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
304 reports, newest first.
Engine, Jan 19, 2026
The lifters in my engine collapsed. This caused a push rod to be bent and the cam shaft to be damaged causing thousands to fix. While I was driving. I could feel the engine malfunction causing my speed to significantly decrease. The vehicle was fixed through an independent mechanic. Mechanic stated that the active fuel management system is the cause for the lifter collapse. There was no warning before the failure
Power train, Jan 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the torque converter had failed. The torque converter was replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who replaced the torque converter a second time. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Engine, Jan 6, 2026
Engine failure. 6.2l with AFM system Extreme oil consumption Heavy metal in oil Loud ticking 120789 miles Purchase date 05/29/2025 Madras, Oregon Chevrolet Dealer
Visibility, Dec 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air conditioning system became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the air conditioning system failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the air conditioning condenser had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Power train, Engine, Dec 15, 2025
I have 125,000 miles on my truck. I was traveling with my grandkids in the back seat. We were going through a four way stop. My truck started tapping like a lifter issue. The next thing I know is the truck engine light started flashing and car started to shake. Then, my truck lost all power and a big cloud of blue smoke came out of the tail pipe. The truck could not be driven any further. The symptoms: engine tapping, low oil, engine light flashing, shaking, lost all movement, and a cloud of smoke We had to tow my truck to the dealer and they are still accessing the issue. All symptoms are identical to the current recall of the GMC engines.
Engine, Nov 20, 2025
The injector failure in my 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 resulted in repeated misfire conditions (P0300 and P0307), causing the vehicle to lose power unexpectedly while driving. The engine would hesitate, shake, and struggle to accelerate, especially during merging or highway speeds. These symptoms created a significant safety hazard because the vehicle could not reliably maintain speed or respond to throttle input. Sudden power loss in traffic exposes the driver and surrounding motorists to an increased risk of collision, particularly during lane changes, freeway merging, intersection crossings, and passing maneuvers. The dealership confirmed internal injector failure, and the vehicle has been out of service for three months without resolution. This is a safety-critical defect that compromises vehicle controllability, stability, and safe operation on public roads.”
Power train, Engine, Nov 18, 2025
2018 GMC Sierra started having shuddering/jerking/jumping problems at around 60k miles. This problem occurs while driving on straight aways, going uphill and while in drive at a stop sign/light. When the gas is accelerated the truck then hesitates and jerks/jumps. We have taken it to the GMC dealership and paid for the diagnostics and were informed “the problem wasn’t severe enough”. The truck has only been serviced by GMC dealership. So after failed attempts with GMC service department we have taken it to a local small auto shop and they automatically said it was the Drive Train and needed to be taken to a transmission shop. We have been GM owners for decades and are so disappointed in the service received from them.
Power train, Nov 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission vibrated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failing torque converter. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was informed of a Manufacturer's warranty. The contact was informed of a Manufacturer's warranty for the 2018 GMC vehicle's transmission failure due to the incorrect oil being used during production of the torque converter. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the manufacturer needed to approve the repair coverage. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Power train, Nov 7, 2025
Repeated transmission issues with the 8 speed transmission due to the malfunctioning valve body. This has caused major safety issues and nearly killed my family with the vehicle locked up and wouldn’t shift on the interstate. The dealership did a warranty repair on the torque converter which made the symptoms slightly better until the vehicle was no longer covered by warranty, at which time all symptoms came back. GM knows their 8 speed transmission has an issue and hasn’t provided a solution. Now, due to the faulty valve body, I have to have my entire transmission replaced for $8000.
Power train, Seats, Engine, Oct 31, 2025
I purchased a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 6.2 Denali new. I followed all service requirements including oil changes by GM dealerships. 2025 i noticed my truck power was decreasing. Than I started to hear knocking noses. I took it to a dealership for diagnosis but they couldn't identify anything. Finally it started to skip this is when a dealership diagnose it as being an issue with the active fuel management system. They said my lifters, camshaft, and various other parts was damaged and had to be replaced. Additionally, they said it was a recall on 6.2 engines with the same identical issue but my year wasn't included. The cost to repair approximately 10,000. I really need your attention to this matter! September 10, 2025 my truck placed me and others in danger when it lose engine power. Also my engine light was on for the first time.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stoplight, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. A day later, the failure reoccurred, and the RPMs increased before the vehicle accelerated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the connecting rod had failed, and there were metal shavings inside the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall on the VIN. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.
