2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 electrical problems

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.

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.

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The truck dies when you turn the steering wheel all the way. When that happens the steering wheel jerks and could cause a crash. This appears to be a common electrical problem that currently has no recall from the manufacturer.

NHTSA complaint #11739242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was inadvertently depressed while depressing the accelerator pedal. The messages "Service Stabili-trak" and "Service Trailer Brake" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and errors code: C0131 & C0161 were retrieved. The vehicle was diagnosed at the owner's expense. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,741.

NHTSA complaint #11721521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My truck has been into the dealership repeatedly from Aug 2024 to where it sits now to this day because of the engine and the electronic fuel management system. This fuel management system has destroyed my engine by allowing excessive oil consumption to which it turns the oil black. The engine goes from v8 to 4 cylinder to save on fuel which makes the engine work harder. It causes the rocker arms and pistons to work harder which makes them fail. These problems have occurred with my truck and now the dealership wants 20,000 to replace the engine when they worked on it continuously even after my warranty period had expired. Keep in mind that they were still fixing these problems when my warranty hadn't expired yet they fail to fix it properly. I make payments on a truck that I hardly ever get to drive. I have service invoices to back up my claims. There are numerous others that are dealing with this problem and it's all over the internet so i am not the only person

NHTSA complaint #11712824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

An electrical component related to the vehicle's rear sliding glass window and rear defroster malfunctioned and overheated, causing smoke to fill the cabin of the truck as it was being driven down a busy highway. Immediately following the smoke, the rear window violently shattered due to overheating from the malfunction. This dangerous defect was known to exist in our model and year of truck, as documented in Customer Satisfaction Program N192265660. This bulletin shows that GM knew about this exact issue, yet allowed the vehicle to be sold and driven. This incident was incredibly dangerous and easily could have caused my wife (who was driving) to crash the vehicle due to limited sight and distraction. My wife called me following this incident and was terrified and confused. There were no warnings, signs, or symptoms suggesting an issue with the electrical component until the incident occurred. We immediately contacted GM, who advised we were not permitted to get the vehicle fixed until they completed their inspection; however, it has been nearly a week and no inspection has occurred at this time.

NHTSA complaint #11712355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This complaint is submitted as additional information related to a previously filed safety complaint for the same vehicle and incident. Since the original submission, General Motors Product Assistance Claims verbally denied responsibility, refused to inspect the vehicle, refused to provide written confirmation of their denial, and ceased responding to emails and calls. GM previously instructed me not to repair the vehicle and promised a rental vehicle and tow, neither of which were provided. The vehicle remains unsafe to drive due to smoke intrusion and shattered rear glass and has been left exposed to freezing and rainy conditions. This incident appears consistent with a known rear window defroster thermal defect similar to GM Customer Satisfaction Program N192265660. GM’s refusal to inspect or mitigate increases safety risk.

NHTSA complaint #11712388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My transmission blew up and I almost wrecked my truck. No engine lights came on, and still no engine lights are coming on it only has 69,000 miles on it and has never missed a service. Its currently at the dealership where I bought it from

NHTSA complaint #11709805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 30,434. It was later discovered upon checking Carfax, Auto Check, and VIN Inspect that the mileage was 134,000.

NHTSA complaint #11708897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The vehicle was a private sale. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, the contact became aware that the title was incorrect, and it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. At the time of registration, the mileage was 43,000. The contact stated that a Carfax report indicated that the mileage was 149,000.

NHTSA complaint #11702678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Number one electrical system left side wire harness manufacturer installed in properly, not watertight and ran through a pinch point causing wires to break. Safety was put at risk due to power failure from fuel pump and brake lights failing which could’ve caused a potential accident. Been confirmed by an independent service center. Reached out to the manufacturer. They said there was no recalls. It was very unhelpful. On the failure happened a light did come on. Number two media end navigation system this is a safety risk because at certain times it will switch between screens at will by itself. They will also put calls on hold, causing you to instinctively reach for your phone and taking your attention from driving as well as switch off of navigation moving your attention from driving, this is a clear definition of distraction and not serving the purpose it was created for which is also been confirmed by an independent shop. I reached out to GM. They said there was no recalls. And there is no service light. P.s.I just found out that I could make a complaint here so I do not have any of my old documentation. I just went to the dealership this morning to try and get some help and I had no luck. They would not be helpful at all. They just want to sign me up for a service meeting and charge me another $500 to look at it only to tell me they can’t order me a wearing harness again.

