2018 GMC Sierra 1500 problems

STEERING

Head gasket failure and overheating. After fixed, power steering has just failed during driving. Will have to have it towed to shop

NHTSA complaint #11756121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Head gasket failure and overheating. After fixed, power steering has just failed during driving. Will have to have it towed to shop

NHTSA complaint #11756121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEAT BELTS

THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR IS FAILING TO RETRACT. I HAD A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE AND AS WE CAME TO A STOP IN MY DRIVEWAY TO EXIT THE VEHICLE SHE UNHOOKED (RELEASED) THE SEATBELT AND IT WILL NOT RETRACT. THE SEATBELT IS NOW CURRENTLY EXTENDED OUT AND WILL NOT RETRACT BACK INTO THE RETRACTOR. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE TODAY 08-05-2026, I CALLED THE DEALER I PURCHASED IT FROM AND THEY STATE THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE WITH THIS ISSUE. I DID LOOK THE ISSUE UP ON GOOGLE AND INFACT IS STATES A PROBLEM WITH THE SEATBELT RETRACTOR FOR MY VEHICLE. I SENT THEM A SCREENSHOT OF THE CONFIRMATION FOUND AND THEY DECLINE TO ACKNOWLEDGE A REPAIR STATING THERE IS NO RECALL. I WAS ABLE TO MANUALLY FEED THE BELT BACK INTO THE RETRACTOR, IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT BUT I SAT IN THE SEAT TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE AND IT WILL DUPLICATE. THE SEATBELT IS CURRENTLY EXTENDED AND WILL NOT RETRACT AUTOMATICALLY. THE SHOULDER STAP WILL NOT FIT SECURELY AROUND A PASSENGER AT THIS TIME. I HAVE HAD NO PRIOR USE OF THE VEHICLE UNTIL TODAY AS I PURCHASED IT FROM A REPUTABLE DEALER WHO STATES THEY DID A FULL INSPECTION OF IT PRIOR TO SELLING BUT APPARENTLY THIS ISSUE WAS NOT REPAIRED PRIOR TO SELLING IT.

NHTSA complaint #11755159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

ENGINE FAILURE, 5/3/22, 23,987 MILES, ALL LIFTERS WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, ENGINE FAILURE, 7/6/26, 46004 MILES, TOOK TRUCK IN FOR OIL CHANGE AND WHEN RETURNED HAD A TICKING NOISE. DEALERSHIP NOTIFIED ME THAT CAMSHAFT ISSUES AND METAL DETECTED IN OIL. ENGINE NEEDS REPLACED. 6.2 V8 2018. TURPIN MOTORS, GENESEO, IL HAS DONE ALL SERIVCE ON TRUCK. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR CODES. VEHICLE IS IN MY GARAGE AND AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. I OPENED CASE WITH GM #105652237. DEALERSHIP OPENED CASE ON GM PORTAL ALSO. RESPONSE FROM GM IS THAT TRUCK IS OUT OF WARRANTY

NHTSA complaint #11754023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

ENGINE FAILURE, 5/3/22, 23,987 MILES, ALL LIFTERS WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, ENGINE FAILURE, 7/6/26, 46004 MILES, TOOK TRUCK IN FOR OIL CHANGE AND WHEN RETURNED HAD A TICKING NOISE. DEALERSHIP NOTIFIED ME THAT CAMSHAFT ISSUES AND METAL DETECTED IN OIL. ENGINE NEEDS REPLACED. 6.2 V8 2018. TURPIN MOTORS, GENESEO, IL HAS DONE ALL SERIVCE ON TRUCK. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR CODES. VEHICLE IS IN MY GARAGE AND AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. I OPENED CASE WITH GM #105652237. DEALERSHIP OPENED CASE ON GM PORTAL ALSO. RESPONSE FROM GM IS THAT TRUCK IS OUT OF WARRANTY

