the vehicle for this problem, while driving vehicle shifted down so hard causing vehicle to be stuck in only 1st gear and would not shift out of 1st gear
Power train, Jun 15, 2022
Transmission slams into gear in drive and reverse while driving it will slam into gear. And occasionally at speeds under 5 going up a hill it will have no power and struggle. I have 59000 miles on it last year around 53000 miles they did a transmission flush and that fixed it for about 9 months. Just took it back in they reprogrammed the transmission and it no longer slams In drive and reverse but still knocks back-and-forth while driving.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 12, 2022
I was stopped at a fast food drive thru and then I tried to go to the next window and the truck wouldn’t move at all it will just rev so I put it in parked turned off the truck and turn it back on put it on drive and was able to move for like 40 ft then it did it again so I had it towed to my home
Power train, Jun 4, 2022
I have a 2018 GMC Sierra Denali. I started having problems with the 8-speed transmission at 18,000 miles. The vehicle has been to the dealership for a transmission fluid flush, a transmission relearn, a 5-week valve body replacement, two more trips to the dealership where the truck did not malfunction for them. I have had issues with an air leak on the driver side front door as well. That issue has not been resolved as well. I spent over $60,000 for the truck and have had nothing but problems. I have brought it to General Motors attention and all I would do is get a run around and no results. I was told that there is nothing more that they can do. I am beside myself and just sick as I do not know what to do. I bought a brand new vehicle in order to not have problems compared to a used one.
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.
Power train, Feb 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced shifting while shifting into a lower gear, causing the vehicle to suddenly lurch forward. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Power train, Feb 15, 2022
Transmission shrudder with low mileage
Power train, Dec 15, 2021
During down shifting in lower gears while reducing speed , transmission makes a loud noise followed by vehicle hard lounging forward . Occurance is intermittent and unpredictable . In city traffic this has potential to cause an accident because vehicle lounges forward when speed is reduced . Vehicle has 18900 miles . Made in 2017 .
Suspension, Power train, Dec 15, 2021
VEHICLE VIOLENTLY SHAKES AT ALL SPEEDS. DEALER BLAMED TIRES, I HAD NEW TIRES INSTALLED, STILL SHAKING. DEALER SAYS "NO PROBLEM FOUND, OPERATING AS DESIGNED" TRUCK IS A NUISANCE TO DRIVE, SHAKING BADLY
Power train, Oct 5, 2021
TRANSMISSION IS SLAMMING VIOLENTLY DURING SHIFTING, TRANSMISSION FLUID IS DARK AND CONTAMINATED. DEALER SAYS-" OPERATING AS DESIGNED, NO ISSUE FOUND" ALSO TRUCK SHAKES AND VIBRATES VIOLENTLY WHILE DRIVING
Power train, Aug 11, 2021
Very very bad shudder vibration noticed mostly during light throttle acceleration of 30-64 mph (48-104 km/h) during steady state driving with the transmission not actively shifting gear..
Power train, Jul 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator, the vehicle shuddered while upshifting. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where they were unable to service the vehicle. The contact had also taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed him that there was a TSB placed on the vehicle. He explained that the incorrect type of transmission fluid had been placed in the transmission which would cause the failure that he had experienced. The contact then called Sewell Buick GMC of Dallas (7474 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75209) where he was informed that he would be charged a diagnostic fee prior to the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Steering, Power train, Jun 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering assist causing the steering wheel to become firm. The steering wheel jerked while turning and the vehicle stalled on several occasions almost causing a collision. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer informed the contact that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin 18-NA-161. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer promised to provide a callback. The failure mileage was 47,184.
