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, 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.
Power train, Apr 3, 2023
When the transmission is making changes, there is a shaking noise.
Power train, Apr 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while accelerating from a traffic light, the vehicle started hesitating. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Power train, Mar 21, 2023
Transmission failure - the GM manufactured Torque converter on my truck failed to cause the transmission to fail. The internet is rife with stories of the failure of these transmissions on 2018 and 2019 GMC and Chevy Trucks.
Seat belts, Mar 10, 2023
THE MIDDLE REAR SEATBELT FAILS TO LOCK WHEN RETRACTED, THEREFORE I CANNOT USE MY GRANDCHILD'S BOOSTER SEAT. THE DEALERSHIP HAS ORDERED A REPLACEMENT, BUT COST NEARLY $300. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW IN DECEMBER 2018, BUT HAVE NEVER HAD TO USE THE REAL SEATBELT UNTIL NOW. THEREFORE I DID NOT KNOW IT DID NOT WORK PROPERLY UNTIL NOW.
Power train, Mar 2, 2023, crash
8 speed transmission jerking, the torque convertor has been replaced 1 time already and having same issues as before. This time while in parking lot at store, was pulling into parking space, truck lundge forward during hard downshift hitting cart of person walking in front of truck. No damage and luckly barely hit the cart and not the person. I have also had the truck lunge forward when parking in my garage and hitting the garage wall in front. My truck is back at dealer again after hitting the cart in the parking lot. The 8 speed transmission issue from GM is a safety issue. My truck has already had first torque converter replaced and now having same issue with the new torque convertor
Power train, Jan 23, 2023
noticed ongoing vibration sounds like you are running over rumble lines on road.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 19, 2023
Braking vehicle will cause brake pedal to vibrate and become soft while pressing it and requires more effort to stop vehicle. Service brake assist light laminates on info system. I know there is a recall for this currently but my vehicle is not listed for this all though i have the same issues. Recall is N202300860.
Electrical system, Jan 18, 2023
The main harness under the truck , front to back . There was a separation from the conduit, wires exposed and were arcing. Truck would not start . I have since had it fixed . I just feel truck is not that old , to soon for a problem like this . And it cost a lot of money.
Steering, Jan 3, 2023
Hit a small bump driving 55mph on highway and had sudden complete power steering loss and extremely hard to turn. Drove to a safe location and shut down truck for 1 hour. Upon restart power steering was operating normal. Proceeded back on the freeway and as soon as I hit a small bump with driver's side front tire the same thing happened again complete power steering loss. Drove to dealership and waiting for explanation. The truck is not safe due to inability to turn the wheel without power steering. For someone with less strength, this could be deadly on anything besides a straight road, needing to turn a corner, or to avoid a collision.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 29, 2022
I purchased my 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck new in 2018. To date it only has 28K miles on it. I have never used the trailer breaking system that it came equipped with. On 12/24/22 we were traveling to a family function for Christmas. The "service trailer break system" warning message came on and the chime chimed continuously until I got to my destination, about an hour away. This chime was very distracting and there was no way to turn it off. After arriving at my destination I turned the truck off hoping it was just a fluke. When I started the truck back up the "service trailer break system" warning light and chime continued. It continued for an hour on my way home. Again, this was very distracting and I was unable to focus 100% of my attention on the road and my driving. Thank fully I made it home okay. On 12/27/22 I took the truck to my mechanic to have him take a look. He said he has heard of this issue with these pickups. His diagnostic confirmed that the trailer breaking switch (on the dash) was functioning properly but said that the chassis control module was likely the culprit. He replaced the control module and it had to be programed by a factory technician. After this part was replaced the warning light or chime does not come on anymore. I have the defective part for inspection and the bill totaling $1191.86 for the repair upon request.
Power train, Dec 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and vibrating abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission oil needed to be flushed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 71,000.
Service brakes, Dec 16, 2022
I purchased this 2018 GMC pickup in May 2021. Starting in Nov 2022 I started getting a sporadic SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM warning light and chime. I have never towed a trailer using this trailer brake system on the vehicle, but the warnings come on sporadically. I have done some research and found this is not an isolated case as others have reported the same problem. Some owners have replaced the dashboard controller at their own expense, however this is now a well documented problem that goes beyond an isolated case. This is a defect of the trailer brake controller and should be recalled by GM at GM expense. It is a hazard to driving when the visual and audible chime come on sporadically. It's a distraction to safe driving and requires immediate intervention. I did advise my local dealer of the problem when the vehicle was serviced Dec 2022, however they did not have a technician available to work the problem. So I continue receiving the visual and audible warning every time I drive the vehicle. Please highlight this problem within your organization for a possible safety recall.
Other or unspecified, Dec 10, 2022
Sunroof shattered while driving on the interstate
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 26, 2022
Gas leak. My 2018 gmc sierra 1500 has been giving me two codes for evap leak small and large and i notice a black spot on my drive way under the gas tank wich in fact was gas. I can see the gas tank is wet but it comes from the top part of the gas tank. I been looking for recalls on this but there isnt any for this specific year of GMC sierra 1500 slt.
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.
Service brakes, Oct 30, 2022
Breaks are not working
Steering, Oct 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while pulling up to park the vehicle at approximately 2 MPH, the power steering failed causing the contact to use an excessive an extra amount of effort while maneuvering the steering wheel to park the vehicle. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering assembly and steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a case. The approximate failure mileage was 39,000.
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 16, 2022
In short, the moonroof of my vehicle spontaneously exploded into a million pieces one morning while driving.
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.
Steering, Suspension, Sep 12, 2022
My truck has a severe vibration or shake extremely bad at 60mph and up.i have tried new tires, front end alignment, and several different shops have told me they don't know what it is drive shaft or axels
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Sep 7, 2022
Received an error on the dash saying "Service Brake Assist". At the same time the brake pedal became very stiff and braking power was decreased significantly. I have received this same message and brake pedal stiffness with reduced braking power three times in the last 4 days.
Other or unspecified, Sep 7, 2022
Air conditioning condenser failed at about 48,000 miles. Seems to be a common problem that is a design defect.
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