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2018 GMC Sierra 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 181.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

121 reports with mileage · 179 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 128 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 43 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 reports1 fire reports5 injury reports

Engine complaints

65 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2025
Engine

DRIVING 70 MPH ON [XXX] IN MODERATE TRAFFIC WHEN MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY SLOWED DRAMATICALLY AND BEGAN TO SHUDDER . I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THREE WESTBOUND MARKED LANES AND WAS ALMOST HIT BY A DRIVER BEHIND ME WHICH HAD BEEN FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY. THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND MY OIL GAUGE WENT TO THE H…

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DRIVING 70 MPH ON [XXX] IN MODERATE TRAFFIC WHEN MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY SLOWED DRAMATICALLY AND BEGAN TO SHUDDER . I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THREE WESTBOUND MARKED LANES AND WAS ALMOST HIT BY A DRIVER BEHIND ME WHICH HAD BEEN FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY. THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND MY OIL GAUGE WENT TO THE HIGH SIDE. I EXITED ONTO [XXX] AND AT 40 MPH THE TRUCK WOULD SHAKE AND SHUDDER UNTIL I DROVE THE 6 MILES TO MY RESIDENCE. ON [XXX], I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO LASH GMC DEALERSHIP IN JOHNSTOWN OHIO. ONCE THERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAILED LIFTER THAT BROKE INTO PIECES RESULTING IN A BENT ROD AND DAMAGED CAM SHAFT. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED FULL ENGINE REPLACEMENT DUE THE SEVERITY OF THE FAILURE. THE TRUCK IS A 2018 GMC SIERRA DENALI WITH ONLY 65,449 MILES ON IT. IT COST ALMOST $70,000.00 NEW AND THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE COST ME $14,221.96. I FEEL MY PERSONAL SAFETY WAS JEOPARDIZED IN THIS INCIDENT. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE RESEARCHED THE 6.2 GMC ENGINE ONLINE AND HAVE FOUND REPORTS OF NUMEROUS SIMILIAR FAILURES AND INCIDENTS INVOLVING THE ENGINE IN QUESTION. I TRULY FEEL NHTSA SHOULD TAKE A STRONG LOOK AT THE ENGINE FAILURES INVOLVING THIS ENGINE AND FORCE GMC TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE ENGINES IN QUESTION DUE TO THE SAFETY ISSUES INVOLVING THE ENGINES FAILURES IN TRAFFIC AND THE RISK ASSOCIATED WITH AN OCCURENCE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11645115

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2025
Engine

I have a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 with a 6.2 motor. Back in December of 2024, I had to replace a tie rod, cam shaft, and the lifters. $8400 to get everything replaced. Since my warranty had expired, I had to pay all of this out of pocket. I know there is currently an investigation going on in GMC's 6.2 motors. Almost 900,000 engine …

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I have a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 with a 6.2 motor. Back in December of 2024, I had to replace a tie rod, cam shaft, and the lifters. $8400 to get everything replaced. Since my warranty had expired, I had to pay all of this out of pocket. I know there is currently an investigation going on in GMC's 6.2 motors. Almost 900,000 engine failures. This is unacceptable. GMC just needs to man up and send out the recall notice. Since I have already had to pay for my replacements, GMC should do the right thing and and cut me a check.

NHTSA ODI #11641037

Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2025
Engine

Lifters and cams fatal failure, requiring extremely pricy replacement of the parts affected or replacement of the entire engine!

NHTSA ODI #11640668

Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2025
Engine

The failure was a lifter collapsed in my vehicle's motor. I had reduced power and major shuttering due to the issue. If I had been towing a load I would have possibly become a hazard by not maintaining a speed that would have been able to keep up with traffic flow. Also if I had been in an congested traffic area I would have be…

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The failure was a lifter collapsed in my vehicle's motor. I had reduced power and major shuttering due to the issue. If I had been towing a load I would have possibly become a hazard by not maintaining a speed that would have been able to keep up with traffic flow. Also if I had been in an congested traffic area I would have been slower to clear or have major breakdown causing increased backups. It was confirmed by a local shop. There were no warning lights at the time of incident, nor leading up to this incident. Fortunately no accidents or disruptions happened and I had to be towed in to a repair shop.

