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2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: check engine light

45 of the 524 complaints about the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 describe check engine light.

owner complaints
45
of this car's complaints
9%
typical mileage
99,000
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 254 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Check engine light by model year

What owners say

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 Jul 9, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 101,000 miles · ID

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.

Filed Mar 13, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · OH

We purchased a 2018 Fully Loaded Chevy Silverado LTZ/Z71 ($60,000) in 2019, with the idea it would last. After being super meticulous with maintenance and keeping this vehicle in top condition, we just passed the 110,000 mile mark. I have receipts of all the work/maintenance completed on this vehicle. I began to hear a ticking noise in the engine block, and the check engine light came on, so I pulled the codes and went to a local transmission/engine mechanic to find that I have a bent push rod (manufacture failure) due a failed lifter/AFM system. I opted not to take it directly to the dealer as they charge $179 base rate for diagnosis which could increase depending on the diagnosis needed. After numerous calls, I found this is a very common ($7,500-$11,000+) issue with '18-'21 models. Explored my options only to find the 2021- 2026 engines are worse with issues involving crankshaft, engine seizures and an active lawsuit with the new 6.2L V8 engines. (Silverado, GMC Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukons) I was then pointed in the direction of speaking to the GM Manufacture directly, again. I had contacted them numerous times and was told the damages, even though are not preventable and are directly due to a manufacture error. I was told I must take my vehicle to a licensed service dealer to be diagnosed. I informed them, that I was already told my vehicle would not be covered so I did not feel the need to endure additional cost only to be told the cost would again, not be covered. I'm not seeking full payment; I even mentioned Goodwill assistance of which they denied; however, I'm without a vehicle and have received very little to no communication in resolving this issue, which is an issue I'm finding is happening to many others alike and General Motors Corp, is not taking any responsibility or accountability in this matter.

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · ID

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

Filed Dec 14, 2025 · Engine · VA

Since purchase in 2018, my pickup truck has had a ticking and banging sound which includes rough idling and a check engine light. During routine maintenance, oil changes, etc. I have continued to ask about the noise but GM technicians have said nothing is wrong. In November 2025, i took the truck to a local shop for an oil change and that’s when I learned it has lifter issues. Upon investigating whether other Chevy Silverado truck owners are experiencing the same thing, I’ve learned about various recall and extended warranty programs offered by General Motors. I’m wondering when or if my 2018 Chevy Silverado might be included in a recall or could i be offered an extended warranty?

Filed Oct 31, 2025 · Engine · 155,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound while driving and during start-up. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V328000 (Engine). The contact was concerned that the engine might seize. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the failure was linked to the cylinders. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

Filed Oct 22, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · NY

My 2018 Silverado z71crew cab LT , 5.3L engine was having issues with hold Freon in AC unit. We took to dealer to be fixed in June 2025. They added Freon and it was running good for a week then once again blew but no cold air. So took back second time 7/3/25 and they started the die test and machine went down in middle of doing it. So could not finish fixing . We took back on 07/20/25 and they completed the test needed condenser . So few days later we took to our local mechanic to have the condenser replaced and all is well with the AC unit now. Everything was fine from mid July 2025 till Oct 14 th 2025 , when it started shaking and was running rough and engine light was on so I had it checked for codes to see what it needed. Came back as bad injector. So we took to local mechanic to have injector replaced and tuneup and coils replaced . After this was completed was running much rougher then before we even had that injector and tuneup done. So mechanic suggested for him to keep it and let him dive deeper into what was wrong and why it was running rougher than before, so we let him do that.. after two days, he came back and told us that there was a crack in the engine and that is why it was running rough and that it probably was going to have an engine failure and might be and must be replaced. So I looked up my VIN number to see if there’s any recalls for my particular truck and engine size which is a 5.3 L and it doesn’t show my particular truck but it does show my year of a Silverado and the 3.6 L engine has had the same issues so I was wondering if this recall should be extended to the 5.3 L 2018 seems to be the same problem with the engine block.

Filed Sep 8, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · VA

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

Filed Aug 27, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · TX

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.

Filed Jul 27, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · HI

I purchased my truck in December 2018 which is a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4x4 crew cab automatic from Servco Chevrolet Dealership in Waipahu, Hawaii and making monthly payments for my truck February of 2019 truck runs good and purchased the warranty also had my oil and service changed when time is due which I always kept up. [XXX] and mileage was 40k while leaving work to go home at a stop light was red once turned green I pushed pedal to go and truck just changed noise tone started to run like rough idle, loud tapping noise coming from the engine, shaking and check engine light came on almost causing me to get into an accident. I pulled on the side and checked what was going on and heard the tapping noise from the motor. So I made an appointment with service department with Servco Chevrolet Dealership where i bought my truck from and spoke with the service tech for my truck to go in for repairs due to issue. It took 2 to 3 weeks for repairs to be complete and service tech informed me that I'm not the only person to have that issue which had to do with the lifters and camshaft with these motors but GM never came out with any recalls due to how much people has the same motors with the same issue. So luckily it was still covered under warranty but said the problem might come back and would just replace the faulty lifters and camshaft. So in August of 2023 my truck has the same issue but wasn't covered under warranty anymore and mileage is 61k and missed the warranty repairs that was for the lifters which I got it scanned cause check engine light and same issue and code was P0016. So I called Servco Chevrolet dealership in waipahu again and spoke with the service technician which he told me I just missed the coverage of the warranty repair and only way to get it fixed I would have to bring it back for them to scan and roughly would range from 4k to 8k to get it fixed. So my truck is parked in my garage and hasn't been moved but paying for truck. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

Filed Jul 24, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · PA

10 miles from home on [XXX] after Thanksgiving with my children sleeping at [XXX] in snowy cold weather, my engine began to fail. Power was limited on hills and the check engine light would come on and go back off when on flat or downhill. The next morning I took my truck to the dealer that I purchased it from where I was told the lifters had failed and I need a new engine. 1000 miles after I replaced my engine my transmission failed completely requiring a transmission replacement. Immediately upon picking up the vehicle and going down a long hill in the area, engine breaking turned on as expected but as the truck tried to slow itself, after 2 or 3 downshifts, the transmission began making a loud grinding sound and while still going close to 50 MPH, the speedometer showed 10-15 MPH and the tach dropped to idle. The transmission was decoupled from the motor. When gas was reapplied it seemed to make the connection again and resume normal driving. I called the dealership whose techs did not believe me and told me that I could 'turn off' the engine breaking feature. The situation continued to worsen each drive and it would do it more often. This was unacceptable and they finally had a tech ride with me to experience it and immediately agreed there was an issue and reordered another transmission. The third transmission did not fix the issue and was experienced immediately. They are now guessing how to fix the issue telling me I have to replace the transfer case out of my pocket with no diagnosis, not sure what is causing it and have not fixed the problem. Videos would not fit in upload due to size. Videos show speedometer failure. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 1, 2025 · Engine · 110,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion into cylinder #7, causing engine failure. The contact stated that metal shavings were found mixed in with the engine oil. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Questions about the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 check engine light

Is check engine light a common problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

45 of 524 owner complaints about the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (9%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2021.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

There are 0 recalls and 254 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Transmission 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

All model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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