RoadVitals

2018 GMC Sierra 3500

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.
14
Latest Apr 30, 2026
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.
6
Latest Oct 10, 2024
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 14 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500, most frequently naming the brakes, steering and electrical categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 752 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

  • Brakes630.0%
  • Steering315.0%
  • Electrical210.0%
  • Exterior lighting210.0%
  • Visibility210.0%
  • Driver assistance210.0%
  • Powertrain (other)15.0%
  • Fuel system15.0%

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

6 campaigns cover this model year

View all 6

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
24V756000

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Oct 10, 2024
2,061 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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 is N242474500.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N242474500View on NHTSA.gov
23V047000

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Feb 2, 2023
22,132 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual fuel tank option. The rear fuel tank may collapse and prevent the fuel pump from transferring fuel to the front tank, resulting in an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and fuel pump module, replacing them as necessary. Dealers will also add a vent hose to the rear tank assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on March 15, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 21, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222368030.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N222368030View on NHTSA.gov
21V496000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

Jul 1, 2021
338,020 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500 and 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel 6.6 liter engine and an optional engine-block heater cord. An electrical short-circuit may occur in the engine-block heater cable or in the terminals that connect the heater cable to the block heater.
The risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will replace engine block heaters and heater cords. Vehicles that have this feature disabled as a remedy to the safety condition will be contacted and offered replacement block heaters and heater cords under a separate customer satisfaction program, free of charge. GM will provide free replacement block heaters and cords under a separate customer satisfaction campaign. For vehicles previously included in recall 19V-328, the heater cord will be replaced and rerouted, free of charge. Interim owner notifications were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 4, 2022. Customers may call GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 212329840.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N212329840View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 14
Fuel system
Filed Apr 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Gmc Sierra 3500. The contact stated while operating the vehicle at an undisclosed speed the vehicle suddenly shutoff, the vehicle was coasted to side of the road. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed to be the fuel control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,000.

NHTSA ID
11734912
Incident
Apr 29, 2026
Mileage
177,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Dec 16, 2025

Driving on the freeway going approx 70 MPH and the ABS warning light, and Stabilitrak warning light suddenly turned on. I’m sure you can imagine how panicked I was going that fast on the freeway and having my brake warnings suddenly turn on. Especially with my entire family in the vehicle with me at the time. Could feel a difference when I was attempting to brake and exit the freeway. Had to apply tons of pressure to get the brake pedal to engage. The cruise control would no longer work, and the trailer brake monitoring system also began flashing. Truck has been to 2 GMC dealerships the ABS module was replaced made it approximately 2 miles and it came back on. Truck is currently waiting for another part to attempt to fix the problem. Truck has 86,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ID
11705328
Incident
Dec 1, 2025
Electrical
Filed Jul 29, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway to restart the vehicle. After the vehicle was restarted, the vehicle hesitated to stop while depressing the brake pedal. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,800.

NHTSA ID
11605067
Incident
Jul 26, 2024
Mileage
53,800 mi
Visibility
Filed Feb 14, 2024

The contact owns 2018 GMC Sierra 3500. The contacted stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the vehicle started and the defrost system was activated and the contact's daughter entered the vehicle and saw that it was smoking and informed the contact. When the contact arrived at the vehicle, the rear window had shattered. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The contact referenced GMC Customer Satisfaction Program Number: N192220470 (Faulty Rear Defrost Circuit) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ID
11571837
Incident
Feb 14, 2024
Mileage
70,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Feb 3, 2023

17Jan2023. 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Denali. Northbound on I37 near Three Rivers, TX. Speed approx 75 mph. Temp approx 55F. Wx conditions, 1/2 mile vis in fog. Traffic, zero vehicles ahead, one vehicle approx 100 yards behind. Time approx 0815. No overpasses encountered. Cruise control engaged. My son and I were talking when we both heard a sound us above resembling ripping cloth lasting approx 1/2 second immediately followed by a loud explosion followed by the sound of fragmented clinking. The rush of wind noise followed as we could hear pieces of glass continue be taken by the slipstream. I was able to immediately deduce that the sunroof had catastrophically failed. I never use the sunroof or even open the slider so luckily it was closed as usual and no glass fell into the cab and no injuries were sustained. My son and I began to look around us while continuing down the highway to see if an object could've caused this. With no vehicles in a position to have flung a rock or other material and no overpasses in the area, we concluded it must've been a defect. I took the next exit and stopped in a gas station parking lot. We exited the truck and visually inspected the roof. The glass was indeed shattered. Further, the glass had appeared to failed outward as the remaining glass was directed away from the cab. There had been no prior indications of impending failure. There were no warning lights and the police were not called. Had a vehicle been close behind the outcome may have been worse as it would've been showered with debris. The vehicle is under warranty but GM has declined coverage, claiming it must've been a rock or something, even though that would've been impossible given the circumstances.