NHTSA ODI #11639915

Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2025
Engine

My 2018 Silverado 1500 has had 3 cylinder 4 misfires over a 9 month period that had to be repaired after warranty. This caused the repair/replacement of the lifters. I have had this happen for a forth time this year January 7 2025 with the same code of "cylinder 4 misfire". That means four of the same issues in one year. I c…

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My 2018 Silverado 1500 has had 3 cylinder 4 misfires over a 9 month period that had to be repaired after warranty. This caused the repair/replacement of the lifters. I have had this happen for a forth time this year January 7 2025 with the same code of "cylinder 4 misfire". That means four of the same issues in one year. I can be driving along smoothly, then suddenly from one light to the next, the check engine light comes on with the misfire to cylinder 4 coming on. It was shared with me the AFM can cause this to happen. On the third time of misfire, I saw a little smoke, then once it was repaired with lifters replaced, no smoke and back to running smoothly. This time the intake cam lobe was scored which voided the warranty. I am now at a crossroad as to what to do now, and have parked the truck for now. It is my understanding the 5.3L engine was considered a solid engine until the AFM was installed. Did I mention this is the first "truck" I have ever owned? I have had a Chevrolet vehicle since I was able to drive, and have never had engine problems of this magnitude. My concern now is that this could cause my engine to lock up while I'm driving around and cause a possible accident. I depend on this truck as my mode of transportation, but now I have to make a decision that impacts me greatly as a senior citizen on a fixed income.

NHTSA ODI #11639787

128,000 miles · Jan 24, 2025
Electrical SystemEngine

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at various speeds, the vehicle occasionally shuts off. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted. The contact was a…

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The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at various speeds, the vehicle occasionally shuts off. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not found. The contact was informed to take the vehicle back to the dealer if the failure returned. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.

NHTSA ODI #11638301

Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2025
Engine

Engine failed before 100,000 miles. Lifter failed leading to a damaged camshaft and replacement of lifters being require. Required 10,000$ in repairs. Failure light appeared suddenly. No issues were known of ahead of incident.

NHTSA ODI #11637193

Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion System

This vehicle has 88400 miles, it out of warranty, which I know this, I use AMSOIL ASM SIG SERIES SYN SAE 0W-20 , 5.3L GAS. TWO YEARS AGO, I CHANGED OIL AT RICHARD BUICK GMC IN DAYTON, OH AND SENT A SAMPLE OF THE OIL TO OIL ANALYZERS FOR AN ANALYSIS, THEY SET IT BACK, IT SHOWED THERE WAS A LEVEL 4 SEVERE GASOLINE IN THE OIL. THEY…

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This vehicle has 88400 miles, it out of warranty, which I know this, I use AMSOIL ASM SIG SERIES SYN SAE 0W-20 , 5.3L GAS. TWO YEARS AGO, I CHANGED OIL AT RICHARD BUICK GMC IN DAYTON, OH AND SENT A SAMPLE OF THE OIL TO OIL ANALYZERS FOR AN ANALYSIS, THEY SET IT BACK, IT SHOWED THERE WAS A LEVEL 4 SEVERE GASOLINE IN THE OIL. THEY CHANGED THE HIGH SPEEP FULE PUMP, BOTH IN JECTORS, AND IT THOUGHT IT WAS FIXED, ON 12 - 11 -24 HAD THE OIL CHANGED AT LOCAL BOYS SERVICE CENTER, SENT A SAMPLE OF THE OIL-TO-OIL ANALYZERS AND RECIEVED BACK, A SEVERE FUEL LEAK OF GASOLINE IN THE OIL, i DON'T THINK THAT MANY DRIVERS WHO HAVE THIS VEHICLE KNOW ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM, IT COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE FAILURE OR EVEN WORSE, GENERAL MOTORS NEEDS TO FIX THIS PERBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11630744

Mileage unknown · Dec 3, 2024
Engine

Vehicle is a 2018 GMC Sierra Crewcab 4x4 with a 5.3 engine. The vehicle was purchased new in Washington and serviced at the Chevrolet dealership in Oregon within vehicle recommended service intervals. At 64K miles, the engine developed a sudden AFM lifter issue. Lifter for cylinder #6 came apart causing the engine to miss, smo…

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Vehicle is a 2018 GMC Sierra Crewcab 4x4 with a 5.3 engine. The vehicle was purchased new in Washington and serviced at the Chevrolet dealership in Oregon within vehicle recommended service intervals. At 64K miles, the engine developed a sudden AFM lifter issue. Lifter for cylinder #6 came apart causing the engine to miss, smoke, have excessive oil on the spark plug, and low cylinder PSI (75 compared to others at 200+). Vehicle is just outside of it's 5 yr/60K powertrain warranty. Vehicle is undrivable and will need probable engine replacement due to damage from AFM lifter failure. My mechanic verified the miss, oil on the spark plug, and low PSI. The local Chevy dealership removed the valve cover, inspected, and advised that the lifter came apart. Dealership wants $1200 to pull the head to determine extent of damage and $4-5K to repair valves or $12-14K for engine replacement. GM offers no assistance at this point.

NHTSA ODI #11628643

Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2024
EnginePower Train

Engine AFM has failed. No engine light was present at the time. A loud ticking noise was noted from the engine bay. Was taken to get diagnosed, and the AFM was replaced. The problem was then resolved. Transmission has been jerking and hard shifting through the period of owning the vehicle. No diagnosis has been made

NHTSA ODI #11617683

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.