2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Complaints

There was premature torque converter failure that’s has taken out the transmission unexpectedly. I was coming from a side street to get onto a main highway and as I left the stop sign the truck stalled upon take off and I was stuck half way on the highway and halfway on the side road. Until it jerked hard back into gear and pulled off. If the torque converter wouldn’t have caught in time then it could have cause a serious accident. The truck only has 95,000 miles and is a 2018 Silverado 1500 LT 4x4 with the 6l80e transmission. I had to park the truck until the following week when I could take it to dealership and they diagnosed it and quoted me for a new transmission and torque converter. Something needs to be done about these transmission as they are a serious safety concern. No police report was made since there was no accident but there definitely could have been.

NHTSA ID

11754640

Incident

Jul 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact was alerted by OnStar of a failure with the stability system. While the contact’s husband was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was jerking; the brakes were sticking while the brake pedal was depressed. The failure persisted while driving 50 MPH. The driver used the back roads while driving to the residence. The brakes and ABS warning lights were flashing quickly. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, and DTC: U0422, was retrieved. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V761000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Service Brakes, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

NHTSA ID

11754512

Incident

Jun 3, 2026

Mileage

113,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11749765

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11749304

Incident

May 24, 2026

Mileage

101,000 mi

The engine lifters and camshaft started to fail at 114,000 miles. I had to have it repaired at a dealership and it cost over $10,000. I had completed all recommended maintenance prior to the failure. 500 miles after that repair was completed, my transmission overheated and completely left me stranded on the side of the road. I had to have it repaired at a dealership which cost $$8,000

NHTSA ID

11748751

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

While pulling car trailer down the interstate on 6-27-26 at 70mph, my Free Country ST205/75R16 D106 10 ply trailer tire with less than 200 miles on it blew out. This was the spare for 2 years and has 9/32 tread depth on it still. I recently this spring rotated it to the LR of the trailer. Pieces of the tire blew onto and hit a passing SUV. Luckily nobody was hurt and I was able to get to the shoulder with only some fender damage. The tire was changed and with research I found the warranty was only 1 year. I was not happy with this, but moved on and bought another tire to replace it. Yesterday 7-4-26 I pulled the same trailer and upon arriving to my destination noticed another one of the tires that was purchased at the same time is separated badly all the way around and is on the verge of blowing out. This tire has been on the trailer since I bought the set of tires new, and has just under 8/32 tread left. These tires are under 3 years old, and used well under weight capacity. I keep them aired up near the max to save gas, and check them regularly. I cannot be the only one having problems if 2 out of the 5 I bought are coming apart already. Ultimately these are a safety hazard. If that had been a motorcycle beside me, or a large enough chunk flew off. Someone could have been killed. Pics available upon request.

NHTSA ID

11748371

Incident

Jun 27, 2026

I was driving on the highway at about 70 mph and the passenger side lower control arm where the ball joint sits broke. It messed up the passenger fender and tire along with the steering link. It also bent the upper control arm as well. The ball joints were replaced about 6 months ago.

NHTSA ID

11743834

Incident

Jun 2, 2026

A known radiator issue, with microcracks in radiator is producing a leak and will require replacement. There are many examples of this online for the model years 2014-2018, and are known by the manufacturer. I am having mine replaced with 95,000 miles on my truck.

NHTSA ID

11740845

Incident

May 14, 2026

I am very certain that I have proof that from the dealership a Cable Dahmer and Kansas City Missouri did break work concerning the brake master cylinder booster was replaced and it still has problem which should have been under a recall and I would like to get that corrected and received my service funds back

NHTSA ID

11740725

Incident

Sep 16, 2025

The truck dies when you turn the steering wheel all the way. When that happens the steering wheel jerks and could cause a crash. This appears to be a common electrical problem that currently has no recall from the manufacturer.

