RoadVitals

2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
524
+3 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
7
Latest May 21, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
14
11 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 524 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and electrical categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1,235 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

7 campaigns cover this model year

View all 7

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
26V325000

AIR BAGS

May 21, 2026
4,315 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The 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 NHTSA.gov on May 21, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 26V166.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N262557310View on NHTSA.gov
26V166000

AIR BAGS

Mar 19, 2026
2,819 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The 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 NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N262549710View on NHTSA.gov
25V432000

AIR BAGS

Jun 26, 2025
1,658 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N252513060View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 524
Electrical
Filed Nov 4, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11775752
Incident
Sep 1, 2026
Electrical
Filed Oct 26, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11773850
Incident
Oct 26, 2026
Engine
Filed Oct 23, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11773152
Incident
Oct 19, 2026
Mileage
125,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Oct 7, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11769714
Incident
Sep 22, 2026
Engine
Filed Sep 21, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11765997
Incident
Sep 9, 2026
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Sep 21, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11765761
Incident
Sep 10, 2026
ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Sep 18, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11765250
Incident
Sep 17, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 16, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11764741
Incident
Jun 1, 2024

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIC5650N

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3

PIT5698F

This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.

PIP5700H

This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering

PIP4902W

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIT5680B

This PI provides information to repair the door water deflector which is not sealed properly allows water into the door jam/sill area.

PIT5099J

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
20261333158.9
20251110152.0
20243232460.9
20233973465.0
20226636467.9
20218598569.7
202075512367.1
20191,10510264.4
2018Viewing5247054.9
20177157056.9
201679712159.9
20151,11111262.9
20141,4386258.5
20133022253.6
20122162253.2
20115654257.1
20103633256.0
20094453253.3
20089143359.0
20078492355.1
20063590040.1
20055250039.6
20047970036.5
20038050343.9
20025090249.0
20014680249.0
20006140251.0
19995872257.5
19983612048.1
19975552049.3
1996700—
1995300—
1994100038.6

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.