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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

What owners actually said

300 reports
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 · Dec 2, 2024
Electrical System

Noted the rear sliding window did not work. Upon further research and investigation found fuse 2 in the drivers side fuse box popped. Replaced the fuse and did not solve the problem. Further investigation found the harness that controls the rear sliding window and other items was sheared (all 3 wires cut in half). The harness is…

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Noted the rear sliding window did not work. Upon further research and investigation found fuse 2 in the drivers side fuse box popped. Replaced the fuse and did not solve the problem. Further investigation found the harness that controls the rear sliding window and other items was sheared (all 3 wires cut in half). The harness is routed from the inside of the center console, through the drivers side hinge (pinch point where it cut the harness, and to the backside of the center console. Spliced the wires and reconnected confirming the fix to the problem. This issue poses a fire hazard. Recommend a recall to reroute the harness or a form of corrugation to better protect the harness and prevent further issues.

NHTSA ODI #11628214

Mileage unknown · Nov 27, 2024
Electrical System

Rear sliding window defogger started smoking, filling the cab with smoke

NHTSA ODI #11627642

Mileage unknown · Nov 27, 2024
Electrical System

Part # 23337305 OEM Towing Control Module failure. replaced with factory part and unit failed within 60 days.

NHTSA ODI #11627641

22,000 miles · Nov 25, 2024
Power TrainInjury

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle began to shudder, and he decreased the speed. The contact drove to his residence. The next day the vehicle was driving as expected until it became hot and began to shudder again. The transmission was not shifting as designed. Th…

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The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle began to shudder, and he decreased the speed. The contact drove to his residence. The next day the vehicle was driving as expected until it became hot and began to shudder again. The transmission was not shifting as designed. The contact checked underneath the vehicle but failed to locate an issue with the transmission. The rear differential was hot and burned his fingers, but medical attention was not provided. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

NHTSA ODI #11627208

64,000 miles · Nov 22, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the exhaust manifold bolts had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The ma…

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The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the exhaust manifold bolts had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.

NHTSA ODI #11626764

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

131,000 miles · Oct 30, 2024
Power Train

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started shaking violently, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but upon the contact continuing to drive to his destination, the failure reoccurred. The contact…

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The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started shaking violently, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but upon the contact continuing to drive to his destination, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the RPM rapidly increased and the temperature gauge began to indicate that the engine was overheating. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the auxiliary transmission oil cooler line, resulting in damages to the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Special Coverage Adjustment: N182188930. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 131,000.

NHTSA ODI #11622743

66,000 miles · Oct 24, 2024
Power Train

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 28 - 35 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact continued driving cautiously. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the torque converter …

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The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 28 - 35 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact continued driving cautiously. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the torque converter had been replaced twice with the first replacement performed at approximately 27,000. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer had referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000.

NHTSA ODI #11621677

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.