Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4th generation (2018–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 88+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
5,375
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2018–2026
51
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment for the 2018-2026 Silverado 1500 is mixed and leans cautious.
14 problems reported (1 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 11 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequent8-speed automatic transmission problems
Including hard low-speed shifting, banging out of first gear, and early failure.
- RecurrentAFM/DFM lifter failure requiring head work
Reported around 100k miles and, in 2019 trucks, within the first 10k miles.
- RecurrentTransmission failure in the 80k-140k range on fleet trucks
+ 11 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedDriveshaft clunking when coming to a stop, described as present from the factory
- IsolatedMisfire code that appears roughly every 10k miles and clears on its own
- IsolatedPower steering failure code that will not clear without a dealer tech tool
- IsolatedSirius XM antenna wire breaking off its crimped connector
- IsolatedStarter failure causing a single click and no start
- IsolatedDead battery at around five years old causing electrical symptoms
- IsolatedTiming chain problems and a wet oil-pump belt on the 3.0 diesel
Both requiring engine removal to service.
- IsolatedGlow plug recall on cylinder #2 of the diesel
- IsolatedElectrical connector and wiring failures near the catalytic converter and DPF due to heat and vibration
- Isolated2.7L turbo four with a check engine light at 80k miles
- IsolatedMultiple electrical systems failing at once (windows, turn signals, airbag, radio, outlet)
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal: the 3.0L Duramax diesel draws strong praise for fuel economy (about 26 mpg reported on a ZR2 Bison) and is called a "damn good engine," and the 5.3L V8 is repeatedly recommended over the 2.7L and 6.2L. The 6-speed automatic is called the most reliable transmission, the 10-speed is called "fine," and the 8-speed is widely criticized.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, Ram 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Colorado.
Is a 2018–2026 Silverado 1500 right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment for the 2018-2026 Silverado 1500 is mixed and leans cautious. Owners praise the 5.3L V8 and the 3.0L Duramax diesel for power and fuel economy, and several describe their trucks as trouble-free when driven mostly on the highway. The dominant criticism centers on the 8-speed transmission, which owners repeatedly call problematic or notorious, and on AFM/DFM lifter failures. Early years (2019-2021) draw the most complaints, including first-year 8-speed and dynamic fuel management lifter issues, while later trucks with the 3.0 diesel and 10-speed get more positive remarks. One fleet operator with roughly 25 Silverados reported they generally reach 150k miles without major issues, but the same owner noted the generation pushed their business away from buying GM for the next fleet round.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners cross-shop this generation mainly against the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra. Against the Tundra, owners see the Toyota 5.7 as more likely to last over the long haul, while acknowledging it burns oil later in life and is thirsty; the Silverado is seen as the cheaper, more modern option with better fuel economy, especially in diesel form. Against the F-150, owners note that the 10-speed transmission was co-developed by Ford and GM and that both brands have had transmission problems, though one owner reported far more blown engines and transmissions among Ford 3.0 owners than among GM 3.0 owners. Several owners position the 2.7L turbo four as adequate but less durable than a V8, and one owner said that if forced to buy a GM truck they would choose the 2.7. For towing, owners consistently say a half-ton is the wrong tool and recommend stepping up to a 2500 or 3500.
Recommended configurations
Owners seeking reliability recommend the 4.3L V6 or 5.3L V8 paired with the 6-speed automatic, and one owner specifically said to avoid the 2.7 and 6.2 engines. For buyers who want a diesel, the 3.0 Duramax is favored, though one owner warned that its timing chain, wet oil-pump belt, and rear-mounted service items require engine-out labor, and another advised avoiding diesel altogether due to emissions repair costs. For towing, owners recommend a 2500/3500 instead of any 1500 configuration. One owner suggested looking at a 2022 or newer truck because the 2019-2021 interior was refreshed and those earlier trucks were hard to move and valued considerably less.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who mostly drive highway miles, want V8 power, and are willing to keep up with maintenance; it is a poor fit for anyone planning to tow a large trailer, who should buy a heavy-duty truck instead. Among model years, owners repeatedly flag 2019 as the first year of the 8-speed and of dynamic fuel management, with early lifter failures reported in the first 10k miles, and one owner noted a steady stream of 2018s with 5.3L issues in their fleet. Later trucks, particularly those with the 3.0 diesel, get more favorable comments. Inspection advice from owners: confirm whether a 2019-2021 truck has already had lifter work done, check the door sticker for hitch and payload ratings before towing, and consider an extended warranty given transmission and AFM concerns.
Remarks
Several owner comments in these discussions concern other generations, other models, or general buying advice and were not counted as issues for this generation. One owner reported that a 2023 truck with 3,400 miles was being sold as new without a discount, and the consensus was that a demo with those miles should carry a discount or added warranty. Another owner noted that the 10-speed was co-developed by Ford and GM and that transmission issues appear on both sides. A recurring theme in towing threads is that half-ton payload, not max tow rating, is the limiting factor. Analysis based on approximately 88 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 110 | 3 | engine |
| 2025 | 104 | 0 | engine |
| 2024 | 312 | 2 | engine |
| 2023 | 384 | 3 | engine |
| 2022 | 1,280 | 6 | engine |
| 2021 | 839 | 8 | engine |
| 2020 | 738 | 12 | engine |
| 2019 | 1,089 | 10 | engine |
| 2018 | 519 | 7 | power train |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2026 · equipment:other:owners/service/other manualcampaign 25V815000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Restraint Anchorage Systems.”
2026 · equipment:other:owners/service/other manualcampaign 26V114000
General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”
2026 · power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive)campaign 26V289000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
2024 · trailer hitchescampaign 24V626000
OEM Systems, LLC (OEM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado vehicles. The rear bumper mounting bracket may not be sufficient for towing, which can allow the towed trailer to detach from the vehicle.
2024 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 25V274000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
2023 · exterior lighting:lighting control module:softwarecampaign 22V903000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2023 · service brakes, hydraulic:brake fluid low warning: lampcampaign 24V674000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
2023 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 25V274000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
2022 · exterior lighting:brake lightscampaign 22V463000
General Motors (GM) has decided that certain 2022 model year Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra vehicles equipped with an accessory sport bar. The accessory sport bar contains a high-mounted brake light that may not function. In addition, it may block the vehicle's existing high-mounted brake light. As such, these vehicles may fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
2022 · air bags: air bag/restraint control modulecampaign 22V873000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vehicles. The sensing diagnostic module (SDM) was left in manufacturing mode and not activated at the assembly plant prior to shipment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2022 · exterior lighting:lighting control module:softwarecampaign 22V903000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2022 · power train:automatic transmission:control module:softwarecampaign 24V797000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
24 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.