NHTSA ID

11739242

Incident

May 20, 2026

Vehicle was determined to be unsafe to operate per inspection performed by Mike Maroone Chevrolet on 8/26/24 immediately after I purchased from Rocky Mountain Auto Brokers in Colorado Springs on 8/8/26. It was discovered by customer immediately after sale that bank 2 catalytic converter was restricted internally (after Rocky Mountain failed to correctly diagnose and repair 3 times before and after purchase). Customer discovered emissions warranty extension and took to Maroone Chevrolet. After warranty repair inspection of vehicle determined it was not safe for customer to pick up and drive vehicle and generated a report and video showing front suspension damage so loose that could cause crash and vehicle was towed back to Rocky Mountain for repairs. Rocky Mountain has failed to provide any documentation on these repairs and many subsequent repairs including transmission replacement after many written requests. Customer cannot verify if vehicle repairs brought vehicle back to a safe condition. Almost anll repairs by Rocky Mountain has failed resulting in missing bolts, bolts falling out after transmission replacement As well as failure of many CV Axel replacements documented in their own records. Extended Warranty Company also refuses to provide documentation of transmission replacement after they supplied the part (transmission) to Rocky Mountain for installation. Customer cannot verify if in fact transmission was replaced as it was painted black. Any warranty on replaced transmission cannot be verified and they also have refused to provide documentation or serial number verifying same after many written requests. Customer would like to submit a detailed letter and safety inspection report with further info and details in addition to this online form complaint as this is a complex case and additional info will further prove up these allegations. Some documents provided by Rocky Mountain are inconsistent with customer complaints and do not reflect accurate info.

NHTSA ID

11736467

Incident

Aug 8, 2024

The frame of my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has rusted through to the point of failing Maine state safety inspection at only 41,000 miles. A licensed Maine inspection station identified structural frame corrosion and determined the vehicle is unsafe to operate. A Chevrolet dealer confirmed the frame rust and stated the truck must have rusted sections cut out and welded to be made roadworthy. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: A rusted-through frame on a pickup truck is a serious structural defect. Frame failure while driving could cause loss of vehicle control, separation of suspension or drivetrain components, or catastrophic structural collapse, particularly at highway speeds or under load. The vehicle is currently unregisterable in Maine due to this safety failure. The failure has been confirmed by both an independent licensed inspection station and by a Chevrolet dealership service department. This failure is consistent with a known manufacturing defect documented in GM Technical Service Bulletin 19-NA-255, which acknowledges that the wax coating applied to the frames of 2011–2024 Silverado and Sierra trucks was improperly applied by a third-party frame supplier, causing the coating to peel and exposing bare steel to premature corrosion. GM has issued this TSB but has not issued a recall, and Chevrolet dealers are not consistently performing the repair. I contacted GM Customer Assistance to request goodwill repair and was refused; the representative also declined to open a case. There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages prior to discovery, as frame corrosion is not monitored by vehicle systems. The defect was identified visually during state safety inspection. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this defect pattern and consider a recall, as was ultimately ordered for the similar frame corrosion defect on Toyota Tacoma trucks.

NHTSA ID

11733034

Incident

Apr 22, 2026

I was driving on highway 20 in Cartersville ga at speeds around 55-60 mph with both of my kids the vehicle. All of a sudden my rpm’s shot up to over 5000 while losing acceleration control of the vehicle. I attempted to slow down and pull over on the side of the road to get out of traffic and was unable to get the vehicle to move forward or backwards at all. The rpm’s continued to rev out of control unless I was park. I had to shut the vehicle off for a few minutes, erase codes and attempt to move it again. I got it to move another few feet to just clear the roadway. I had to leave the vehicle on the side of the road and get both my kids out on the highway and wait for someone to come pick us up. The truck is now in the shop and I’m told that the torque converter shred to pieces and the my transmission was shot. This was a $7000 fix and the vehicle hasn’t even hit 100,000 miles yet. I also did the recommended service at 80,000 miles following the Chevy guidelines for my truck.

NHTSA ID

11732767

Incident

Apr 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic to inspect the vehicle. The independent mechanic discovered that the camshaft and lifters were inoperable. The mechanic stated that the issue would worsen if the vehicle were continually driven. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 147,000.

