Owners have filed 20 complaints
about the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500 with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 23 of 26 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 — 35
Against the median year of the GMC Sierra 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 — 77
45% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2018 compares with every other GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra 3500
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
630.0%
Median failure at 37,034 miles
Steering
315.0%
Median failure at 37,034 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
210.0%
Median failure at 70,000 miles
Lights
210.0%
Median failure at 528 miles
Electrical System
210.0%
Median failure at 53,800 miles
Stability & Traction Control
15.0%
Median failure at 16,068 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
15.0%
Fuel & Propulsion
15.0%
Median failure at 177,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
15.0%
Median failure at 58,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
15.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
19.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
19.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
327.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
545.5%
150,000+ miles
19.1%
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.
Mar 2018peak 6Apr 2026
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 177,000 milesPort Charlotte, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Gmc Sierra 3500. The contact stated while operating the vehicle at an undisclosed speed the vehicle suddenly shutoff, the vehicle was coasted to side of the road. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed to be the fuel control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,000.
NHTSA complaint #11734912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albany, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Driving on the freeway going approx 70 MPH and the ABS warning light, and Stabilitrak warning light suddenly turned on. I’m sure you can imagine how panicked I was going that fast on the freeway and having my brake warnings suddenly turn on. Especially with my entire family in the vehicle with me at the time. Could feel a difference when I was attempting to brake and exit the freeway. Had to apply tons of pressure to get the brake pedal to engage. The cruise control would no longer work, and the trailer brake monitoring system also began flashing. Truck has been to 2 GMC dealerships the ABS module was replaced made it approximately 2 miles and it came back on. Truck is currently waiting for another part to attempt to fix the problem. Truck has 86,000 miles on it.
NHTSA complaint #11705328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albany, OR
SERVICE BRAKES
Driving on the freeway going approx 70 MPH and the ABS warning light, and Stabilitrak warning light suddenly turned on. I’m sure you can imagine how panicked I was going that fast on the freeway and having my brake warnings suddenly turn on. Especially with my entire family in the vehicle with me at the time. Could feel a difference when I was attempting to brake and exit the freeway. Had to apply tons of pressure to get the brake pedal to engage. The cruise control would no longer work, and the trailer brake monitoring system also began flashing. Truck has been to 2 GMC dealerships the ABS module was replaced made it approximately 2 miles and it came back on. Truck is currently waiting for another part to attempt to fix the problem. Truck has 86,000 miles on it.
NHTSA complaint #11705328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving on the freeway going approx 70 MPH and the ABS warning light, and Stabilitrak warning light suddenly turned on. I’m sure you can imagine how panicked I was going that fast on the freeway and having my brake warnings suddenly turn on. Especially with my entire family in the vehicle with me at the time. Could feel a difference when I was attempting to brake and exit the freeway. Had to apply tons of pressure to get the brake pedal to engage. The cruise control would no longer work, and the trailer brake monitoring system also began flashing. Truck has been to 2 GMC dealerships the ABS module was replaced made it approximately 2 miles and it came back on. Truck is currently waiting for another part to attempt to fix the problem. Truck has 86,000 miles on it.
NHTSA complaint #11705328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,800 milesHenderson, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway to restart the vehicle. After the vehicle was restarted, the vehicle hesitated to stop while depressing the brake pedal. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,800.
NHTSA complaint #11605067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesGalloway, OH
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
The contact owns 2018 GMC Sierra 3500. The contacted stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the vehicle started and the defrost system was activated and the contact's daughter entered the vehicle and saw that it was smoking and informed the contact. When the contact arrived at the vehicle, the rear window had shattered. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The contact referenced GMC Customer Satisfaction Program Number: N192220470 (Faulty Rear Defrost Circuit) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11571837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corpus Christi, TX
VISIBILITY/WIPER
17Jan2023. 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Denali. Northbound on I37 near Three Rivers, TX. Speed approx 75 mph. Temp approx 55F. Wx conditions, 1/2 mile vis in fog. Traffic, zero vehicles ahead, one vehicle approx 100 yards behind. Time approx 0815. No overpasses encountered. Cruise control engaged. My son and I were talking when we both heard a sound us above resembling ripping cloth lasting approx 1/2 second immediately followed by a loud explosion followed by the sound of fragmented clinking. The rush of wind noise followed as we could hear pieces of glass continue be taken by the slipstream. I was able to immediately deduce that the sunroof had catastrophically failed. I never use the sunroof or even open the slider so luckily it was closed as usual and no glass fell into the cab and no injuries were sustained. My son and I began to look around us while continuing down the highway to see if an object could've caused this. With no vehicles in a position to have flung a rock or other material and no overpasses in the area, we concluded it must've been a defect. I took the next exit and stopped in a gas station parking lot. We exited the truck and visually inspected the roof. The glass was indeed shattered. Further, the glass had appeared to failed outward as the remaining glass was directed away from the cab. There had been no prior indications of impending failure. There were no warning lights and the police were not called. Had a vehicle been close behind the outcome may have been worse as it would've been showered with debris. The vehicle is under warranty but GM has declined coverage, claiming it must've been a rock or something, even though that would've been impossible given the circumstances.