NHTSA complaint #11697587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Truck was intermittently losing power steering and shutting off/reseting itself. Was a loss of electrical and was throwing Stabilitrak Service warning. Would not stay on due to truck resetting itself but loss of power happened typically when I was in parking lot or driveway. Could have easily been on the highway which could have been deadly. Dealership found that the battery cables and module were not getting enough power to truck. Replaced these and it seems okay now. Total cost was ~$1200. I see several recalls for battery cable issues but nothing pulling on my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ crew cab.

NHTSA complaint #11686370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

To Whom It May Concern, Below is my support statement regarding recurring safety and reliability issues observed in the vehicle over an extended period: 1. Sensor Malfunction and Resulting Damage The front and rear proximity sensors exhibit repeated failures. During reversing, the system issues false warnings when no obstruction is present. Conversely, while driving forward, the system fails to provide warnings when approaching walls, sidewalks, or other fixed objects. These failures have directly contributed to multiple instances of exterior damage, including impact with hard surfaces, as well as damage to tires and rims. 2. Warning System Deficiencies The engine warning system has proven unreliable. Significant oil leaks occurred without any corresponding check engine notification. On separate occasions, the check engine light illuminated briefly before extinguishing without resolution. 3. Diagnostic Inconsistencies Independent diagnostic inspections identified multiple ECM fault codes. However, upon subsequent service visits, these codes were cleared or dismissed without adequate explanation, creating uncertainty regarding the vehicle’s underlying condition. 4. Excessive Repair History Despite Limited Use Over the past several years, the vehicle has required multiple costly repairs despite being operated only for routine transportation. It has not been utilized in off-road conditions or to its full 4x4 capacity, yet has demonstrated significant and repeated mechanical deficiencies. The issues experienced indicate systemic failures in critical safety systems, monitoring functions, and diagnostic reliability. These unresolved defects have resulted in repeated safety risks, physical damage, and disproportionate maintenance requirements

NHTSA complaint #11685609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

No check engine light come on until continued driving over 15-20 miles. Transmission slams into second gear when taking off or when stopping it may or may not downshift into first causing safety issues when in traffic. Possible electrical error or clutch inside transmission. On this model it is a sealed transmission so no way of identifying if metal shavings come out with a transmission flush. The issue only happens when vehicle is at temperature, if under and still cool drives perfect but as soon as it hits the temperature of 210 it slams very ugly.

NHTSA complaint #11683324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1. The components that failed were the transmission because the vehicle was driving and continued to slow down until it came to a complete stop gradually, and had to be pushed home. And also, there was an issue with the doors unlocking on their own and all windows rolling down by themselves. 2. The safety risk was the issues that happened without any knowledge of any issues at all with the vehicle. And the vehicle could have stopped on the highway, and another vehicle could have run into it, and it could have been a very bad incident. And with the doors unlocking and the windows rolling on their own could be exposed to unsafe environments and possibly theft of the vehicle or harm to the occupants. 3. Had a scan done, which showed the issues that were going on with the vehicle 4. I haven't had a chance to have it taken to the manufacturer because it broke down, and I was waiting for some help to get these issues repaired from the manufacturer. And needed from ACC. 5. There wasn't no indicators or lights on when this happened? I was told by a coworker about the windows being down, and with further investigations, I found the doors were unlocked as well, which was done automatically without my control.

NHTSA complaint #11678120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I’ve had to have the transmission replaced before hitting 123k miles There is a constant shake, tremble in the car that dealer mechanics cannot figure out and they relate the issue to the transmission Electrical dashboard and ac lightning fixture burnt out

NHTSA complaint #11671732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Doors automatically lock with the keys in the ignition and running locking in anyone who is still in vehicle who cannot open to door physically. It will also prevent you from entering the vehicle without a second set of keys or other methods of unlocking the door (onstar, locksmith). This could put occupants in danger and exposed to the elements unexpectedly and also place inside children in danger. Diagnosis - Keyfob - If battery in keyfob is low, the programming of the vehicle is set to automatically lock even if vehicle is in the ignition and running. when unlocking vehicle with the defective fob, vehicle will unlock, then immediately lock preventing entry. Remedy - Replace battery in key fob and truck works as normal.

