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.
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: engine knocking or ticking
17 of the 524 complaints about the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 describe engine knocking or ticking.
- owner complaints
- 17
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- typical mileage
- 60,000
- recalls
- 0
Engine knocking or ticking by model year
What owners say
Purchased used 6/12/2026 at 188,882 miles from a franchised Chevrolet dealer. The integrated trailer brake system master fuse and passenger-side turn signal fuse were blown at delivery. When the fuses were replaced, the trailer brake system faulted and the failure disabled the ABS, traction control, and StabiliTrak (electronic stability control). Significant safety concern: with the master fuse blown/open, the vehicle displays NO warning messages of any kind — the safety-system failure is completely masked while trailer braking is inoperative. The warning cascade only appears when a good fuse is installed and the faulted circuit is energized. Separately, at approximately 12 days and ~1,700 miles after purchase, the engine began knocking and set diagnostic trouble codes; a dealer repair order dated 7/6/2026 documents the knocking complaint with no work performed. The vehicle is currently parked as unsafe to drive. No crash, injury, or fire. Reporting so the ABS/ESC failure mode — and particularly its masking behavior when the fuse is open — is on record for this VIN and vehicle line.
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon cold starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and suggested that a diagnostic test be performed. The contact called two other local dealers, Herndon Chevrolet Service (5617 Sunset Blvd, Lexington, SC 29072) and Jim Hudson Chevrolet Service (111 Newland Rd, Columbia, SC 29229), but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics and was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was contacted and offered a gift card towards the purchase of another vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
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?
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.
I own a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado (8‑speed, ~81,000 miles). The engine has been audibly ticking, and the dealership confirmed hearing it during diagnosis. This aligns with known AFM lifter collapse issues in the L86 Gen V V8, a design failure rather than simple wear. I’ve consistently used premium Schaeffer 0W‑20 synthetic oil, changed regularly on schedule. Maintenance logs and receipts are available. So far, the engine hasn’t completely failed, but lifter collapse can spiral into catastrophic camshaft or short‑block damage—with no advance warning and high risk of sudden failure. I haven’t had an accident yet, but the ticking is driving home how precarious this is—one mile closer to a full grenade without warning. I’m reporting this in the hope the federal safety agency will identify a widespread safety risk in these L86 lifter failures and prompt a formal investigation or recall to prevent sudden engine failure in similar vehicles.
My 2018 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2 engine suffered a Connecting Rod Bearing failure causing the engine to seize/lock up. The engine components are available for inspection. The engine seized/locked up and could have caused a crash. The vehicle is at my mechanics shop right now and will remain there until it is repaired. The vehicle has been inspected by my mechanic but no one else. The engine had developed a "tick" at idle and while driving. My mechanic found a bent pushrod in the engine and then found the engine suffered a camshaft lifter failure. He replaced all the pushrods, camshaft lifters, and the camshaft. It had been repaired and had been driven for a test drive. There were no warnings the engine was going to to fail. The engine just locked up without warning. The engine was removed from the pickup and was then disassembled and found to have had a connecting rod bearing failure on cylinder 7 and cylinder 8.
2018 Chevy Silverado 5.2L with V8 engine equipped with AFM system broke down while accelerating onto a on ramp for the highway going 40 mph. Truck failed to accelerate any faster and a loud knocking noise occurred with a check engine and traction failure light. Safety was put at risk as there was no where to pull off and my truck had no power to it while accelerating onto a very busy interstate. The truck was towed to a Chevy dealership and determined the lifter valves were ticking form both sides and require replacement of them all and the cam shaft.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the engine sounded abnormally rough, with a knocking sound coming from the engine. In addition, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and was pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with failed lifters. The contact was informed that the lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
In May 2023, my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 6.2L V8 engine experienced a catastrophic engine failure at 82,986 miles. The failure involved the camshaft, lifters, oil pump, and other internal components. I paid $7,319.63 out of pocket to have the engine disassembled and repaired by a certified mechanic. I recently learned GM issued a recall (the federal safety agency Recall No. 24V266) for 2021–2024 vehicles with the same engine due to internal engine failures caused by crankshaft and rod bearing defects. Although my 2018 model isn’t included, the failure I experienced closely mirrors the conditions cited in that recall. I believe the same defect may exist in earlier models like mine. I’m submitting this complaint to urge the federal safety agency to consider whether the recall should be expanded to include additional affected years.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the exhaust manifold bolts. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer...
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced...
- The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle...
- This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000...
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California...
- This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in...
- This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the...
- This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 knocking
Is engine knocking or ticking a common problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
17 of 524 owner complaints about the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (3%) mention engine knocking or ticking. 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
Check engine light 45Transmission failure 32Harsh shifting 31Jerking 29Stalling 28Loss of power 26Engine failure 22Shudder 20Overheating 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
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