Owners have filed 752 complaints
about the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 14 of 32 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 51
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 25
4.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 84
49% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2018 compares with every other Chevrolet Silverado 1500
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
1031.3%
Automatic Emergency Braking
721.9%
Adaptive Cruise Control
39.4%
Integrated Trailer Brake Control
39.4%
ABS Warning Light
39.4%
Warnings
26.3%
Speedometer/Odometer
26.3%
Warnings
26.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
186.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
4314.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
5318.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
7425.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3913.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
248.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3110.8%
150,000+ miles
62.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2018peak 27Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
26V325000
AIR BAGS
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.
Risk: 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.
26V166000
AIR BAGS
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.
Risk: 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.
25V432000
AIR BAGS
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.
Risk: 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.
24V756000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
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.
Risk: 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.
20V603000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
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.
Risk: A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
19V761000
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.
Risk: 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.
19V645000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
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.
Risk: 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Greenville, MS1 injured
SEAT BELTS
My son was driving down the road going 30 and both curtain liner airbags deployed and the left side hit him in the head . GMC is denied my claim twice after careful consideration. That was the explanation and we have an undriveable truck with a truck note . Incident happened may 31 and they denied me July 23.
NHTSA complaint #11758245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, MS1 injured
AIR BAGS
My son was driving down the road going 30 and both curtain liner airbags deployed and the left side hit him in the head . GMC is denied my claim twice after careful consideration. That was the explanation and we have an undriveable truck with a truck note . Incident happened may 31 and they denied me July 23.
NHTSA complaint #11758245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Macalla, ALFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
rear back glass) Back glass explosion diving down interstate distraction to say the least.)chevy recalled some but not mine)just happened no inspection)no warnning
NHTSA complaint #11618651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henderson, KYCrash
STEERING
While driving my truck on [XXX] , steering locks up, unable to turn the steering wheel. Crashes into guard rail going approximately 57mph, thankfully no other vehicle involved in this matter. I was not hurt, and had seatbelt buckled and then noticed damaged on the drivers side of the truck. Which included front bumper, left headlamp assembly, left front fender, left upper control arm, damage to front and rear doors, bedside panel, rear bumper and both wheels, and tires. Gerber Collision body shop in Henderson, Ky wrote the estimate and did the repairs for approximately $16,000.00 in damage and paint. On 10/02/2023 we took this truck to Kenny Kent Chevrolet for power steering intermittently going out, and they replaced the battery, codes for low voltage to power steering module. Tested battery and found to test bad, so they replaced the battery. Checked for codes and none were found after replacement of the battery, appeared to be the point of failure at this time. That repair was $404.96, kind of strange on part availability for a electric power steering is on BACKORDER! and module is not serviced separately, and even NO RECALLS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11557864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gallup, NMCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The wheel/wheels locked up while in motion and caused vehicle to veer off road and cause the vehicle to crash. ABS light and Stability Control System warning came on prior to crash.
NHTSA complaint #11526036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gallup, NMCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
The wheel/wheels locked up while in motion and caused vehicle to veer off road and cause the vehicle to crash. ABS light and Stability Control System warning came on prior to crash.
NHTSA complaint #11526036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Bryson City, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
i was driving down the highway, turned on left signal to make left turn. the truck engine died with no warning, could not steer, almost ran into bank. all the dash lights went black, no power at all. the radio starts playing on occasion without being turned on. the clock loses time when it wants to.the blower on the ac comes on and off when it wants to.have had battery, alternator, ignition system checked. all these check out just fine. there were no codes , and absolutely no lights or warnings on dash. our truck was still in the highway lane. luckily the police stopped and assisted by directing and holding up traffic as necessary. i have had similar issues on other occasions but was always more brief and the truck would crank back up right away.
NHTSA complaint #11758428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, MS1 injured
SEAT BELTS
My son was driving down the road going 30 and both curtain liner airbags deployed and the left side hit him in the head . GMC is denied my claim twice after careful consideration. That was the explanation and we have an undriveable truck with a truck note . Incident happened may 31 and they denied me July 23.
NHTSA complaint #11758245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, MS1 injured
AIR BAGS
My son was driving down the road going 30 and both curtain liner airbags deployed and the left side hit him in the head . GMC is denied my claim twice after careful consideration. That was the explanation and we have an undriveable truck with a truck note . Incident happened may 31 and they denied me July 23.
NHTSA complaint #11758245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesHaskell, OK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming up to a stop sign, the vehicle lost braking functionality. The contact stated that the “Service Brake Assist” warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was able to make a right turn and pumped the brakes for the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11757010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morgan City, LA
POWER TRAIN
There was premature torque converter failure that’s has taken out the transmission unexpectedly. I was coming from a side street to get onto a main highway and as I left the stop sign the truck stalled upon take off and I was stuck half way on the highway and halfway on the side road. Until it jerked hard back into gear and pulled off. If the torque converter wouldn’t have caught in time then it could have cause a serious accident. The truck only has 95,000 miles and is a 2018 Silverado 1500 LT 4x4 with the 6l80e transmission. I had to park the truck until the following week when I could take it to dealership and they diagnosed it and quoted me for a new transmission and torque converter. Something needs to be done about these transmission as they are a serious safety concern. No police report was made since there was no accident but there definitely could have been.
