← New search

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 525.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

198 reports with mileage · 318 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 170 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 101 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 101 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports4 fire reports9 injury reports

Engine complaints

101 reports
Clear category filter
77,000 miles · Feb 3, 2026
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon cold starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and suggested that a diagnostic test be performed. The contact called two other local de…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon cold starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and suggested that a diagnostic test be performed. The contact called two other local dealers, Herndon Chevrolet Service (5617 Sunset Blvd, Lexington, SC 29072) and Jim Hudson Chevrolet Service (111 Newland Rd, Columbia, SC 29229), but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics and was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was contacted and offered a gift card towards the purchase of another vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #11715352

Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2026
Engine

Collapsible lifter and lift rod failure

NHTSA ODI #11714104

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2026
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

My truck has been into the dealership repeatedly from Aug 2024 to where it sits now to this day because of the engine and the electronic fuel management system. This fuel management system has destroyed my engine by allowing excessive oil consumption to which it turns the oil black. The engine goes from v8 to 4 cylinder to save …

Read full complaint

My truck has been into the dealership repeatedly from Aug 2024 to where it sits now to this day because of the engine and the electronic fuel management system. This fuel management system has destroyed my engine by allowing excessive oil consumption to which it turns the oil black. The engine goes from v8 to 4 cylinder to save on fuel which makes the engine work harder. It causes the rocker arms and pistons to work harder which makes them fail. These problems have occurred with my truck and now the dealership wants 20,000 to replace the engine when they worked on it continuously even after my warranty period had expired. Keep in mind that they were still fixing these problems when my warranty hadn't expired yet they fail to fix it properly. I make payments on a truck that I hardly ever get to drive. I have service invoices to back up my claims. There are numerous others that are dealing with this problem and it's all over the internet so i am not the only person

NHTSA ODI #11712824

Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2026
EnginePower TrainSuspension

We bought the truck new 2018 and started having trans issues and leaf springs popping. So, we took back to dealership and all they did was change fluid in trans and pump grease in-between leaf springs. I did get them to finally change passenger side leaf spring out, but that does no good when leaf spring they put on has the same…

Read full complaint

We bought the truck new 2018 and started having trans issues and leaf springs popping. So, we took back to dealership and all they did was change fluid in trans and pump grease in-between leaf springs. I did get them to finally change passenger side leaf spring out, but that does no good when leaf spring they put on has the same issue. The leaf springs have to much gap in between each leaf. I told them to give me a 1,000.00 and I would go and have some made. That way, if I put a load on leaf spring it less chance they could break going down the road. Also, we have issues with radio that also did not get fixed by gm and still has the issue we can't use today. My truck also has the 6.2l engine that you guys have had complaints on. I will tell you that I'm not happy with what Gm is doing with these defected parts on these trucks. They are doing quick fixes to save them money on their screw ups and could get us killed. We are still having the issues to this day and they just brush us off. We pay a lot of money for these truck and Gm is ripping us off and costing us more money because we have to pay to fix their mistake, they should be fixing for free. All I want from Gm is get these issues fixed right and pumping grease in-between parts does not fix anything. We have to hold them accountable for these issues and make them fix it before it cost more peoples lives. I just want what I paid for and I did not get that when I bought it with these types of issues.

NHTSA ODI #11711866

Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2025
Engine

Since purchase in 2018, my pickup truck has had a ticking and banging sound which includes rough idling and a check engine light. During routine maintenance, oil changes, etc. I have continued to ask about the noise but GM technicians have said nothing is wrong. In November 2025, i took the truck to a local shop for an oil chang…

Read full complaint

Since purchase in 2018, my pickup truck has had a ticking and banging sound which includes rough idling and a check engine light. During routine maintenance, oil changes, etc. I have continued to ask about the noise but GM technicians have said nothing is wrong. In November 2025, i took the truck to a local shop for an oil change and that’s when I learned it has lifter issues. Upon investigating whether other Chevy Silverado truck owners are experiencing the same thing, I’ve learned about various recall and extended warranty programs offered by General Motors. I’m wondering when or if my 2018 Chevy Silverado might be included in a recall or could i be offered an extended warranty?

NHTSA ODI #11704932

Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2025
EnginePower Train

2018 6.2l engine dropped 3 lifters at just a little over 70k miles. Vehicle is my wife’s and almost caused her and my child to have an accident while traveling on highway at posted speed. Vehicle lost power that resulted from premature engine failure resulting in vehicle losing power to the brakes and steering while in heavy …

Read full complaint

2018 6.2l engine dropped 3 lifters at just a little over 70k miles. Vehicle is my wife’s and almost caused her and my child to have an accident while traveling on highway at posted speed. Vehicle lost power that resulted from premature engine failure resulting in vehicle losing power to the brakes and steering while in heavy traffic. This directly affected my wife and immediately caused her to have a panic attack. Vehicle has always been maintained to the highest levels. This issue affects a substantial amount of these motors around the same mileage. Very bad and unsafe AFM design that is common among vehicles with this engine. Transmission is also experiencing studdering/vibration issues. Right now we have paid out over 5k for engine repairs. Transmission needs repaired and presents a constant safety risk to our family as well as others. GM needs to stand by their products as we consumers put our trust in these vehicles to be safe and to last more than a few miles. My wife and I both have to work and unfortunately we don’t have the extra funds to purchase another vehicle or to keep shelling money out to fix a basically new vehicle that we have babied. Please help us hold companies accountable for their failure to stand behind their products. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ODI #11698549

