Owners have filed 27 complaints
about the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 26 of 28 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 — 26
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
63% 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 3500
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
725.9%
Median failure at 23,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
414.8%
Median failure at 66,695 miles
Electrical System
311.1%
Median failure at 28,400 miles
Other & Unspecified
27.4%
Equipment & Accessories
27.4%
Body & Structure
27.4%
Median failure at 4,500 miles
Steering
27.4%
Transmission & Drivetrain
27.4%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
13.7%
Wheels
13.7%
Median failure at 21,000 miles
Brakes
13.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
112.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
337.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
112.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
337.5%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 PU/EC 4WD
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2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 PU/EC RWD
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2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 PU/CC 4WD
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2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 PU/CC RWD
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2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 PU/RC RWD
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2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 PU/RC 4WD
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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.
Aug 2018peak 3Apr 2026
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Roundup, MT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Recall N192265660 repair failed. Dealer stated that GM refused to participate in the repair. Smoke and smell of burning electrical followed by the rear window exploding. Dealer quoted over $1900 to repair and suggested we go aftermarket and have the repair done elsewhere. Vehicle has approximately 62k miles since last attempt to repair the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11732526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia Station, OH
STEERING
I’ve heard all the horror stories about faulty electrical issues. I’m chasing an issue now on my 2018 with ONLY 87,000 miles after spending a bunch of money on batteries hub assemblies random control modules to try to fix an issue of stabilitrak, traction control, abs, trailer brakes, power steering etc all going off every 3 seconds. Grounds have all been re done to bare metal nothing is fixing the issue. Steering wheel about flew out of my hands going 65mph when the power steering message along with all the others on the dtc while dinging annoying the shit out of me. I’ve bought nothing but gm trucks my whole adult life and I’ll never do it again. Thing is a piece of shit and you all should be doing something to fix it. I’ve seen people have the fix by replacing a tail light bulb speed sensors ecbm abs modules trailer brake modules harnesses the list is endless. Someone is going to die when they crash from some bullshit electrical problem that can’t be chased down because it’s always something different. The money we pay for these trash trucks is insane for the problems like this that you won’t recall. That’s it these trucks suck and I’ll never buy another one. Trash.
NHTSA complaint #11711287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia Station, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I’ve heard all the horror stories about faulty electrical issues. I’m chasing an issue now on my 2018 with ONLY 87,000 miles after spending a bunch of money on batteries hub assemblies random control modules to try to fix an issue of stabilitrak, traction control, abs, trailer brakes, power steering etc all going off every 3 seconds. Grounds have all been re done to bare metal nothing is fixing the issue. Steering wheel about flew out of my hands going 65mph when the power steering message along with all the others on the dtc while dinging annoying the shit out of me. I’ve bought nothing but gm trucks my whole adult life and I’ll never do it again. Thing is a piece of shit and you all should be doing something to fix it. I’ve seen people have the fix by replacing a tail light bulb speed sensors ecbm abs modules trailer brake modules harnesses the list is endless. Someone is going to die when they crash from some bullshit electrical problem that can’t be chased down because it’s always something different. The money we pay for these trash trucks is insane for the problems like this that you won’t recall. That’s it these trucks suck and I’ll never buy another one. Trash.
NHTSA complaint #11711287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia Station, OH
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I’ve heard all the horror stories about faulty electrical issues. I’m chasing an issue now on my 2018 with ONLY 87,000 miles after spending a bunch of money on batteries hub assemblies random control modules to try to fix an issue of stabilitrak, traction control, abs, trailer brakes, power steering etc all going off every 3 seconds. Grounds have all been re done to bare metal nothing is fixing the issue. Steering wheel about flew out of my hands going 65mph when the power steering message along with all the others on the dtc while dinging annoying the shit out of me. I’ve bought nothing but gm trucks my whole adult life and I’ll never do it again. Thing is a piece of shit and you all should be doing something to fix it. I’ve seen people have the fix by replacing a tail light bulb speed sensors ecbm abs modules trailer brake modules harnesses the list is endless. Someone is going to die when they crash from some bullshit electrical problem that can’t be chased down because it’s always something different. The money we pay for these trash trucks is insane for the problems like this that you won’t recall. That’s it these trucks suck and I’ll never buy another one. Trash.