NHTSA ID

11731549

Incident

Apr 13, 2026

Mileage

147,000 mi

the paint on my vehicle has been bad since purchased, complained to dealership several times about this issue. one time when i complained the paint was touched up at dealership the issue has continued and became worst over time, my truck is a 2018 only 19,000 miles and the paint chips on the front where it looks like red paint speckled with white contacted the dealer as well as general motors corporate and the refuse to do anything i have complained about the paint every time the oil is changed at dealership after no help, i found a lawsuit was pending covering paint issues and the website recommend to register a complaint with NHTSA for recording issues thank you [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11731348

Incident

Apr 15, 2020

Failed/collapsed lifters associated with known Active Fuel Management (AFM) issues. These issues are documented in Technical Service Bulletins and I believe there are Special Campaigns for 2014-2018 L83 engine, but my VIN does not have a Special Campaign attached to it for some reason. I believe there are also class action lawsuits associated with these known issues, but a recall has not been issued.

NHTSA ID

11729006

Incident

Apr 2, 2026

Parking brake pad failure has occurred twice. Last month at 31,668 mi, truck was taken in for servicing a warning light due to TPM failure (all replaced), and I asked for parking brake inspection because I was pushing pedal to the floor in order to engage. Mechanic said "Left rear prkg brake shoe has section missing." He had never seen that before and I exclaimed that it happened first in Apr 2021 at 18,770 mi. I am not sure which side it was since it was not written on the service invoice, but I suspect the right side because during a Nov 2021 oil change the invoice included "adjusted rear rh parking brake." OEM replacement pads were installed both times. I have the latest failed pad which shows about 2 in of material missing from the shoe substrate, not the 2021. Kearny Mesa Chevy repaired this in 2021; Walt's Danville Service in 2026. No safety issue, but could have been a problem in event of brake failure an need to stop vehicle by applying parking brake that would not hold. I asked KMChevy if this should be a warranty repair or a recall issue and they refused to consider in 2021. It cannot be coincidence that this happened to Chevy OEM equipment, I suspect to both sides. I paid ~$500 each time and feel that Chevy corporate should compensate me.

NHTSA ID

11728641

Incident

Mar 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11725528

Incident

Oct 22, 2025

Mileage

60,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11724143

Incident

Mar 9, 2026

1. Transmission 2. Car would shake and jerk 3. Yes, GMC Waipahu and it was always stated that the transmission needed to be flushed 4. Yes, GMC Waipahu 5. No

NHTSA ID

11723616

Incident

Jan 4, 2019

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power while driving over a ditch or speed bump. Several unknown warning lights were occasionally illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the negative and positive battery wiring cables were abnormally hot. The contact restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer. The contact was informed that the fuse box, battery cables, and ground wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to start with the ignition key; however, the contact was able to use a screwdriver to start the vehicle, and the starter was replaced by the same local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

NHTSA ID

11722894

Incident

Apr 3, 2025

Mileage

167,000 mi

Transmission skips 1st gear and jumps and shakes vibrates. The transmission has to have a total rebuild

NHTSA ID

11722583

Incident

Mar 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was inadvertently depressed while depressing the accelerator pedal. The messages "Service Stabili-trak" and "Service Trailer Brake" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and errors code: C0131 & C0161 were retrieved. The vehicle was diagnosed at the owner's expense. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,741.

NHTSA ID

11721521

Incident

Jan 16, 2026

Mileage

58,741 mi

-Transmission failed. - Driving down the highway and the truck just quit. (Morning rush hour traffic) -truck was towed to my mechanic -only made a weird noise the day before.

NHTSA ID

11720996

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

My transmission failed at around 69,000 miles. This was confirmed by the dealership. I bought my vehicle from and was covered under warranty. I purchased my vehicle in 2019 from a Dodge dealership and it came with a 10 year hundred thousand mile warranty for the powertrain. The tech indicated that the torque converter failed sending metal fragments through the transmission, coolant lines and transmission cooler. There were no warning indicators only hard shifting clunking when shifting and shuttering at different speeds.

NHTSA ID

11719128

Incident

Dec 1, 2025