NHTSA complaint #11505403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Jct, CO
SERVICE BRAKES
A persistent, very distracting alert saying "service trailer brakes"
NHTSA complaint #11472456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Smyrna, DE
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated after driving on a long downhill road at an undisclosed speed with his 2017 Highland Ridge 349 RV hooked to the vehicle, as he was reaching a leveling point and depressing the brake pedal to slow the vehicle, the brakes failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that as he depressed the brake pedal further, the brake pedal overheated and would no longer respond properly. The contact stated that the vehicle was rated at 22,000-23,000 while the trailer was 14,300 pounds loaded maximum. The contact stated that the trailer currently weighed 11,000 pounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the braking system was operating properly. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11458637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Selden, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
APRIL 9TH 2020 I WAS OPERATING MY VEHICLE A 2018 GMC SIERRA 3500 DENALI EQUIPPED WITH THE DIESEL PACKAGE. I WAS TOWING A BOBCAT SKID STEER ON A TRAILER WITH A TOTAL WEIGHT OF APPROXIMATELY 4300LBS. I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 45 MPH WHEN I ENCOUNTERED A RED LIGHT. WITH PLENTY OF ROOM TO STOP I APPLIED THE BRAKES AS NORMAL. THEY INITAILLAY GRABBED AND SLOW MY TRAVEL TO ABOUT 40 MPH. THEN OUT OF WHAT SEEMED NOWHERE THE BRAKE PEDAL RAPIDLY WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE FREEWHEELED THROUGH THE LIGHT. I ATTEMPTED MULTIPLE TIMES TO EASE OFF THE PEDAL AND REAPPLY TO NO AVAIL. UPON ENTERING THE INTERSECTION I NEARLY CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE. WHEN I NEARLY I MEAN WITH INCHES. I IMMEDIATELY SLAMMED THE E-BRAKE BRINGING THE TRUCK TO A SKIDDDING HALT. AFTER DROPPING THE TRAILER OFF IN AN EMPTY PARKING LOT MY VEHICLE WENT TO MY LOCAL DEALER. THE SERVICE ADVISER WHO 1ST ENCOUNTERED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE ISSUE 1ST HAND.AFTER HAVING IT FOR NEARLY A WEEK THEY CALLED TODAY TO SAY 'THEY CAN'T FIND THE ANY ISSUES'. THAT MAKES THIS SITUATION EVEN MORE DANGEROUS. YOU'RE UNAWARE WHEN THIS CAN HAPPEN. THESE VEHICLES NEED TO HAVE A NEW RECALL IMMEDIATELY
NHTSA complaint #11321259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesSpringfield, OR
POWER TRAIN
I WAS DRIVING UP HILL THE TRUCK LOST POWER DIED/SHUTDOWN SO I HAD NO POWER STEERING NO POWER BRAKES WE LIVE ON A COUNTRY RURAL ROAD. HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO KENDALL CHEVROLET IN EUGENE OREGON WHERE IT HAS BEEN SINCE NOVEMBER 2 WITH ELECTRICAL ISSUES THAT THEY ARE TRYING TO PINPOINT.
NHTSA complaint #11281407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesSpringfield, OR
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING UP HILL THE TRUCK LOST POWER DIED/SHUTDOWN SO I HAD NO POWER STEERING NO POWER BRAKES WE LIVE ON A COUNTRY RURAL ROAD. HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO KENDALL CHEVROLET IN EUGENE OREGON WHERE IT HAS BEEN SINCE NOVEMBER 2 WITH ELECTRICAL ISSUES THAT THEY ARE TRYING TO PINPOINT.
NHTSA complaint #11281407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesSpringfield, OR
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING UP HILL THE TRUCK LOST POWER DIED/SHUTDOWN SO I HAD NO POWER STEERING NO POWER BRAKES WE LIVE ON A COUNTRY RURAL ROAD. HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO KENDALL CHEVROLET IN EUGENE OREGON WHERE IT HAS BEEN SINCE NOVEMBER 2 WITH ELECTRICAL ISSUES THAT THEY ARE TRYING TO PINPOINT.