Power train, Mar 6, 2021
I HAVE TAKEN MY TRUCK TO TEMECULA VALLEY BUICK GMC ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS AFTER NOTICING MY TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD. I HAVE EXPERIENCE CLUNKING SHIFTS BOTH IN THE UP SHIFT AND DOWN SHIFT, TYPICALLY AT LOWER SPEEDS. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS GEARS IT PROPELS THE VEHICLE FORWARD IN A JERKING FASHION, VERY SIMILAR TO A REAR END FENDER BENDER. THE LAST TIME I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE IS SHIFTING AT NORMAL SPECS AND IF IT KEEPS ACTING UP, TO BRING IT BACK WHEN IT IS MORE CONSISTENT. THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY RUNS OUT IN A FEW MONTHS.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 25, 2020
AFTER COLD STARTS WHEN ACCELERATING THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND THROWS YOUR BODY FORWARD. AFTER THAT FIRST GEAR CHANGE IT DOESN'T DO IT AGAIN UNTIL ANOTHER COLD START. AROUND 34000 MILES I AM GETTING A RUMBLING VIBRATION THROUGH THE DASH AND STEERING WHEEL WHEN HOLDING SPEED BETWEEN 35-75 MPH. THE RPM GUAGE WILL JUMP SLIGHTLY AND IT WILL FEEL LIKE GOING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS. ACCELERATION IS VERY WEAK AT TIMES. SOMETIMES ITS OK. THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING DONE WITH THESE TORQUE CONVERTERS AND TRANSMISSIONS BY GM. UNACCEPTABLE FOR A 40-50K DOLLAR TRUCK!
Power train, Nov 20, 2020
HAVE BEEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES TRANSMISSION RUFF/SLIPPING ON 1-2 SHIFT
Power train, Oct 16, 2020
TRUCK SHIFTS HARD FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR AND VICE VERSA. WHEN DOWN SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 1ST IT FEELS AS IF YOU GET REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. IT SHIFTS HARD WHEN SWITCHING BETWEEN DRIVE AND REVERSE WITH AN AUDIBLE "CLUNK" AND JERKING ON THE TRUCK.
Power train, Oct 2, 2020
HESITATION WHEN ENGINE IS COLD SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. SOME SHIFT IS SO HARD THAT IT FEELS LIKE BEING HIT FROM BEHIND. TOOK TRUCK TO DEALERSHIP TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THEY PERFORMED THE TSB 18-NA-355. THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP ADVISED THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY COULD DO ABOUT THIS ISSUE.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Sep 28, 2020
THE FIRST THING THAT HAPPENED WAS THAT ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ON MY TRUCK WENT OUT AND MY TRUCK WOULD NOT START. IT FINALLY STARTED BUT IT WOULD NOT MOVE FINALLY IT WOULD MOVE BUT VERY SLOWLY THIS HAPPENED ON 11/20/2019 I HAVE DOCUMENTATION THROUGH ONSTAR FOR THIS INCIDENT. MY BRAKES STARTED SLIPPING ON 07/01/2020 AND STILL DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. MY TRANSMISSION HAS NEVER SHIFTED CORRECTLY. WHEN I ACCELERATE OR WHEN I SLOW DOWN THERE IS A SHUDDER AND A JERKING SOUND. AFTER SITTING FOR A WHILE WHEN MY TRUCK IS PUT IN REVERSE IT HESITATES AND THEN SEEMS TO JUMP INTO GEAR.
Power train, Sep 7, 2020
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 32,000 MILES SLIPPED SO BAD COULD HARDLY DRIVE IT HOME ON HIGHWAY I95 JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA. FINALLY GOT A DEALER APPOINTMENT AFTER OVER 2 WEEKS OF WAITING WITHOUT THE USE THE VEHICLE. THEY REPLACED THE FLUID AND SAID IT WAS NOW GOOD. STILL TENDS TO SLIP I ASKED WHY THEY WERE NOT REPLACING THE WHOLE UNIT SAID NO NEED AS MY WARRANTY IS ALMOST UP?
Power train, Sep 7, 2020
HARD SHIFTING THAT STARTED AROUND 40000 MILES AND HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY 2017 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 AND AT 90000 MILES THAT VEHICLE'S #3 SENSOR IN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. IT APPEARS THIS VEHICLE IS ON THE SAME PATH. THE TRANSMISSIONS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE TRASH. IT HAPPENS IN LOWER GEARS.
Power train, Jul 14, 2020
I HAVE BEEN NOTICING A SHUDDER AND HARD SHIFTING INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING ABOUT 30-60MPH AND I TOOK IT INTO THE SHOP THEY SAID THEY CAN NOT DUPLICAT THE ISSUES SO I TAKE IT BACK AND IT STARTED DOING IT MORE. I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK TO THE SHOP AGAIN AND YET AGAIN THEY TOLD ME THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. NO HERE I AM AT 17K MILES ON IS STILL DOING IT AND SHIFTTING HARD AND NOW THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE. I TALKED TO THE DEALER SHIP AND THEY SAID ITS UNDER WARRANY STILL JUST DRIVE IT TELL IT GET WORSE.