Fourth generation (GMT K2XX)
2018 GMC Sierra 1500
The most reported problem on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 is transmission shudder, with 68 complaints, usually around 27,000 miles.
- 304owner complaints
- 7recalls
- 10involved a crash
- 39,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 21, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Sierra 1500 doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2018 model year.
Is the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 has 304 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, close to the median of 350 for 2018 pickups on this site. Of the 13 Sierra 1500 model years since 2014, it has the 11th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017 and 2019
- At 34 complaints for each year on the road, the 2018 runs close to the 2017 (35) and well under the 2019 (81).
- Top problem
- Transmission shudder leads with 68 of the 304 complaints (22%), ahead of brake wear at 44. A quarter of the 43 owners who gave a mileage for transmission shudder saw it by about 10,000 miles, and half by about 27,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 12 of the 304 complaints (4%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, a little under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 10 reports mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire and 5 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 4 of 10, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Brake wear has a recall on the same system (19V-645, 19V-761 and 20V-603). Transmission shudder has none. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Complaints are still climbing. 2025 brought 65, the most of any year so far. So far in 2026, 28 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard, 68 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
304 complaints is about the median for a 2018 model on this site and about the median for a 2018 pickup. Among the 13 Sierra 1500 model years here it ranks 11th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
GMC filed 955 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. 46 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 7 bulletins · 68 complaints
This service bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure to aid in correcting a customer concern of a Howling, Whining/Whirring Noise, Shudder/Vibration and/or Grinding Noise While in 4HI, 4HI Auto and/or During Parking Lot Maneuvers in Auto Mode.
This service bulletin provides service /diagnostic information to aid with a Transmission Harsh 1-2 Shift Upon First Start Up/Shift of the Day Under Light Throttle.
5 more on this problem
This Technical bulletin provides a repair to correct a condition of Shudder/Surging While Driving.
This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of Delayed and/or Harsh Engagement of Transmission Shift After Vehicle Sitting with Engine Off.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps need to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have stalling shudder and/or hard shifting into 1st gear or reverse vibration on launch (with excessive crankshaft end ...
This technical bulletin provides information for new transmission oil to use and a procedure for exchanging the old fluid and adding the new fluid to correct a shake/shudder during light throttle acceleration condition.
This engineering informational bulletin is requesting information from the field on vehicles that have the condition of a Torque Converter Shudder.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 4 bulletins · 44 complaints
This Preliminary information communicates an issue with the Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic trailer brake system causing a voltage spike into the trucks electrical system which is causing DTC C1114 to set.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to diagnose and repair vehicle that may have a "Check Trailer Wiring" or "Service Trailer Brake System” message on the Driver Information Center when a trailer is ...
2 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about fluid leaking from the brake caliper piston area found during a service of the vehicle.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the step needed to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have uneven brake pad wear. Technician will need to inspect and measure the brake pads thickness.
Transmission jerks, lurches or bangs into gear 4 bulletins · 26 complaints
This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise.
This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
2 more on this problem
This informational bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operations.
This informational bulletin provides information on Some vehicles may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 6 bulletins · 23 complaints
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.
This service bulletin provides service information for customer concerns of an in-tank fuel pump whining noise, engine hard to start and/or stalls and Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated that may be caused by gelling of fuel in cold temperatures.
4 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to diagnose and repair vehicles that have a no crank or a start and then immediate stall, Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator lamp may not be on when the ignition ...
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of IPC Gauges Inoperative or Fluctuate, No Crank, Start then Stall.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that have remote start is inoperative, power lift gate Regular Production Option Code (TB5) is inoperative with the ignition off, ...
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that a whine noise heard from the automatic transmission fluid pan hear with the the key on and engine off, or for up to one minute after the vehicle has been shut off should be ...
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 8 bulletins · 17 complaints
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with additional information on the functionality of Lane Keep Assist.
This Preliminary information communicates a power steering control module calibration error that does not allow its DTC's to transition to history and they always stay current, which can mislead a technician diagnosis.
6 more on this problem
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low temperatures.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that show a "Take Steering" message on the Driver Information Center along with a warning chime/alert.
N182190820 Customer Satisfaction Program. Certain vehicles, may have a condition where the power steering belt may slip due to tooth wear-out or poor belt tooth-to-gear tooth fit.
This Preliminary information communicates a power steering control module calibration error that does not allow its DTC's to transition to history and they always stay current, which can mislead a technician diagnosis.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the power steering control module to correct a condition of Loss of Steering Assist due to a software abnormality.
This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
Check engine light or misfire 12 bulletins · 17 complaints
This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
This service bulletin informs the technician to inspect for a possible electrical concern at the ECM X2 electrical connector to correct a customer concern of Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated - DTC P0333 Set.
10 more on this problem
Information bulletin explains a possible coolant leak coming from the cylinder head bolt areas.
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.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a Service Trailer Brake message in the Driver Information Center. Also the vehicle will have a Diagnostic Trouble Code U0415 set.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician how to diagnose and repair a vehicle with an engine that runs with an intermittent crank no start with a Diagnostic Trouble Code P0011 or P00C6 current or history.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have Diagnostic Trouble Code P06DD or no or low oil pressure. Technician will replace timing chain tensioner guide.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0340 and P0341 setting at times.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician for a vehicle setting both a P2635 and P018B diagnostic trouble codes.
This Preliminary information communicates P0016 setting after internal engire repair. The engine Base timing is not being set correctly. The information in this PI will be helpful in setting the timing in the vehicle.
This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer an issue where the vehicle's service engine soon light may illuminate due to trouble codes P0601-P0604, P0606, P062B, P062F, P0630, P16F3, or P262B .
This PI was superseded to update model years and add information concerning idle surge, reduced engine power mode, and/or DTCs P0068, P0121, P1516, P2101, P2119, and/or P2176 that may be experienced on high mileage vehicles. Please discard PIP4578.
Transmission fails or needs replacement 1 bulletin · 15 complaints
This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 4 bulletins · 12 complaints
This service bulletin provides a procedure on how to clean and resurface aluminum wheel bead seats for vehicles that have the condition of Tire Slowly Goes Flat, Tire Air Loss, Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Illuminated, Aluminum Wheel Bead Seat Corrosion.
This service bulletin provides information on Chemical Staining, Pitting, Corrosion and/or Spotted Appearance of Chromed Aluminum Wheels.
2 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles with tire sidewall irregularities. This is a visual condition that will not affect durability, reliability or performance of the tires.
This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Vibration Shortly After Tires are Mounted/Preventing Vibration from Wheel Slip (Tire Sliding on Wheel).
Complaints filed by year
65 complaints came in 2025. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
Risk and remedy
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, 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.
Risk and remedy
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 (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.
Risk and remedy
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, 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.
Risk and remedy
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 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.
Risk and remedy
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 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N202300860.
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 (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
All 7 recalls on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500?
Transmission shudder, with 68 of the 304 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 27,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 problems start?
Of the 164 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 17,000 miles and half by about 39,000.
Is the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 better or worse than the 2017 and 2019?
Counted per year on the road, the 2018 has about as many complaints as the 2017 and fewer complaints than the 2019: 34 a year against 35 and 81.
How many 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
12 of them (4%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for transmission shudder on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500?
No recall on file for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 is on the same system as transmission shudder. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.