NHTSA complaint #11754023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle Details: 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Z72 4x4, 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 engine, VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of incident: 220,000 miles Location: [e.g., Little Rock, Arkansas area or specific road/highway – please provide if desired] What happened: The 5.3L V8 engine’s hydraulic roller lifters failed. One or more lifters collapsed, stuck, or lost proper oil pressure/operation. This led to improper valvetrain function, causing loud ticking/knocking noises, cylinder misfires, significant loss of engine power and performance, and internal engine damage (such as camshaft lobe wear or related components). Component or system that failed or malfunctioned: Hydraulic valve lifters (camshaft followers) in the engine valvetrain, associated with the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system. The failed lifter(s) and related components are available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk: The engine malfunction resulted in sudden or progressive power loss and misfiring while driving. This reduced the vehicle’s ability to accelerate or maintain speed, especially in traffic or on highways, creating a hazardous situation that put my safety and the safety of other road users at risk of collision or breakdown. No accident or injuries occurred , or other symptoms prior to the failure with details recall, e.g., ticking noise timeline, misfires Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? “Yes, confirmed by shop inspection” Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? [Yes] Additional notes: Repair estimate is approximately $20,000 (likely due to extent of internal damage requiring major engine work or replacement). This failure aligns with a well-documented issue in GM 5.3L engines equipped with AFM. Vehicle status parked INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11743611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Vehicle Details: 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Z72 4x4, 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 engine, VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of incident: 220,000 miles Location: [e.g., Little Rock, Arkansas area or specific road/highway – please provide if desired] What happened: The 5.3L V8 engine’s hydraulic roller lifters failed. One or more lifters collapsed, stuck, or lost proper oil pressure/operation. This led to improper valvetrain function, causing loud ticking/knocking noises, cylinder misfires, significant loss of engine power and performance, and internal engine damage (such as camshaft lobe wear or related components). Component or system that failed or malfunctioned: Hydraulic valve lifters (camshaft followers) in the engine valvetrain, associated with the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system. The failed lifter(s) and related components are available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk: The engine malfunction resulted in sudden or progressive power loss and misfiring while driving. This reduced the vehicle’s ability to accelerate or maintain speed, especially in traffic or on highways, creating a hazardous situation that put my safety and the safety of other road users at risk of collision or breakdown. No accident or injuries occurred , or other symptoms prior to the failure with details recall, e.g., ticking noise timeline, misfires Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? “Yes, confirmed by shop inspection” Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? [Yes] Additional notes: Repair estimate is approximately $20,000 (likely due to extent of internal damage requiring major engine work or replacement). This failure aligns with a well-documented issue in GM 5.3L engines equipped with AFM. Vehicle status parked INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11743611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Power steering went out for 2-3 seconds as I was making a turn into a street , this happened twice to be exact

NHTSA complaint #11743173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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 complaint #11741547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11741547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

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 complaint #11741547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Paint flaking top above windshield within one year of ownership! Paint flaking on left rear door within last month!

NHTSA complaint #11738475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The transmission has always been rough. It has now gone out at 75,000 miles. This transmission issue really seemed to get worse about 50,000 miles. But when I called the dealer, they said they were backed up and couldn't get to it for 9-12 weeks (Covid excuses at that point). Then, it really had an issue going down a large grade into [XXX] . But the issues seemed fairly intermittent. I had an independent shop who said it was hard to tell if it was intermittent. They didn't find metal shavings at the time. ADDITIONALLY, it has also always been a little rough driving. A mechanic looking at it today told me there are no sway bar links at all. This truck has not been modified. This had to have come off the line faulty. Among all the other things. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11738210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

The transmission has always been rough. It has now gone out at 75,000 miles. This transmission issue really seemed to get worse about 50,000 miles. But when I called the dealer, they said they were backed up and couldn't get to it for 9-12 weeks (Covid excuses at that point). Then, it really had an issue going down a large grade into [XXX] . But the issues seemed fairly intermittent. I had an independent shop who said it was hard to tell if it was intermittent. They didn't find metal shavings at the time. ADDITIONALLY, it has also always been a little rough driving. A mechanic looking at it today told me there are no sway bar links at all. This truck has not been modified. This had to have come off the line faulty. Among all the other things. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11738210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I’ve owner the vehicle since new. My A/C condenser has failed 3 times, meaning I’m now about to be on my 4th. The welds are weak and it cracks in the same spot 95% of the time. It should last more than a 2 year average.

NHTSA complaint #11728308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Premature frame rot

NHTSA complaint #11724945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH on bumpy terrain, the driver’s and passenger’s side curtain air bags deployed unexpectedly. No warning light was illuminated, and there was no impact to the vehicle to cause the air bags to deploy. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it remained for further investigation. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11722171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

1. Electronic power steering modular issue. My 2018 GMC SEIRRA 1500 CREW CAB JUST LOST ALL POWER STEERING. THEN WHEN I PARK IT. Assist notifications come on, ABS notices, BRAKE light stays on, trailer/tow notifications, trailer assist, parking brake, etc SUDDENLY A LOUD thump & feels like the whole truck just drops like 5” inches, settling. I cannot afford an inspection (ID theft in 2025, compromised all accts & all credit cards) BUT. It IS available as long as cost is covered by YOU !! 2. Lucky it happened in a grocery store parking lot. However not expecting power steering to go out, almost hit a pedestrian. 3. No it has not Ben inspected yet I can’t afford the bill 4. No it has not been reported what for I didn’t hit anybody and the cops in this area they could give her rats ass they don’t make a report the question you like you’re like a criminal. 5. No warnings or anything until it happened that day leaving the grocery store. There is absolutely no notification it was gonna happen. It ran fine when I parked it to grocery shop Come back out & I could barely back out to leave. I can lift up my had fatboy if needed so I’m sure turning a steering wheel…. lol Thnx a lot If I could figure out what part needs to be changed out or you could cover the parts needed. I do work in cars or have in the past, I don’t like the new ones, but this seems simple enough if I knew exactly what part I needed to pull out change out or I see that there’s recalls on previous vehicles and GMC after2020- 24 but I don’t see 2018 didn’t happen so I like to say whoever created that electronic steering can take that module along with the harness and they know exactly where they can put it don’t they I’m just saying as a used to be not sure now a GMC supporter, but I’m starting to think twice now if I

