2018 GMC Sierra 1500 VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 281 owner complaints on file for the 2018 GMC Sierra-1500. Severity signals include 10 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (111), Engine (33), Electrical System (30).
Sierra 1500 reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
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Most-reported 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Power Train111
- Engine33
- Electrical System30
- Steering26
- Service Brakes16
- Unknown Or Other15
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Test for transmission shudder and hard shifting, especially between 1st and 2nd gear
- Inspect for engine ticking noises and check for excessive oil consumption
- Verify if lifters and camshaft have been replaced or repaired
- Check for any recalls related to power steering and electrical systems
- Test brakes for unusual softness or increased stopping distances
- Inspect air conditioning system for condenser leaks
2018 Sierra 1500 recalls (5)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Sierra 1500. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- AIR BAGSNHTSA 25V432000Jun 26, 2025
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
- AIR BAGSNHTSA 24V756000Oct 10, 2024
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 20V603000Oct 1, 2020
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.
Consequence: A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)NHTSA 19V761000Oct 24, 2019
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 19V645000Sep 6, 2019
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
Used-market value
2018 GMC Sierra 1500 resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2018 GMC Sierra 1500 on the road
175,643 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
With a 74/100 score against a 72/100 segment average, the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 lands slightly above the norm. That points to generally stable reliability, but not a standout result. As the final year of its generation, the data still reflects a meaningful volume of owner-reported problems, so the overall picture is mixed rather than clearly strong.
Complaints are not evenly spread across the truck’s systems. They cluster most heavily in the powertrain, with the engine also featuring prominently, while electrical, steering, and braking concerns form a secondary tier. The recall count is elevated, reinforcing that this model year carries more corrective activity than a limited-recall vehicle.
Overall, reliability risk is moderate, with notable exposure concentrated in drivetrain-related areas.
What you get in a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 report
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2018 GMC Sierra 1500 — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
With a 74/100 score against a 72/100 segment average, the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 lands slightly above the norm. That points to generally stable reliability, but not a standout result. As the final year of its generation, the data still reflects a meaningful volume of owner-reported problems, so the overall picture is mixed rather than clearly strong.
How many recalls does the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
5 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 problems?
The most-reported 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 problem areas are: Power Train (111), Engine (33), Electrical System (30).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.