155,000 miles · Oct 31, 2025
Engine

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound while driving and during start-up. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V328000 (Engine). The contact was concerned that…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound while driving and during start-up. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V328000 (Engine). The contact was concerned that the engine might seize. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the failure was linked to the cylinders. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

NHTSA ODI #11696796

Mileage unknown · Oct 22, 2025
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

My 2018 Silverado z71crew cab LT , 5.3L engine was having issues with hold Freon in AC unit. We took to dealer to be fixed in June 2025. They added Freon and it was running good for a week then once again blew but no cold air. So took back second time 7/3/25 and they started the die test and machine went down in middle of doing …

Read full complaint

My 2018 Silverado z71crew cab LT , 5.3L engine was having issues with hold Freon in AC unit. We took to dealer to be fixed in June 2025. They added Freon and it was running good for a week then once again blew but no cold air. So took back second time 7/3/25 and they started the die test and machine went down in middle of doing it. So could not finish fixing . We took back on 07/20/25 and they completed the test needed condenser . So few days later we took to our local mechanic to have the condenser replaced and all is well with the AC unit now. Everything was fine from mid July 2025 till Oct 14 th 2025 , when it started shaking and was running rough and engine light was on so I had it checked for codes to see what it needed. Came back as bad injector. So we took to local mechanic to have injector replaced and tuneup and coils replaced . After this was completed was running much rougher then before we even had that injector and tuneup done. So mechanic suggested for him to keep it and let him dive deeper into what was wrong and why it was running rougher than before, so we let him do that.. after two days, he came back and told us that there was a crack in the engine and that is why it was running rough and that it probably was going to have an engine failure and might be and must be replaced. So I looked up my VIN number to see if there’s any recalls for my particular truck and engine size which is a 5.3 L and it doesn’t show my particular truck but it does show my year of a Silverado and the 3.6 L engine has had the same issues so I was wondering if this recall should be extended to the 5.3 L 2018 seems to be the same problem with the engine block.

NHTSA ODI #11694938

Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2025
Engine

I own a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado (8‑speed, ~81,000 miles). The engine has been audibly ticking, and the dealership confirmed hearing it during diagnosis. This aligns with known AFM lifter collapse issues in the L86 Gen V V8, a design failure rather than simple wear. I’ve consistently used premium Schaeffer 0W‑20 synthetic oil, …

Read full complaint

I own a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado (8‑speed, ~81,000 miles). The engine has been audibly ticking, and the dealership confirmed hearing it during diagnosis. This aligns with known AFM lifter collapse issues in the L86 Gen V V8, a design failure rather than simple wear. I’ve consistently used premium Schaeffer 0W‑20 synthetic oil, changed regularly on schedule. Maintenance logs and receipts are available. So far, the engine hasn’t completely failed, but lifter collapse can spiral into catastrophic camshaft or short‑block damage—with no advance warning and high risk of sudden failure. I haven’t had an accident yet, but the ticking is driving home how precarious this is—one mile closer to a full grenade without warning. I’m reporting this in the hope NHTSA will identify a widespread safety risk in these L86 lifter failures and prompt a formal investigation or recall to prevent sudden engine failure in similar vehicles.

NHTSA ODI #11679459

Mileage unknown · Jul 27, 2025
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

I purchased my truck in December 2018 which is a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4x4 crew cab automatic from Servco Chevrolet Dealership in Waipahu, Hawaii and making monthly payments for my truck February of 2019 truck runs good and purchased the warranty also had my oil and service changed when time is due which I always kept u…

Read full complaint

I purchased my truck in December 2018 which is a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4x4 crew cab automatic from Servco Chevrolet Dealership in Waipahu, Hawaii and making monthly payments for my truck February of 2019 truck runs good and purchased the warranty also had my oil and service changed when time is due which I always kept up. [XXX] and mileage was 40k while leaving work to go home at a stop light was red once turned green I pushed pedal to go and truck just changed noise tone started to run like rough idle, loud tapping noise coming from the engine, shaking and check engine light came on almost causing me to get into an accident. I pulled on the side and checked what was going on and heard the tapping noise from the motor. So I made an appointment with service department with Servco Chevrolet Dealership where i bought my truck from and spoke with the service tech for my truck to go in for repairs due to issue. It took 2 to 3 weeks for repairs to be complete and service tech informed me that I'm not the only person to have that issue which had to do with the lifters and camshaft with these motors but GM never came out with any recalls due to how much people has the same motors with the same issue. So luckily it was still covered under warranty but said the problem might come back and would just replace the faulty lifters and camshaft. So in August of 2023 my truck has the same issue but wasn't covered under warranty anymore and mileage is 61k and missed the warranty repairs that was for the lifters which I got it scanned cause check engine light and same issue and code was P0016. So I called Servco Chevrolet dealership in waipahu again and spoke with the service technician which he told me I just missed the coverage of the warranty repair and only way to get it fixed I would have to bring it back for them to scan and roughly would range from 4k to 8k to get it fixed. So my truck is parked in my garage and hasn't been moved but paying for truck. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

NHTSA ODI #11676464

Official recalls

7

26V325000 · Air Bags

May 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

26V166000 · Air Bags

Mar 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

25V432000 · Air Bags

Jun 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

24V756000 · Air Bags:side/window:curtain:inflator

Oct 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

20V603000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

Oct 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

19V761000 · Electronic Stability Control (esc); Service Brakes; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:wheel Speed Sensor/tone Ring

Oct 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Service Brakes

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:wheel Speed Sensor/tone Ring

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

19V645000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

Sep 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.