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2018 GMC Sierra problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 GMC Sierra has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 12safety recalls
- 371owner complaints
- 10crash reports
- 3fire reports
- 6injuries reported
371 complaints, against an average of 493 for the other 14 GMC Sierra model years.
Every GMC Sierra model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2018 GMC Sierra?
The components named most often in the 371 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2018 GMC Sierra owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 371 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2018 GMC Sierra transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?49 owners · 13.2%
- Why does my 2018 GMC Sierra vibrate or shake while driving?23 owners · 6.2%
- Why does my 2018 GMC Sierra stall, lose power or shut off while driving?21 owners · 5.7% · Recall 23V047000
- Why does my 2018 GMC Sierra idle rough, misfire or hesitate?20 owners · 5.4%
- Has the 2018 GMC Sierra had transmission failures?17 owners · 4.6%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2018 GMC Sierra?14 owners · 3.8%
- Has the 2018 GMC Sierra had engine failures?13 owners · 3.5%
Has the 2018 GMC Sierra been recalled?
12 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Air Bags 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: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags 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: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags 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: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain: Inflator 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: 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.
Fix: 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.
Fuel System, Diesel: Storage: Tank Assembly 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.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Equipment: Electrical: Engine Block Heater 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.
Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Power Assist: Vacuum 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: A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: Wheel Speed Sensor/Tone Ring 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: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Power Assist: Vacuum 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: 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.
Fix: 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.
Engine General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500 vehicles and 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with Duramax 6.6 liter diesel engines and an optional engine-block heater. The engine block heater cord or the terminals that connect the heater cord to the block heater may short circuit and fail.
Risk: A short-circuit may damage the engine components and increase the risk of fire.
Fix: GM will contact owners, dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Additionally, in Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles, dealers will install a new rerouted heater cord. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N182206310.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage: Tank Assembly General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 GMC Sierra 3500 and Chevrolet Silverado 3500 trucks equipped with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks. The fuel-level sensor in the front tank may stick in a low-level position, allowing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.
Risk: If the front tank overfills, the excess pressure may cause the front tank to expand and contact the driveshaft, possibly resulting in a hole in the tank. The hole will leak fuel, which in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear-tank fuel-pump module, inspect the front tank and, if necessary, replace the front tank, free of charge. The recall began July 30, 2019. GM's number for this recall is N182204190.
Seat Belts: Front: Retractor General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 trucks. The front seat belt retractor assemblies were built with the incorrect torsion bar. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Risk: The seat belt retractors may not perform as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front seat belt retractor assemblies, free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's numbers for this recall are 17368, 17375, and 17376.
What do 2018 GMC Sierra owners report?
12 of the 371 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
My 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 experienced significant transmission problems that began as rough, inconsistent shifting, hesitation, and abnormal transmission behavior before eventually progressing to complete transmission failure. These symptoms were present before the transmission's ultimate failure and while the vehicle was still within its warranty period. Unfortunately, during the COVID-19 pandemic, local dealership service departments faced significant staffing shortages and appointment backlogs, making timely diagnosis and repair extremely difficult. By the time the transmission failed…
I was backing out of my garage and truck made strange noise and shut off . Tried to restart but just made ding and wouldn't turn over . Dash lights went blank. Had vehicle towed to shop and mechanic stated it was crank and connecting rods after he dropped the oil pan. I ordered new OEM engine and waiting on delivery . Been 5 weeks now since order . Vehicle only has 106,000 miles on it and have had it since 20,000 miles and all maintenance has always been done . Engine can be inspected at shop as new engine has not arrived
CUSTOMER STATES: THINKS CRANKSHAFT PULLEY IS LOOSE DUE TO PRIOR WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT-CRACKSHAFT PULLEY HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT. BEFORE INSPECTING/STARTING ENGINE VERIFIED OIL LEVEL-OIL LEVEL IS ON FULL MARK. STARTED ENGINE-LOUD RATTLING/KNOCKING NOISE FROM ENGINE-ENGINE HAS INTERNAL FAILURE-ENGINE REPLACEMENT IS REQUIRED. ALSO HEARING NOISE IN REAREND-CANNOT TEST DRIVE DUE TO ENGINE CONDITION SEVERAL TSB'S ON ENGINE FAILURES WITH 6.2L ENGINES. GM HAS POSSIBLE RECALLS COMING ON 2019-2024 YR MODELS. NOT SURE IF EARLIER MODELS MAYBE INCLUDED UNDERHOOD INSPECTION 1 7003186…
Vehicle purchased Certified Pre-Owned in October of 2021 with roughly 43,000 miles. During the first service (47,598 miles) at a GM dealer I reported very hard shifts, but this issue was ignored during service. At the next servce (54,571 miles) I again reported the hard shifts and "surging" when coming to a stop but the dealer reported they were unable to replicate the issue and did not address it. At the next service (61,620 miles) I reported the issues with the transmission once again and this time they performed a transmission fluid flush/replacement, acknowledging the issue and asking me…
There was a mass recall on 2018 GMC Sierras to due to a faulty break pump vaccum. We are experiencing the same problems but for some reason were not included in the recall. We were told to reach out on here as others have to see what can be done as this is a saftety hazard.
