2018 GMC SIERRA 1500 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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5/5

★★★★★

Safety Rating

399

Owner Complaints

16 Crashes 3 Fires

5

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

22

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500

The 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500 has received a total of 399 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 8 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM. 22 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Train (120 complaints), Engine (60 complaints), and Electrical System (39 complaints).

Recalls for the 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500

NHTSA has recorded 8 recalls for the 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, potentially affecting up to 5,448,579 vehicles.

Recall 25V432000 — AIR BAGS

| 1,658 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 24V756000 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

| 2,061 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 20V603000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

| 14,620 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 20V603000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

| 14,620 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 19V761000 — SERVICE BRAKES

| 652,967 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 19V761000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING

| 652,967 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 19V761000 — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

| 652,967 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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.

View full details →

Recall 19V645000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

| 3,456,719 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Owner Complaints for the 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500

399 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Power Train
Complaints: 120 4 Crashes 3 Injuries
Engine
Complaints: 60
Electrical System
Complaints: 39 1 Fire
Service Brakes
Complaints: 38 2 Crashes
Steering
Complaints: 26 1 Crash
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 23 2 Crashes 1 Fire 1 Injury
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 10 1 Crash 1 Fire
Suspension
Complaints: 8 1 Crash
Air Bags
Complaints: 7 4 Crashes 3 Injuries
Wheels
Complaints: 7
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 6
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 5
Structurebody
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Seat Belts
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 3
Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking
Complaints: 3
Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings
Complaints: 3
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Tires
Complaints: 3
Seats
Complaints: 2
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 2
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalinfotainment
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalnavigational Systemglobal Positioning System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1
Lane Departure Assist
Complaints: 1
Tiresbead
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemcondensorevaporator
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemrear Window
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11719391 | POWER TRAIN | | 130,000 miles
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.
#11718452 | POWER TRAIN | | 28,000 miles
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.
#11714207 | ENGINE | | 150,000 miles
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.
#11714207 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | | 150,000 miles
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.
#11712288 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
I OWN A 2018 GMC SIERRA DENALI ULTIMATE, The truck has the 6.2 engine which had the lifter issue as stated with the current situation. At the time, the truck had 37,000 miles when the issues started. I purchased the truck from Andy Mohr with 8806 miles on it in November of 2019. I worked overseas for the DOD so that’s why the miles are low. After I got it fixed, ($4500 dollars at Hare Chevrolet) I experienced the transmission shake while driving home from work with my children in it. The transmission was shaking so bad the whole cab was rocking.That repair was $3,300. Now, the truck has piston slap and rod issues and currently at Hare Chevrolet for service. I was told I need a full rebuild ($12,000 dollars or a new engine $14000 dollars). As a retired Air Force veteran, I didn’t expect issues like this, especially when I baby the truck and it currently has 40,530 miles. I had regular oil changes and service, yet now stuck with a high class truck that has serious issues that seem to be ignored by GM and Andy Mohr GMC. Andy Mohr sold me an extended warranty at time of purchase but I paid for a year and a half that wasn’t usable. If I had that warranty I would be covered now.But besides that, it’s a Denali, I shouldn’t be having a new engine at 40,530 miles. I am happy that there is an investigation but it needs to be widened because my truck was right before the new model rollout but I am having the same issues. If needed, I have all my receipts and information and will provide the service rep at Hare. The reason why its at Hare vs Andy Mohr is due to me catching them not fully servicing my truck and joy riding my Camaro ZL1 after an oil change before I went home for a funeral.

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Safety Rating for the 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500

The 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500 received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Test Category Rating
Overall Rating ★★★★★ (5/5)
Frontal Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Side Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Rollover ★★★★ (4/5)

Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500

General Motors, LLC has issued 22 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

PIT5386J — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that are found to have a back-up alarm inoperative during the Pre-Delivery Inspection. On trucks equipped with the Back Up Alarm (RPO 8S3), the alarm will be intentionally left disconnected from the assembly plant. Technician will reroute the harness...

PIT4322N — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unwanted Stability Activation and/or a Service Stability message on the Driver Information Center. Technician may find a Diagnostic Trouble Code C0710. Technician should inspect for vehicles modifications before any in-depth diagnostics are performed.

PIT5287H — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with the correct way to remove the front shock electrical connector terminals. Technician will need to slightly bend the end of the J-38125-12A release tool. There is a purple Terminal Position Assurance that will align itself in the release position when...

N212338290 — EQUIPMENT

Special Coverage. Certain vehicles equipped with a 6.6L diesel engine (RPO L5P), may have a condition that could cause the engine glow plugs to fail. If this condition occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine Light) will illuminate and a diagnostic trouble code will set. Additionally, the engine may be...

PIT5387H — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician how to repair vehicles that Instrument Panel Cluster, Radio, and Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning display blanks out, Bluetooth phone or Pandora connection dropped, the radio station or volume changes when operating the snow plow. Please advise the customer that engineering is aware of...

20NA043 — EQUIPMENT

This informational bulletin advises the technician to not replace the TMAP sensor, clean it using air or harsh chemicals but allow time for the sensor to thaw.

PIT5546G — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This Preliminary information communicates that water leaking into the headlamp assembly or headlamp assembly connections can cause an electrical short which will keep modules from shutting down causing a dead battery and a no crank condition, a crank no start, or unable to program the engine control module. Engine control module...

PIT5387G — EQUIPMENT

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician how to repair vehicles that Instrument Panel Cluster, Radio, and Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning display blanks out, Bluetooth phone or Pandora connection dropped, the radio station or volume changes when operating the snow plow. Please advise the customer that engineering is aware of...

PIT5311E — SERVICE BRAKES

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have an intermittent "Check Trailer Wiring" or "Service Trailer Brake" message on the Driver Information Center. Technician will inspect and clean the ground wire (normally white wire) connection on the trailer...

PIP4670F — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about a no start or another concern after swapping an Engine Control Module or other modules from one vehicle to another. The Global Architecture electrical system associated with these vehicles does not allow controller swaps between vehicles.

Showing 10 of 22 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the GMC SIERRA 1500

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