NHTSA complaint #11281407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,068 milesHeflin, AL
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC SIERRA 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND HAULING A TRAILER, THE ABS, SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE, SERVICE POWER STEERING, AND SERVICE STABILITRAK WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE VEHICLE LOST BRAKING FUNCTIONALITY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE NOT TOWING A TRAILER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BUSTER MILES CHEVROLET (1884 ALMON ST, HEFLIN, AL 36264, (256) 781-4536) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE DUE TO A WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,068.
NHTSA complaint #11278880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,068 milesHeflin, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC SIERRA 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND HAULING A TRAILER, THE ABS, SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE, SERVICE POWER STEERING, AND SERVICE STABILITRAK WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE VEHICLE LOST BRAKING FUNCTIONALITY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE NOT TOWING A TRAILER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BUSTER MILES CHEVROLET (1884 ALMON ST, HEFLIN, AL 36264, (256) 781-4536) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE DUE TO A WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,068.
NHTSA complaint #11278880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,068 milesHeflin, AL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC SIERRA 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND HAULING A TRAILER, THE ABS, SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE, SERVICE POWER STEERING, AND SERVICE STABILITRAK WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE VEHICLE LOST BRAKING FUNCTIONALITY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE NOT TOWING A TRAILER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BUSTER MILES CHEVROLET (1884 ALMON ST, HEFLIN, AL 36264, (256) 781-4536) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE DUE TO A WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,068.
NHTSA complaint #11278880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Banks, OR
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC SIERRA 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V328000 (ENGINE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. ROYAL MOORE BUICK GMC (1380 SE RIVER RD, HILLSBORO, OR 97123, (503) 648-1153) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11265682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56 milesSpokane, WA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SHAKING OR FLICKERING, HEADLIGHTS WHEN DRIVEN ON ROUGH ROAD SURFACES FLICKER OR SHAKE LIKE BLINKING YOU'RE EYES REAL FAST VERY DISTRACTING FOR MYSELF AND OTHER DRIVERS W.S.P. SAID IT IS A DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT ISSUE SEND COMPLAINT TO A.G. WA. A.G. IDA. IDAHO ALSO SEND COMPLAINT TO B.B.B. AND N.H.T.S.A. HAD TRUCK IN 4 TIMES FOR REPAIR FOUND PROBLEM BULLETIN NUMBER 18 -NA-001 DOC. ID. 4924668 COMPLAINT TO GMC TALKED WITH 5 TIMES CLOSED MY COMPLAINT 02-06-2019 THERE IS NO FIX FOR THESE HEADLIGHTS. BOUGHT THIS TRUCK NEW 10-17-18 PROBLEM WAS NOTICED DRIVING IT HOME FROM KELLOGG IDA. TO SPOKANE WA. TOOK TRUCK IN AT 536 MILES FOUND PROBLEM TOOK TRUCK HOME IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM TOOK IT IN AGAIN 659 IT DIDN'T FIX THE TOOK IT IN AGAIN THE THIRD TIME IN AT 822 MILES HAND ME DOCUMENT NO. 4924668 AND INFORMATION NO. 18-NA-001 HEADLAMP SHAKES OR FLICKERS DO NOT FIX. TOOK TRUCK TO DAVE SMITH GMC DEALER IN KELLOGG IDA. FOUND SAME PROBLEM HAD TRUCK 4 DAYS SAME BULLETIN . CMC CLOSES THE CASE WILL LET ME KNOW WHEN AND IF IT CAN BE FIXED IN THE FUTURE SAID IT COULD TAKE YEARS. THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
NHTSA complaint #11174779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesSAN Marcos, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HID HEADLIGHTS ON MY TRUCK FLICKER SIGNIFICANTLY, AND DIM AND BRIGHTEN, WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON BUMPY SURFACES. THIS IS BRAND NEW TRUCK WITH 2500 MILES ON IT. I PAID EXTRA FOR THE ALL TERRAIN VERSION. GMC'S OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO ME IS THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR HID HEADLIGHTS TO FLICKER ON/OFF, AND THEY ARE REFUSING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11081400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE Woodlands, TX
STEERING
STEERING WHEEL SHAKING FROM 70MPH TO 78 MPH HIGHWAY DRIVING
NHTSA complaint #11075573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.