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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

Service Brakes complaints

40 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2026
Electrical SystemService Brakes

There was a mass recall on 2018 GMC Sierras to due to a faulty break pump vaccum. We are experiencing the same problems but for some reason were not included in the recall. We were told to reach out on here as others have to see what can be done as this is a saftety hazard.

NHTSA ODI #11759679

Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2026
EngineService BrakesSteering

Incident description: On three occasion I have had the same catastrophic Engine failure putting myself and my family along with the general public in harms way. Starting March of 2022 while driving at approximately 60 MPH on the West Shore Expressway my truck experienced a sudden and total loss of motor power. My engine stalled…

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Incident description: On three occasion I have had the same catastrophic Engine failure putting myself and my family along with the general public in harms way. Starting March of 2022 while driving at approximately 60 MPH on the West Shore Expressway my truck experienced a sudden and total loss of motor power. My engine stalled out and I lost my ability to safety steer and stop my vehicle. This all happened during rush hour while driving in the left lane of traffic. This sudden loss of power forced me to maneuver the vehicle to the right shoulder of the expressway across the right lane of traffic. As there was no shoulder to pull over on the left side of the highway. This created an immediate crash risk for myself and other drivers. Upon inspection at the authorized GMC dealership where I purchased the truck new, a certified mechanic determined that the engine experienced a complete failure requiring replacement or rebuilding of the engine. I paid to have the engine rebuilt at the dealership. The second instance was similar to the above incident. Once again I paid for the repair. The third instance was more dangerous as when my trucks engine failed it almost caused an accident. As of today my truck is still sitting in the dealership for over 6 months and no one from the dealership or manufacturer will give me an answer on what has to be done now. This patter of sudden repeated engine failure clearly indicates a systemic safety defect that extends beyond normal wear and tear. I urge the NHTSA to open a defect investigation into the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 engine systems.

NHTSA ODI #11741547

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2025
Service Brakes

I noticed there was an issue regarding the break assist system in my vehicle a few months ago when I went to go for a drive. It is available to be inspected. The issue regarding safety revolves around the difficulty to break. The low amount of brake availability is dangerous in the case of a situation that if I needed to break …

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I noticed there was an issue regarding the break assist system in my vehicle a few months ago when I went to go for a drive. It is available to be inspected. The issue regarding safety revolves around the difficulty to break. The low amount of brake availability is dangerous in the case of a situation that if I needed to break quickly it is extremely difficult to. I have not had a certified individual confirm the issue at this time. It has not been inspected. The warning message "Break Assist" comes up every time I try to utilize the brakes. I know there are previous recalls, although when I have tried to see if my truck falls under those recalls it does not.

NHTSA ODI #11641198

72,000 miles · Nov 6, 2024
Power TrainService Brakes

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that an unknown part was loose. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnorm…

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The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that an unknown part was loose. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle near the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that no failure was found. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started to decelerate unintentionally. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the brake pedal. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool down however, the brakes locked up unexpectedly. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the braking system had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA ODI #11623827

Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2024
Electrical SystemService Brakes

The brakes sometimes lock up after use, or don’t disengage ( on one side) and the truck swerves ( steering wheel turns to the right ) into the next lane. I have to over correct and you can hear the brakes squeal. I will have to get off the freeway or the road. I am on trying to track off a couple of times for 5 to 10 minutes Unt…

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The brakes sometimes lock up after use, or don’t disengage ( on one side) and the truck swerves ( steering wheel turns to the right ) into the next lane. I have to over correct and you can hear the brakes squeal. I will have to get off the freeway or the road. I am on trying to track off a couple of times for 5 to 10 minutes Until it stops doing it. It does it on average once to Twice a day. Was told could be brake calipers hoses, speed sensors sending the wrong information to the ABS system. It is very dangerous to drive the truck on the freeway doing 75 miles an hour!

NHTSA ODI #11621517

Mileage unknown · May 30, 2024
Electrical SystemService BrakesUnknown Or Other

I purchased my Sierra in 2021 and 2 weeks after purchase I got a warning for service stabilitrk and another for trailer brake system. This is very very annoying and also has my abs light on. My next issue is a code u510 for active grille shutter assembly. Please fix these issues as they are very common and unsafe. Not to ment…

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I purchased my Sierra in 2021 and 2 weeks after purchase I got a warning for service stabilitrk and another for trailer brake system. This is very very annoying and also has my abs light on. My next issue is a code u510 for active grille shutter assembly. Please fix these issues as they are very common and unsafe. Not to mention as much ad I paid for this truck.

NHTSA ODI #11591650

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2024
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes

Transmission started to shutter at 24000 miles. Dealer said couldn’t find anything. ABS and Stabilitrack light came on at about 40,000 miles off and on. Both these problems could result in a crash. On freeway or streets. The display information/ radio has a mind of its own. Connects to any phone number or start the on star ca…

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Transmission started to shutter at 24000 miles. Dealer said couldn’t find anything. ABS and Stabilitrack light came on at about 40,000 miles off and on. Both these problems could result in a crash. On freeway or streets. The display information/ radio has a mind of its own. Connects to any phone number or start the on star call and etc. it takes your attention off the road and can result in a crash.

NHTSA ODI #11583898

Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2024
Electrical SystemService Brakes

I kept getting a constant alert on my vehicle dash board that said "service trailer brake system" the beeping alert was quite literally constant and it covered up the digital speed odometer, every time I tried to acknowledge the alert it would just pop up and start beeping again. I searched online and quickly realized that this …

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I kept getting a constant alert on my vehicle dash board that said "service trailer brake system" the beeping alert was quite literally constant and it covered up the digital speed odometer, every time I tried to acknowledge the alert it would just pop up and start beeping again. I searched online and quickly realized that this problem with the brake system has plagued GM vehicles for several years and I attempted to fix the issue myself by buying factory parts that other GM owners stated was the issue but it did not correct the issue. I ended up needing to take it to a GM service center and my vehicle was there for 2 business days and it ran me several hundred dollars to have GM fix the issue in the electrical brake system. Again according from online research this problem has plagued a large number of GM vehicles and it would be nice to see GM issue a recall and correct the issue so other people don't end up in the situation I was in.

NHTSA ODI #11582269

Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2024
Service Brakes

The truck is throwing a repeat of service trailer break

NHTSA ODI #11579377

Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2024
Service Brakes

Getting message on console "Service - Trailer Brake System". This could result in trailer brakes to fail while pulling loads.

NHTSA ODI #11573421

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.