NHTSA complaint #11721830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

1. Electronic power steering modular issue. My 2018 GMC SEIRRA 1500 CREW CAB JUST LOST ALL POWER STEERING. THEN WHEN I PARK IT. Assist notifications come on, ABS notices, BRAKE light stays on, trailer/tow notifications, trailer assist, parking brake, etc SUDDENLY A LOUD thump & feels like the whole truck just drops like 5” inches, settling. I cannot afford an inspection (ID theft in 2025, compromised all accts & all credit cards) BUT. It IS available as long as cost is covered by YOU !! 2. Lucky it happened in a grocery store parking lot. However not expecting power steering to go out, almost hit a pedestrian. 3. No it has not Ben inspected yet I can’t afford the bill 4. No it has not been reported what for I didn’t hit anybody and the cops in this area they could give her rats ass they don’t make a report the question you like you’re like a criminal. 5. No warnings or anything until it happened that day leaving the grocery store. There is absolutely no notification it was gonna happen. It ran fine when I parked it to grocery shop Come back out & I could barely back out to leave. I can lift up my had fatboy if needed so I’m sure turning a steering wheel…. lol Thnx a lot If I could figure out what part needs to be changed out or you could cover the parts needed. I do work in cars or have in the past, I don’t like the new ones, but this seems simple enough if I knew exactly what part I needed to pull out change out or I see that there’s recalls on previous vehicles and GMC after2020- 24 but I don’t see 2018 didn’t happen so I like to say whoever created that electronic steering can take that module along with the harness and they know exactly where they can put it don’t they I’m just saying as a used to be not sure now a GMC supporter, but I’m starting to think twice now if I

NHTSA complaint #11721830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1. Electronic power steering modular issue. My 2018 GMC SEIRRA 1500 CREW CAB JUST LOST ALL POWER STEERING. THEN WHEN I PARK IT. Assist notifications come on, ABS notices, BRAKE light stays on, trailer/tow notifications, trailer assist, parking brake, etc SUDDENLY A LOUD thump & feels like the whole truck just drops like 5” inches, settling. I cannot afford an inspection (ID theft in 2025, compromised all accts & all credit cards) BUT. It IS available as long as cost is covered by YOU !! 2. Lucky it happened in a grocery store parking lot. However not expecting power steering to go out, almost hit a pedestrian. 3. No it has not Ben inspected yet I can’t afford the bill 4. No it has not been reported what for I didn’t hit anybody and the cops in this area they could give her rats ass they don’t make a report the question you like you’re like a criminal. 5. No warnings or anything until it happened that day leaving the grocery store. There is absolutely no notification it was gonna happen. It ran fine when I parked it to grocery shop Come back out & I could barely back out to leave. I can lift up my had fatboy if needed so I’m sure turning a steering wheel…. lol Thnx a lot If I could figure out what part needs to be changed out or you could cover the parts needed. I do work in cars or have in the past, I don’t like the new ones, but this seems simple enough if I knew exactly what part I needed to pull out change out or I see that there’s recalls on previous vehicles and GMC after2020- 24 but I don’t see 2018 didn’t happen so I like to say whoever created that electronic steering can take that module along with the harness and they know exactly where they can put it don’t they I’m just saying as a used to be not sure now a GMC supporter, but I’m starting to think twice now if I

NHTSA complaint #11721830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I’ve gone through two transmissions on my 2018 gmc sierra 1500 both times the same issue. The gears are shot, hard shifting. Vehicle is well maintained. Both transmissions one original equipment and second bought at the dealership the truck was bought both only lasted over 80000 miles. Driving the truck loss of power or torque is noticed, then a hard shifting. Checked fluid all was good not seeing metallic shavings. Then the overheating of the transmission, faulty valve replaced with aftermarket bypass and did transmission flush. But each occasion there was an incident I would’ve driving on the interstate and vehicle would lose power and almost hard stop and cause a crash. Then vehicle would only go in reverse both times the transmission gave out. The only warning light that ever came on was a transmission overheating and nothing else. I’m currently in the process of having to get another transmission because of the same issue again. Vehicle was seen by a technician and deemed the transmission was shot again.

NHTSA complaint #11721211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally hard. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission was failing. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The transmission was replaced two years ago. In addition, the contact stated that the original transmission had failed at 130,000 miles. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage of the second transmission was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA complaint #11719391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal vibration in the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the tires were replaced, and the wheels and bearings were inspected by an independent mechanic, but no failure was found. The independent mechanic related the failure to an undisclosed transmission recall; however, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

NHTSA complaint #11718452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. While starting the vehicle, it was shaking violently, with reduced power. The vehicle was restarted and worked as designed. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine and Engine and Cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined there was metal in the engine, and there was a misfire coming from cylinder #2. The mechanic recommended that the engine be replaced. There were loose wires from the ECM, and the failure halted after the mechanic secured the wires. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #11714207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. While starting the vehicle, it was shaking violently, with reduced power. The vehicle was restarted and worked as designed. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine and Engine and Cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined there was metal in the engine, and there was a misfire coming from cylinder #2. The mechanic recommended that the engine be replaced. There were loose wires from the ECM, and the failure halted after the mechanic secured the wires. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #11714207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.