NHTSA complaint #11754640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesLawrenceville, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact was alerted by OnStar of a failure with the stability system. While the contact’s husband was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was jerking; the brakes were sticking while the brake pedal was depressed. The failure persisted while driving 50 MPH. The driver used the back roads while driving to the residence. The brakes and ABS warning lights were flashing quickly. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, and DTC: U0422, was retrieved. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V761000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Service Brakes, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
NHTSA complaint #11754512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesLawrenceville, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact was alerted by OnStar of a failure with the stability system. While the contact’s husband was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was jerking; the brakes were sticking while the brake pedal was depressed. The failure persisted while driving 50 MPH. The driver used the back roads while driving to the residence. The brakes and ABS warning lights were flashing quickly. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, and DTC: U0422, was retrieved. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V761000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Service Brakes, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
NHTSA complaint #11754512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesLawrenceville, GA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact was alerted by OnStar of a failure with the stability system. While the contact’s husband was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was jerking; the brakes were sticking while the brake pedal was depressed. The failure persisted while driving 50 MPH. The driver used the back roads while driving to the residence. The brakes and ABS warning lights were flashing quickly. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, and DTC: U0422, was retrieved. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V761000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Service Brakes, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
NHTSA complaint #11754512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Noble, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Purchased used 6/12/2026 at 188,882 miles from a franchised Chevrolet dealer. The integrated trailer brake system master fuse and passenger-side turn signal fuse were blown at delivery. When the fuses were replaced, the trailer brake system faulted and the failure disabled the ABS, traction control, and StabiliTrak (electronic stability control). Significant safety concern: with the master fuse blown/open, the vehicle displays NO warning messages of any kind — the safety-system failure is completely masked while trailer braking is inoperative. The warning cascade only appears when a good fuse is installed and the faulted circuit is energized. Separately, at approximately 12 days and ~1,700 miles after purchase, the engine began knocking and set diagnostic trouble codes; a dealer repair order dated 7/6/2026 documents the knocking complaint with no work performed. The vehicle is currently parked as unsafe to drive. No crash, injury, or fire. Reporting so the ABS/ESC failure mode — and particularly its masking behavior when the fuse is open — is on record for this VIN and vehicle line.
NHTSA complaint #11749765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Noble, OK
ENGINE
Purchased used 6/12/2026 at 188,882 miles from a franchised Chevrolet dealer. The integrated trailer brake system master fuse and passenger-side turn signal fuse were blown at delivery. When the fuses were replaced, the trailer brake system faulted and the failure disabled the ABS, traction control, and StabiliTrak (electronic stability control). Significant safety concern: with the master fuse blown/open, the vehicle displays NO warning messages of any kind — the safety-system failure is completely masked while trailer braking is inoperative. The warning cascade only appears when a good fuse is installed and the faulted circuit is energized. Separately, at approximately 12 days and ~1,700 miles after purchase, the engine began knocking and set diagnostic trouble codes; a dealer repair order dated 7/6/2026 documents the knocking complaint with no work performed. The vehicle is currently parked as unsafe to drive. No crash, injury, or fire. Reporting so the ABS/ESC failure mode — and particularly its masking behavior when the fuse is open — is on record for this VIN and vehicle line.
NHTSA complaint #11749765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Noble, OK
SERVICE BRAKES
Purchased used 6/12/2026 at 188,882 miles from a franchised Chevrolet dealer. The integrated trailer brake system master fuse and passenger-side turn signal fuse were blown at delivery. When the fuses were replaced, the trailer brake system faulted and the failure disabled the ABS, traction control, and StabiliTrak (electronic stability control). Significant safety concern: with the master fuse blown/open, the vehicle displays NO warning messages of any kind — the safety-system failure is completely masked while trailer braking is inoperative. The warning cascade only appears when a good fuse is installed and the faulted circuit is energized. Separately, at approximately 12 days and ~1,700 miles after purchase, the engine began knocking and set diagnostic trouble codes; a dealer repair order dated 7/6/2026 documents the knocking complaint with no work performed. The vehicle is currently parked as unsafe to drive. No crash, injury, or fire. Reporting so the ABS/ESC failure mode — and particularly its masking behavior when the fuse is open — is on record for this VIN and vehicle line.