NHTSA ID
11505403
Incident
Jan 17, 2023
Brakes
Filed Jul 5, 2022

A persistent, very distracting alert saying "service trailer brakes"

NHTSA ID
11472456
Incident
Jul 5, 2022
Brakes
Filed Mar 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated after driving on a long downhill road at an undisclosed speed with his 2017 Highland Ridge 349 RV hooked to the vehicle, as he was reaching a leveling point and depressing the brake pedal to slow the vehicle, the brakes failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that as he depressed the brake pedal further, the brake pedal overheated and would no longer respond properly. The contact stated that the vehicle was rated at 22,000-23,000 while the trailer was 14,300 pounds loaded maximum. The contact stated that the trailer currently weighed 11,000 pounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the braking system was operating properly. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11458637
Incident
Mar 28, 2018
Brakes
Filed Apr 15, 2020

APRIL 9TH 2020 I WAS OPERATING MY VEHICLE A 2018 GMC SIERRA 3500 DENALI EQUIPPED WITH THE DIESEL PACKAGE. I WAS TOWING A BOBCAT SKID STEER ON A TRAILER WITH A TOTAL WEIGHT OF APPROXIMATELY 4300LBS. I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 45 MPH WHEN I ENCOUNTERED A RED LIGHT. WITH PLENTY OF ROOM TO STOP I APPLIED THE BRAKES AS NORMAL. THEY INITAILLAY GRABBED AND SLOW MY TRAVEL TO ABOUT 40 MPH. THEN OUT OF WHAT SEEMED NOWHERE THE BRAKE PEDAL RAPIDLY WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE FREEWHEELED THROUGH THE LIGHT. I ATTEMPTED MULTIPLE TIMES TO EASE OFF THE PEDAL AND REAPPLY TO NO AVAIL. UPON ENTERING THE INTERSECTION I NEARLY CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE. WHEN I NEARLY I MEAN WITH INCHES. I IMMEDIATELY SLAMMED THE E-BRAKE BRINGING THE TRUCK TO A SKIDDDING HALT. AFTER DROPPING THE TRAILER OFF IN AN EMPTY PARKING LOT MY VEHICLE WENT TO MY LOCAL DEALER. THE SERVICE ADVISER WHO 1ST ENCOUNTERED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE ISSUE 1ST HAND.AFTER HAVING IT FOR NEARLY A WEEK THEY CALLED TODAY TO SAY 'THEY CAN'T FIND THE ANY ISSUES'. THAT MAKES THIS SITUATION EVEN MORE DANGEROUS. YOU'RE UNAWARE WHEN THIS CAN HAPPEN. THESE VEHICLES NEED TO HAVE A NEW RECALL IMMEDIATELY

NHTSA ID
11321259
Incident
Apr 9, 2020

Manufacturer communications

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

PIT5680B

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

PIT5509N

This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.

PIT5099J

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

PIT5544J

This Preliminary information communicates information on a hydraulic rush type noise from the power steering gear. This noise is a characteristic of the new Active Hydraulic Assist System RPO NV8 and no repairs should be made.  The noise is most noticeable in the cab at idle, in park, with all accessories turned off.

PIT5509M

This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.

PIT3271Q

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

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

GMC Sierra 3500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026220—
2025161042.5
2024433051.6
2023281055.9
2022303061.5
2021205152.6
2020518162.6
2019137063.0
2018Viewing146049.9
2017137062.4
2016196042.0
2015307155.2
2014731—
2013144158.5
2012941—
2011205150.3
2010251—
2009551—
2008253355.8
2007163352.4
2006110049.5
2005241035.0
2004241038.9
2003710—
2002203157.4
2001363259.7
2000264157.8
1999193049.5
1998124052.4
1997103059.7
1996100—
1995000—
1994000—

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.