Head gasket failure and overheating. After fixed, power steering has just failed during driving. Will have to have it towed to shop
Incident description: On three occasion I have had the same catastrophic Engine failure putting myself and my family along with the general public in harms way. Starting March of 2022 while driving at approximately 60 MPH on the West Shore Expressway my truck experienced a sudden and total loss of motor power. My engine stalled out and I lost my ability to safety steer and stop my vehicle. This all happened during rush hour while driving in the left lane of traffic. This sudden loss of power forced me to maneuver the vehicle to the right shoulder of the expressway across the right lane of…
The transmission has always been rough. It has now gone out at 75,000 miles. This transmission issue really seemed to get worse about 50,000 miles. But when I called the dealer, they said they were backed up and couldn't get to it for 9-12 weeks (Covid excuses at that point). Then, it really had an issue going down a large grade into [XXX] . But the issues seemed fairly intermittent. I had an independent shop who said it was hard to tell if it was intermittent. They didn't find metal shavings at the time. ADDITIONALLY, it has also always been a little rough driving. A mechanic looking at it…
GM Duramax L5P diesel engine electrical connector for #4 fuel injector. This failure caused the Diesel exhaust brake, which controls downhill speed, to disengage, extreme shaking of the vehicle, emissions system warning and speed limiting. This occurred while descending a steep grade while towing a 34 feet long, 10,000 pound trailer. This is a known issue with this diesel engine and documented in GM Technical Service Bulletin 23-NA-027. Inspection and repair at a GM dealership confirmed a known issue with the #4 injector pigtail connector caused by improper wire routing and interference wit…
1. Electronic power steering modular issue. My 2018 GMC SEIRRA 1500 CREW CAB JUST LOST ALL POWER STEERING. THEN WHEN I PARK IT. Assist notifications come on, ABS notices, BRAKE light stays on, trailer/tow notifications, trailer assist, parking brake, etc SUDDENLY A LOUD thump & feels like the whole truck just drops like 5” inches, settling. I cannot afford an inspection (ID theft in 2025, compromised all accts & all credit cards) BUT. It IS available as long as cost is covered by YOU !! 2. Lucky it happened in a grocery store parking lot. However not expecting power steering to go out, almost…
I own a $35,000 2018 gmc Sierra 1500 6.2l V8 4x4 Denali, which is currently down due to engine failure while I was driving down the road.. never had a check engine light on the dash. Haven't had the truck a year before it quit. Rods knocking, crankshaft bearings, loss of power, high rpm with little acceleration. I could have the peddle down to the floor and would barely get to 20 mph.. the motor would jump so bad, you would think it's going to jump out the truck. I have replaced several parts on the truck, including oil pump, filter, solenoid valve sensor, fuel pump, injectors, and sensors…
I have a 2018 GMC Sierra Duramax Quad-Cab and when it is connected to either my boat, stock trailer, or cargo trailer the lights and electric trailer brakes on the trailers do not work. and the chime from the "Service Trailer Brake" indicator sounds and doesn't stop until I unplug my trailer harness from my truck making it a distraction and an unsafe situation when trying to navigate through traffic(changing lanes, stopping, and other functions needed when hauling trailers). The dealership said it was a module and specified which one and so I elected to replace it myself and it wasn't the…
2018 GMC Sierra: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 GMC Sierra reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 371 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 GMC Sierra; the most common categories were power train (137, 36.9%), engine (81, 21.8%), service brakes (54, 14.6%). There are 12 safety recalls. 10 complaints mention a crash, 3 mention a fire, 6 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 GMC Sierra?
Across 371 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (36.9% of complaints), engine (21.8% of complaints), service brakes (14.6% of complaints), electrical system (14% of complaints), steering (10% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 GMC Sierra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2018 GMC Sierra; the most recent (campaign 26V325000, 2026-05-21) concerns Air Bags. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2018 GMC Sierra transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?
49 of the 371 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 GMC Sierra (13.2%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "The truck started to vibrate or shudder . We are having to deal with replacing the transmission on our truck, which has only 45,000 miles on it." (NHTSA complaint 11680155, August 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2018 GMC Sierra vibrate or shake while driving?
23 of the 371 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 GMC Sierra (6.2%) describe vibration or shaking while driving. One owner wrote: "Shaking when accelerating. Sometimes so extreme it feels like you have been hit by another car. Random, inconsistent, and comes out of nowhere" (NHTSA complaint 11633797, January 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2018 GMC Sierra stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
21 of the 371 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 GMC Sierra (5.7%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. A related recall exists: campaign 23V047000 (fuel system, diesel: storage: tank assembly). The fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and fuel pump module, replacing them as necessary. One owner wrote: "I have 125,000 miles on my truck. I was traveling with my grandkids in the back seat. We were going through a four way stop. My truck started tapping like a lifter issue." (NHTSA complaint 11705013, December 2025). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2018 GMC Sierra idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
20 of the 371 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 GMC Sierra (5.4%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "2018 gmc Seirra 1500 8 speed transmission. Making unsafe conditions while driving transmission tends to make hard shifts, jerks, hesitation when moved into gear, gets worse when stopping momentarily at stop lights and then trying to accelerate vehicle will…" (NHTSA complaint 11587154, May 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2018 GMC Sierra had transmission failures?
17 of the 371 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 GMC Sierra (4.6%) describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. One owner wrote: "Repeated transmission issues with the 8 speed transmission due to the malfunctioning valve body. This has caused major safety issues and nearly killed my family with the vehicle locked up and wouldn’t shift on the interstate." (NHTSA complaint 11698051, November 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2018 GMC Sierra?
14 of the 371 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 GMC Sierra (3.8%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "At 66,963 miles my transmission failed while driving. The check engine light came on and the car would not shift out of first gear. The car was towed into Gilchrist GMC in Tacoma WA. and I was informed I needed a transmission replacement, cost of $7552.24." (NHTSA complaint 11575196, March 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2018 GMC Sierra had engine failures?
13 of the 371 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 GMC Sierra (3.5%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "I was backing out of my garage and truck made strange noise and shut off . Tried to restart but just made ding and wouldn't turn over . Dash lights went blank." (NHTSA complaint 11765772, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Sierra
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2018 only; combines NHTSA's entries for SIERRA 1500, SIERRA 2500, SIERRA 3500 and SIERRA DENALI.