NHTSA complaint #11663912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The truck started shuttering one day it was like I was driving on the drunk bumps but I wasn't. Also it will drop gears when it shouldn't and at times it will kinda jump like it's losing power and don't want to go. I have taken it to my step dad who has been a transmission mechanic all his life and he said the transmission needs to be rebuilt but even rebuilding it won't solve the problem because it is a flaw in the way it was made so rebuilding it they use the same parts and everything so it will eventually do the same thing again it's all just a matter of when. He also had me go to another really good transmission guy and he said that we could replace the torch converter but still may need a rebuild l. I don't know if any that has to do with my passenger tire wear or my wheel bearing coming loose while driving only one bolt was holding it on when my husband checked it. The wheel bearing coming loose is pretty big safety problem. As for the transmission my step dad works at a transmission shop and he said they get probably 3 to 5 trucks a week having the same problem mine is having and I know they have been recalls on other trucks that have the same problem as mine just my one wasn't in the batch they recalled .

NHTSA complaint #11662613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly lost electrical power before returning to normal functionality. The contact stated that during the brief failure, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11659939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who observed damages to the main wiring harness, due to a failure with the over molding protective shell. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #11659094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and was slow to respond as needed. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the exhaust. While driving, the rear end locked up. The contact stated that the vehicle was slipping, and the vehicle shut off while driving. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact replaced the spark plugs, coil pack, and spark plug wires with a misfire in cylinder #6. The contact stated that the fluids were replaced at an unknown local dealer prior to the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA complaint #11655153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Have had 3 rear door actuator locks fail. Refer to complaint 11538814. Will be able to upload files at request.

NHTSA complaint #11633216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Entire system (everything) shut down without warning, sometimes kick back on, and other times not at all. Extremely dangerous as it will occur no matter traveling on highway or turning a corner in a parking lot. There are discussion boards in which many people have experienced this problem and clearly it is because of "Bad Battery Cables" and common within the 2014-2018 models. My truck is currently in a dealership garage to have the cables replaced and I have to have a rental car while the cables are on backorder for 5 to 10 days (maybe longer). How is this not a "recall" when so common and so dangerous? Dealership could see in a diagnosis that power had been lost and communication lost, over and over and over. There has never been a dash warning light come on at all.

NHTSA complaint #11628805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Hi i toke in my truck twice because of it was jerking was told it was fine noting was wrong my truck is now doing it so hard it feels like I been hit by another car

NHTSA complaint #11616316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds and in also while reversing, the “Trailer brake system Service” and "Stabili-trak Service" messages were displayed. Additionally, the ABS warning light flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle stalled on several occasions; however, on other occasions, the power steering function became inoperable. The vehicle was able to be restarted after each failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA complaint #11606436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle shuts off while driving in traffic at low and high speeds stabilitrak service light comes on and the vehicle dash goes dark Radio and temp control panel go dark/ black

NHTSA complaint #11587949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The trailer brake signal will alert an unnecessary amount of times randomly.

NHTSA complaint #11577153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The following Recalls were found on Kelly bluebook, that matched the issues I have been having with my vehicle perfectly. When calling the recall center, they stated my vehicle year 2018 Chevy Silverado and serial number were not listed for this but it's the exact diagnosis of what I'm experiencing. The 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. As the vacuum level drops, the brake assists decrease, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The brakes inflate on their own as if someone is pressing them down while driving. The vehicle begins to jerk horribly causing the inability to steer or maintain control of the vehicle or the ability to stop. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This is very dangerous. I have no control over the speed of the vehicle or if the brakes will fail, or if the brakes will burn up due to fighting with the accelerator while driving. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, the manufacturer inspected it and stated they could fix the issues, paid but then the same malfunction kept happening even after payment and supposedly being fixed. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? None related to the issues, Stabilitrak warning and then random hill assist to inflate the brake vacuum

NHTSA complaint #11574164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Rear window defrogger overheated and caused the back electric sliding window to shatter and when door was closed the window blew out!

NHTSA complaint #11568760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.