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2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems

The most common problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 30,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Silverado 1500 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
524
Recalls
7
Service bulletins
1,2351 warranty
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
17-20mpg

The worst 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Check engine light 45Transmission failure 32Harsh shifting 31Jerking 29Stalling 28Loss of power 26Engine failure 22Shudder 20Knocking 17Overheating 17ABS 15Slipping 13Misfire 12Fuel pump 11Power steering loss 11Adaptive cruise 10Grinding brakes 10Fire or smoke 10Headlights 10Hesitation 9Won't shift 9Brake failure 8Seat belt 8Ball joint 7Tire blowout 6Steering lock-up 5Warning lights 5Won't start 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 mention

U0422 2

Recalls 7

Air bagsReported May 21, 2026 · 4,315 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace both RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N262557310. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on May 21, 2026. This recall expands previous the federal safety agency recall number 26V166.

Recall number 26V325000 · Recall details

Air bagsReported March 19, 2026 · 2,819 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left and right-side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N262549710. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on March 19, 2026.

Recall number 26V166000 · Recall details

Air bagsReported June 26, 2025 · 1,658 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2025. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N252513060.

Recall number 25V432000 · Recall details

Air bags: side/window: curtain: inflatorReported October 10, 2024 · 2,061 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, and GMC Customer Service at 888‑988‑7267. GM's number for this recall is N242474500.

Recall number 24V756000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuumReported October 1, 2020 · 14,620 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑866‑522‑9559, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑630‑2438. GM's number for this recall is N202300860.

Recall number 20V603000 · Recall details

Electronic stability control (ESC)Reported October 24, 2019 · 652,967 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.

Recall number 19V761000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuumReported September 6, 2019 · 3,456,719 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑630‑2438, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.

Recall number 19V645000 · Recall details

See all 7 recalls for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 1,235

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,235 bulletins for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
5.3L 8‑cyl HybridRWD182420
4.3L 6‑cylRWD182420
4.3L 6‑cyl4WD172219
5.3L 8‑cylRWD15-1620-2317-19
5.3L 8‑cyl Hybrid4WD162118
5.3L 8‑cyl4WD15-1619-2217-18
6.2L 8‑cylRWD152117
6.2L 8‑cyl4WD152017

What 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Electrical · OK

Unknown but it will randomly have a full system electrical shutdown & resets while driving & a higher % when I'm making a turn.

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Electrical · MN

Power Sliding Glass window on rear of vehicle had a thermal failure, resulting in heavy smoke buildup in the cap followed by the window shattering. My vehicle has already received the recall repair, GM Program #N192265660 / NHSTA TSB #10171416, but the defect reoccurred and caused destruction to the vehicle.

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Engine · 125,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. After starting the vehicle, there was a clicking sound coming from under the hood, and then the sound stopped. While driving approximately 55 - 60 MPH, a fuel odor was detected inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic, who determined that the exhaust manifold bolts had fractured. The bolts and gaskets were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Tires · WA

I purchased four tires for my truck from Firestone, each rated for 60,000 miles. After approximately 30,000 miles, all four tires developed microcracking and visible damage. I suspect the issue may be related to the quality or composition of the materials used. I contacted the Firestone location where I had previously taken my vehicle for maintenance and tire service to have the tires inspected. While an employee was assisting me, I showed him photographs of the tires on the side of the computer counter to start the process to replace them, then manager approached to me rudely and disrespectfully asking me to go to the front, replaying to him : I am showing pictures of my tires asking me to leave the store just for that. Afterward, I had the tires inspected at Costco, where I was advised to replace them as soon as possible because represent a safety issue. For the safety of my family and myself, I replaced the tires for another brand. I subsequently filed a complaint with Firestone’s corporate office, but Firestone has declined to take responsibility for the condition of the tires asking to refund me the money I paid for the tires and a relief for the way I was treated. I am attaching pictures to show the condition of all tires and PDF File an email from Firestone.