NHTSA complaint #11711287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kennewick, WA
EQUIPMENT
The contact owned a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Commercial Vehicle. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V496000 (Equipment) and 23V047000(Fuel System, Diesel) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because the vehicle was totaled. The manufacturer was contacted.
NHTSA complaint #11639065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kennewick, WA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owned a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Commercial Vehicle. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V496000 (Equipment) and 23V047000(Fuel System, Diesel) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because the vehicle was totaled. The manufacturer was contacted.
NHTSA complaint #11639065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesSulphur, LA
ENGINE
The contact owns 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the engine started misfiring and made an abnormal knocking sound. Additionally, the vehicle was shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, where the contact scanned the vehicle with a vehicle scanner. The contact retrieved diagnostic trouble code indicating an open circuit on the seventh fuel injector. The contact purchased the part from an unknown dealer and replaced the fuel injector connector harness; however, the failure recurred several times while driving. The contact replaced the connector harness of the second and fourth fuel injectors; however, the failure persisted. The contact was in the process of replacing the connector harness of the eighth fuel injector. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11621725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesSulphur, LA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
The contact owns 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the engine started misfiring and made an abnormal knocking sound. Additionally, the vehicle was shuddering. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, where the contact scanned the vehicle with a vehicle scanner. The contact retrieved diagnostic trouble code indicating an open circuit on the seventh fuel injector. The contact purchased the part from an unknown dealer and replaced the fuel injector connector harness; however, the failure recurred several times while driving. The contact replaced the connector harness of the second and fourth fuel injectors; however, the failure persisted. The contact was in the process of replacing the connector harness of the eighth fuel injector. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11621725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gardner, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
46000 miles and the oil pan rotting from the salt on the roads i have an extended warranty no one wants to cover the warranty it has 100000 power train warranty and no one wants to be responsible for it
NHTSA complaint #11540604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gardner, MA
ENGINE
46000 miles and the oil pan rotting from the salt on the roads i have an extended warranty no one wants to cover the warranty it has 100000 power train warranty and no one wants to be responsible for it
NHTSA complaint #11540604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,390 milesMedical Lake, WA
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that the fuel tank had collapsed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump and rear fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V047000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The failure mileage was approximately 68,390. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11525436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salinas, CA
POWER TRAIN
stabilitrak system truck speeds up when braking,and pulls left or right transmission shift hard when warning lights come on intermittently
NHTSA complaint #11452090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salinas, CA
STEERING
stabilitrak system truck speeds up when braking,and pulls left or right transmission shift hard when warning lights come on intermittently
NHTSA complaint #11452090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salinas, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
stabilitrak system truck speeds up when braking,and pulls left or right transmission shift hard when warning lights come on intermittently
NHTSA complaint #11452090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hillsboro, OH
EQUIPMENT
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V496000 (Equipment) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. Jerry Haag Motors (1475 N High St, Hillsboro, OH 45133) and Bush Auto Place (1850 Rombach Ave, Wilmington, OH 45177) had both been notified about the recall; however, both dealers informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11439913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,000 milesSpokane, WA
