2018 GMC Sierra 1500: common problems and reliability

The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 has 293 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine. Owners most often flag 6.2l v8 afm lifter failure (cylinder #1 collapse): frequency: recurrent. multiple owners report repeat failures even after dealer replacement with afm lifters, requiring a full afm delete.

Safety record for the 2018 model year

293
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
10
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2018 a good year for the Sierra 1500?

Across the 12 Sierra 1500 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 43 (2016) to 1,056 (2022). With 293 complaints, the 2018 Sierra 1500 sits belowthe model's median of 435.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

power train
125
engine
62
service brakes
43
electrical system
42
steering
29

Recalls affecting the 2018 Sierra 1500

service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum

Campaign 19V645000

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 pum

service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:wheel speed sensor/tone ring

Campaign 19V761000

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 axl

service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum

Campaign 20V603000

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 vacu

air bags:side/window:curtain:inflator

Campaign 24V756000

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

What owners report on the 5th generation Sierra 1500

Owners praise the 2022 refresh for its dramatically improved interior, which many consider the best-looking truck cabin on the market, and the 3.0L Duramax diesel for exceptional fuel economy (28-30+ mpg highway). However, there is significant frustration with

  • 6.2L V8 AFM lifter failure (cylinder #1 collapse): Frequency: recurrent. Multiple owners report repeat failures even after dealer replacement with AFM lifters, requiring a full AFM delete.
  • Infotainment/CarPlay connectivity issues (2018-2019 models): Frequency: recurrent. Intermittent disconnects, failure to initiate CarPlay, often resolved by resetting the display (holding power button), updating iPhone iOS, or using a factory USB cable.
  • Google Automotive assistant not recognizing contacts (2022 models with 13.4-inch screen): Frequency: isolated. Voice assistant fails to read or recognize phone contacts, requiring a software update.
  • Transmission hard shifting (2022 Elevation, 1,300 miles): Frequency: isolated. One owner reports rough shifting starting at low mileage.
  • Intermittent electrical failures: Service 4WD, Stabilitrak, Power Steering warnings, no-start condition (2018 model): Frequency: isolated. Multiple system warnings and non-start, no DTCs stored, difficult to diagnose.

Owner insights for the 5th generation Sierra 1500. Read the full 5th generation owner report.

Typical used price

Used Sierra 1500 listings typically run $43,870–$57,519 across 2024 to 2026 model years.

Other Sierra 1500 model years

Compare every Sierra 1500 year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Sierra 1500 against its rivals