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Engine · IN

I Tried to get a tune up and found out that the Engine need $5000 worth of engine repairs. I have changed the oil and filter every three thousand miles. Those engine are defective and the repair shops are full of the same type of repairs on that type of engine. My engine is a 5.3-liter V8, The engine started to make ticking noises out of nowhere and then it started missing badly. The repair shop informed me it would take 3 weeks before i could get it repaired at the cost of $5000.I did research on the 5.3 liter engine and found out that GM produced a engine that will cost us owners a lot of our heard money for a defect they created, This is so wrong Because i am a senior citizen. I paid over $50,000 for a limon that is just wrong.

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · NC

On September 10, 2026, while traveling approximately 60+ mph in the passing lane, my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 suddenly lost normal acceleration and entered Reduced Engine Power mode. Vehicle speed dropped to approximately 40 mph, and pressing the accelerator would not provide normal power. This created a safety concern while traveling at highway speed. On September 11, OnStar On-Demand Diagnostics documented ECM code P2138 (Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor 1-2 Correlation) and ABS code U0422. The TCM reported no error codes. The check-engine light later turned off, indicating the problem is intermittent. GM Technical Service Bulletin 07-06-04-019F addresses intermittent P2138 with Reduced Engine Power and possible water intrusion/corrosion affecting the accelerator pedal position circuit. After removing the driver’s kick panel, we observed evidence of previous moisture/rust in the area, but the exact cause has not yet been diagnosed. The vehicle is scheduled for diagnosis by a Chevrolet dealer. I am reporting this because the sudden loss of acceleration at highway speed created a safety hazard and to document the incident for potential defect-trend investigation.

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Intermittent issues seemingly related to power or ground problems. At idle, battery voltage drops down from 14-15v to <= 12v (as indicated on the voltmeter on the dash) while turning the steering wheel. "Service StabiliTrack" message shows up on the screen, and the steering becomes very difficult. Last night this issue happened and the truck completely lost power including interior lights, headlights, radio, accessory power, and the engine even turned completely off. This happened in the middle of the street as I came to a stop in front of my house and was going to reverse into my driveway. Cycling the key was enough to restart the truck and the power came back on. When this first happened to me almost two years ago, I brought the truck in for transmission concerns (resulting in a transmission replacement) to my local dealer, and I explained what had happened and they could not reproduce the concern and said everything checked out fine. I've had strange electrical problems pop up every now and then including this StabiliTrack warning message and a trailer brake warning when I am not even hauling a trailer, but this is a major safety concern. My wife and daughter were in the truck with me when it happened, and if the power ever shut off like this on the freeway, major road, or even off-roading, it would be disasterous.

Filed Sep 16, 2026 · Transmission · VA

The transmission went out before it hit 100k miles. It had to be completely replaced which cost me several thousand dollars.

Filed Sep 12, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NE

Several times, while driving, the truck will simply shut down. It will becoime difficult to steer, then the engine will stall, killing the rest of the steering and the breaks as well as the dashboard, radio, etc. This can happen at any speed, low speed especially. I will give you an approximate date below, but there have been several incidents. The truck was looked at by our local mechanice, who could not find a problem and by the dealership electrical specialist who has also been unable to locate a problem.

Filed Aug 23, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TN

My truck has been shuttering when accelerating and hard shifts periodically. The engine is also tapping. I have right at 74000 miles. regular oil changes and maintenances.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 before you buy

Compare the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?

Owners have filed 524 complaints about the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, fewer than a typical Silverado 1500 model year.

What is the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 year score?

The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 171 complaints, typically around 30,000 miles. Next is engine (112).

How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?

7 recalls, covering air bags, service brakes, hydraulic and electronic stability control (esc).

What year does the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have bad transmission?

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2019 (331 complaints), 2021 (245 complaints) and 2020 (239 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 get?

Official estimates for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 range from 17 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.3L 8-cyl hybrid, RWD) gets 18 city and 24 highway.

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