IllustrationI'm getting a persistent message about servicing the trailer brake system. There is no trailer hooked up to the vehicle. The message covers the speedometer and chimes over anything else.
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Silverado 1500 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
810–25K
4725–50K
2650–75K
1675–100K
24100–150K
4150K+
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
Service Brakes complaints
85 reportsWhile driving down the road, I received several non stop alert messages stating "Service Trailer Brake System". The messages were non stop and while I did attempt to acknowledge them and dismiss the alert, I was distracted from driving and had to pull over to attempt to acknowledge or dismiss the alert. After several minutes, I…
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While driving down the road, I received several non stop alert messages stating "Service Trailer Brake System". The messages were non stop and while I did attempt to acknowledge them and dismiss the alert, I was distracted from driving and had to pull over to attempt to acknowledge or dismiss the alert. After several minutes, I was able to dismiss the alert and continue on my way. This happened on Tuesday evening around 5:00 pm on August 30, 2022. I called Mike Anderson Chevrolet on Wednesday August 31, 2022 around 12:30 pm to advise them about the situation and was told it was water in the wiring.
Service Trailer brake system audible message appearing due to faulty wire harness between body control modules.
While towing a trailer the service trailer brake system light/alarm came on, trailer brakes stopped working and the alarm persisted for hours. It was extremely distracting and dangerous, and interrupted hands free phone calls.
I purchased a certified pre-owned 2017 Chevy Silverado on June 6 of this year. On June 13th, on my way back from a 10-hour trip, where I was towing a trailer with a car on it, my trailer brakes suddenly stopped functioning (about 4 hours from home). Not only did the trailer brakes stop functioning, but a warning message popped u…
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I purchased a certified pre-owned 2017 Chevy Silverado on June 6 of this year. On June 13th, on my way back from a 10-hour trip, where I was towing a trailer with a car on it, my trailer brakes suddenly stopped functioning (about 4 hours from home). Not only did the trailer brakes stop functioning, but a warning message popped up on the dashboard "service trailer brake system". But this warning message didn't pop up just one time, it kept coming again and again and again and again and again, relentlessly chiming and distracting me from driving, it covered my speedometer readout, it prevented me from receiving or making voice commands, prevented me from hearing phone calls, and prevented me from listening to music. The service warning chime also prevented the turn signal chime from functioning. So for a full 4 hours, I was constantly reminded with a service trailer brake system chime, was unable to hear my turn signal chime, was unable to listen to music or make a phone call, and was unable to see the digital readout of my speed. The vehicle had been rendered completely undrivable, and I absolutely will not hesitate to say that the vehicle was not safe to drive in that condition. Especially if you consider that I was towing 5,000 lbs with no working trailer brakes. Your vehicle's defect endangered my life.
Trailer brake issues. Blows fuses non stop chiming in the dash. Once fuse blows it doesn't chime anymore. Replace fuse and it's non stop all day every day. Been dealing with it for a couple years. Tons of people have the same problem.
A faulty internal computer constantly beeps a warning about "trailer brake system" when there is no trailer attached to the vehicle. The beeping is extremely hyperactive and non stop and distracts you from safe driving and interrupts all other audible functions (such as turn signal blinking & navigation voice commands) to rende…
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A faulty internal computer constantly beeps a warning about "trailer brake system" when there is no trailer attached to the vehicle. The beeping is extremely hyperactive and non stop and distracts you from safe driving and interrupts all other audible functions (such as turn signal blinking & navigation voice commands) to render the vehicle unfit to drive.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the braking system malfunctioned causing the …
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The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the braking system malfunctioned causing the braking distance to be extended. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
The trailer brake system warning suddenly came on, disengaging my cruise control. My cruise control has not worked since. Also, the stabilitrac warning came on and has not left. Ever since then I have been hearing a squeaking noise driving at low speeds.
For months now, my 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 has a “service trailer brake system”notification on the the dash that repeatedly pops up every 5-15 seconds while the vehicle is on, including while driving. This, along with the pinging sound that comes with the notification, makes the vehicle difficult to drive due to the constant d…
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For months now, my 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 has a “service trailer brake system”notification on the the dash that repeatedly pops up every 5-15 seconds while the vehicle is on, including while driving. This, along with the pinging sound that comes with the notification, makes the vehicle difficult to drive due to the constant distraction the notification makes. I have tried taking issue with the dealership but they are not helping whatsoever. From my own research online, I have seen hundreds of other people experiencing the same issue. Please help us eliminate this distraction by forcing a recall and thus making the roads safer for everyone. Thank you.
Official recalls
726V325000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.