Electrical system, Oct 3, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 72,000. It was later discovered later that the mileage was 241,556.
Power train, Aug 29, 2025
Transmission shutters when going over 50mph
Power train, Aug 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed toward the residence, the accelerator pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to drive forward as intended. The vehicle started rolling backwards and the contact carefully maneuvered the vehicle while attempting to park. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
Engine, Aug 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving on a neighborhood road at 40 MPH, the check engine warning light was flashing with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact pulled over and used a diagnostic scanner to perform a diagnostic test on the vehicle. The scanner retrieved DTC: P0301 (Cylinder #1 Misfire). The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the lifters, pushrods, camshaft, sparkplugs, and oil pump were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2025
The truck started to vibrate or shudder . We are having to deal with replacing the transmission on our truck, which has only 45,000 miles on it. We have noticed numerous complaints about transmission problems with this model and the place that is replacing the transmission said they have had 3 customers in the last couple of months with the same issue on the same GMC model. This is a lot for our small town and area. Why hasn't GMC issued recalls ?
Power train, Aug 12, 2025
Transmission shutting and torque converter came apart destroying the transmission.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected fluids but found no defects with the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the mechanic discovered that the lifters and cam shaft were defective. Due to the failure, the engine was replaced. The contact stated that recently, the abnormal tapping sound returned. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who confirmed that the failure with the lifters had returned. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who confirmed the lifter failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA to report the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Engine, Aug 7, 2025
Radiator cracked along outer edges. Similar to previous TSB’s as released by GM, but my vehicle doesn’t fall under the years covered by that TSB
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 6, 2025
2018 GMC Sierra SLT's electric power steering suddenly stopped working, I almost got killed this issue has been reported by other owners
Electrical system, Aug 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced three times since 2018. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. In addition, the contact stated that the first battery was replaced a month after the vehicle was purchased, and the second battery was replaced three weeks after the first replacement. The contact stated that the third battery was replaced a day after the second battery replacement. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Power train, Jul 26, 2025
I have a 6.2 engine that had a number 4 cylinder failure due to a engine defect of the crankshaft. They have recalled the 6.2 motors on the 2021-2024 year models. The 2018 year models with the 6.2 engine should be recalled also bc they are having the same issue. Please help
Power train, Jul 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH and attempting the pass another vehicle, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated unintendedly. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 81,000.
Power train, Jul 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, there was an abnormal vibration coming from the steering wheel. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,326.
Equipment, Jul 22, 2025
The embedded navigation system in my 2018 GMC Sierra is no longer supported. Paid map updates were available until 2023, when General Motors discontinued them without notice. This system was marketed as a core feature and provided offline GPS guidance independent of cell reception. I discovered the change while attempting to purchase an update and was told there are no remaining copies and that no further updates will ever be made. I was never notified. When I contacted support, I was transferred through six departments. One representative admitted that customers were supposed to be informed but were not. She stated they are trained to say “there’s nothing we can do” and acknowledged receiving hundreds of similar complaints. She also confirmed the final map update existed but was allowed to sell out. This puts safety at risk, particularly for drivers in rural areas, areas with poor cell service, or while towing. The system is not CarPlay-based and does not rely on mobile data. It was the only in-vehicle routing system many drivers depended on during travel, including emergencies. Its quiet discontinuation means drivers no longer have access to accurate, integrated navigation—reducing their ability to safely plan or adjust routes while on the road. The failure to maintain this system or provide reasonable access to the final update undermines long-term vehicle safety and owner trust. General Motors has not offered an inspection, recovery, or remedy.