WHEELS
WHEEL CRACKED
NHTSA complaint #11407027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colfax, IA
POWER TRAIN
REDUCTANT HEATER WENT OUT. KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THESE TRUCKS YET NO RECALL SO WHEN YOU ARE OVER THERE EMMISIONS WARRANTY YOU'RE OUT OF LUCK TRUCK HAD 60K ON IT AND IS GOING TO COST ME 1600$ BETWEEN PARTS AND LABOR TO FIX IT
NHTSA complaint #11397056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colfax, IA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
REDUCTANT HEATER WENT OUT. KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THESE TRUCKS YET NO RECALL SO WHEN YOU ARE OVER THERE EMMISIONS WARRANTY YOU'RE OUT OF LUCK TRUCK HAD 60K ON IT AND IS GOING TO COST ME 1600$ BETWEEN PARTS AND LABOR TO FIX IT
NHTSA complaint #11397056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colfax, IA
ENGINE
REDUCTANT HEATER WENT OUT. KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THESE TRUCKS YET NO RECALL SO WHEN YOU ARE OVER THERE EMMISIONS WARRANTY YOU'RE OUT OF LUCK TRUCK HAD 60K ON IT AND IS GOING TO COST ME 1600$ BETWEEN PARTS AND LABOR TO FIX IT
NHTSA complaint #11397056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grants, NM
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V328000(ENGINE). AFTER CONTACTING RELIABLE CHEVROLET (9901 COORS BLVD, ALBUQUERQUE, NM) AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11289576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesColdspring, TX
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V328000 (ENGINE). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MARTIN CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (420 W SOUTHLINE ST, CLEVELAND, TX 77327, (281) 592-2644) TO BE SERVICED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIRS AS DESCRIBED IN THE MANUFACTURER'S REMEDY. DISCONNECTED INSTEAD OF BEING REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND CONTINUES TO BE ONGOING MILAGE NOW - 15,000.*BF
NHTSA complaint #11269035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gallup, NM
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V328000 (ENGINE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11255347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Truckee, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL- THE MECHANIC CALLED ON BEHAVE OF THE VEHICLE OWNER OF A 2018 CHEVROLET SILVERADO, REGARDING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V088000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER CHAMPION CHEVROLET (LOCATED AT 800 KIETZKE LN, RENO, NV 89502, (775) 786-3111) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. DP
NHTSA complaint #11235083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,400 milesHouston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN THE TRUCK IS TURNED OFF IT SOMETIMES CAN TAKE ANYWHERE FROM 2 MINUTES TO OVER 1 HOUR TO RESTART. WHEN THIS ISSUE OCCURS AND THE KEY IS TURNED TO START THE VEHICLE ALL YOU WILL HEAR IS A "CLICK" SOUND COMING FROM WHAT I ASSUME IS THE STARTER. WHILE NOT STARTING, EVERYTHING ELSE ELECTRICAL IN THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO BE WORKING FINE. ALTHOUGH THIS TRUCK WAS DELIVERED NEW IN DECEMBER OF 2017(BUILD DATE OF 8/17), IT WAS NOT PUT ON THE ROAD AND IN SERVICE(BUILT OUT AS A TOW TRUCK) UNTIL MID MAY OF 2018. ALTHOUGH THIS STARTING ISSUE DID NOT BEGIN WITH MY TRUCK UNTIL SOMETIME IN FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019, WE HAVE ANOTHER TRUCK THAT IS THE EXACT SAME MODEL (BUILD DATE OF 2/18) THAT HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE FOR ABOUT 7 MONTHS NOW. THAT SECOND TRUCK WAS FINALLY TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND A SPECIFIC PROBLEM SO THEY REPLACED THE STARTED. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE DRIVER RECENTLY REPLACED THE BATTERY JUST TO TRY TO ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL CAUSE OF THIS ISSUE BUT THAT YIELDED NO POSITIVE RESULTS EITHER. WE ARE AT A LOSS AND THIS ISSUE IS LITERALLY COSTING US MONEY!! IN GENERAL, THIS NON-STARTING ISSUE HAPPENS A COUPLE TIMES A WEEK.
NHTSA complaint #11203138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,500 milesBacliff, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHILE PULLING A 40' GOOSENECK TRAILER ON THE HIGHWAY AT POSTED SPEED THE BALL HITCH ON THE BED OF THE TRUCK CAME DETACHED FROM THE TRUCK. TRAILER NECK SLAMMED INTO THE CENTER OF THE BED. I HAVE AN OEM CROWNLINE AFTERMARKET FLAT BED ON MY TRUCK. ONCE THE TRAILER WAS REMOVED THE BALL HITCH FELL TO THE GROUND. INVESTIGATION FOUND LITTLE TO NO WELD PRESENT.
NHTSA complaint #11161987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.