NHTSA complaint #11749765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesClark Fork, ID
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH with cruise control activated, the vehicle shuddered and multiple warning lights illuminated, including the check engine, check oil, fasten seatbelt, traction control, and brake warning lights. The vehicle experienced steering overcorrection and lost power. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and slowly driven to an independent mechanic shop, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the first and second pistons and lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #11749304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesClark Fork, ID
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH with cruise control activated, the vehicle shuddered and multiple warning lights illuminated, including the check engine, check oil, fasten seatbelt, traction control, and brake warning lights. The vehicle experienced steering overcorrection and lost power. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and slowly driven to an independent mechanic shop, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the first and second pistons and lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #11749304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesClark Fork, ID
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH with cruise control activated, the vehicle shuddered and multiple warning lights illuminated, including the check engine, check oil, fasten seatbelt, traction control, and brake warning lights. The vehicle experienced steering overcorrection and lost power. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and slowly driven to an independent mechanic shop, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the first and second pistons and lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000.
NHTSA complaint #11749304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sheppard Afb, TX
POWER TRAIN
The engine lifters and camshaft started to fail at 114,000 miles. I had to have it repaired at a dealership and it cost over $10,000. I had completed all recommended maintenance prior to the failure. 500 miles after that repair was completed, my transmission overheated and completely left me stranded on the side of the road. I had to have it repaired at a dealership which cost $$8,000
NHTSA complaint #11748751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sheppard Afb, TX
ENGINE
The engine lifters and camshaft started to fail at 114,000 miles. I had to have it repaired at a dealership and it cost over $10,000. I had completed all recommended maintenance prior to the failure. 500 miles after that repair was completed, my transmission overheated and completely left me stranded on the side of the road. I had to have it repaired at a dealership which cost $$8,000
NHTSA complaint #11748751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Des Moines, IA
TIRES
While pulling car trailer down the interstate on 6-27-26 at 70mph, my Free Country ST205/75R16 D106 10 ply trailer tire with less than 200 miles on it blew out. This was the spare for 2 years and has 9/32 tread depth on it still. I recently this spring rotated it to the LR of the trailer. Pieces of the tire blew onto and hit a passing SUV. Luckily nobody was hurt and I was able to get to the shoulder with only some fender damage. The tire was changed and with research I found the warranty was only 1 year. I was not happy with this, but moved on and bought another tire to replace it. Yesterday 7-4-26 I pulled the same trailer and upon arriving to my destination noticed another one of the tires that was purchased at the same time is separated badly all the way around and is on the verge of blowing out. This tire has been on the trailer since I bought the set of tires new, and has just under 8/32 tread left. These tires are under 3 years old, and used well under weight capacity. I keep them aired up near the max to save gas, and check them regularly. I cannot be the only one having problems if 2 out of the 5 I bought are coming apart already. Ultimately these are a safety hazard. If that had been a motorcycle beside me, or a large enough chunk flew off. Someone could have been killed. Pics available upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11748371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waukesha, WI
WHEELS
I was driving on the highway at about 70 mph and the passenger side lower control arm where the ball joint sits broke. It messed up the passenger fender and tire along with the steering link. It also bent the upper control arm as well. The ball joints were replaced about 6 months ago.
NHTSA complaint #11743834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waukesha, WI
SUSPENSION
I was driving on the highway at about 70 mph and the passenger side lower control arm where the ball joint sits broke. It messed up the passenger fender and tire along with the steering link. It also bent the upper control arm as well. The ball joints were replaced about 6 months ago.
NHTSA complaint #11743834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waukesha, WI
STRUCTURE:BODY
I was driving on the highway at about 70 mph and the passenger side lower control arm where the ball joint sits broke. It messed up the passenger fender and tire along with the steering link. It also bent the upper control arm as well. The ball joints were replaced about 6 months ago.
NHTSA complaint #11743834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Klamath Falls, OR
POWER TRAIN
A known radiator issue, with microcracks in radiator is producing a leak and will require replacement. There are many examples of this online for the model years 2014-2018, and are known by the manufacturer. I am having mine replaced with 95,000 miles on my truck.
NHTSA complaint #11740845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Klamath Falls, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A known radiator issue, with microcracks in radiator is producing a leak and will require replacement. There are many examples of this online for the model years 2014-2018, and are known by the manufacturer. I am having mine replaced with 95,000 miles on my truck.
NHTSA complaint #11740845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Klamath Falls, OR
ENGINE
A known radiator issue, with microcracks in radiator is producing a leak and will require replacement. There are many examples of this online for the model years 2014-2018, and are known by the manufacturer. I am having mine replaced with 95,000 miles on my truck.
NHTSA complaint #11740845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
AIR BAGS
I am very certain that I have proof that from the dealership a Cable Dahmer and Kansas City Missouri did break work concerning the brake master cylinder booster was replaced and it still has problem which should have been under a recall and I would like to get that corrected and received my service funds back
NHTSA complaint #11740725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
SERVICE BRAKES
I am very certain that I have proof that from the dealership a Cable Dahmer and Kansas City Missouri did break work concerning the brake master cylinder booster was replaced and it still has problem which should have been under a recall and I would like to get that corrected and received my service funds back
NHTSA complaint #11740725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.