2018 GMC Sierra 1500 problems & reliability
300 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, alongside 7 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Sep 22, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several components.
5 complaints report injuries (5 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train → | 128 | 43% |
| Engine → | 65 | 22% |
| Electrical System → | 43 | 14% |
| Service Brakes → | 40 | 13% |
| Steering → | 30 | 10% |
| Unknown / Other | 25 | 8% |
| Fuel/propulsion System → | 10 | 3% |
| Suspension → | 10 | 3% |
| Air Bags | 8 | 3% |
| Wheels | 7 | 2% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 25 reported components →Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Among the 116 complaints that included a usable odometer reading, the median reported incident mileage was 35,721 miles (middle 50% between 12,750 and 64,500 miles).
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“I own a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 V8 5.3 liter which is at 46, 433 miles. Over the past few weeks I have noticed the transmission having difficulty shifting in first gear and lurching, and making shuddering noises, and as well making a constant ticking noise. After an experienced mechanic had put a diagnostic system onto…”
Engine · filed Sep 6, 2026
“Within the first 3 years of purchase as a new vehicle, my 2018 GMC Sierra Denali equipped with the GM 8L90 automatic transmission developed a pronounced judder during light acceleration, resembling driving over rumble strips. The condition was first reported to an authorized GMC dealer on October 23, 2021, at 26,648…”
Power Train · filed Sep 4, 2026
“Automatic Transmission not shifting properly unable to accelerate bangs gears while shifting noises from the transmission not reported no warning lamps”
Power Train · filed Sep 1, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
954 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The 10 most recent:
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIP4902W · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 4, 2026
This PI provides information to repair the door water deflector which is not sealed properly allows water into the door jam/sill area.
PIT5680B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 23, 2026
PI to help diagnose A/C concern
PIT5099J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2026
This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
PIT5509N · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2026
This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
PIT5509M · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 14, 2026
This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
PIT3271Q · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2026
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
PIP6104 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 9, 2026
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIP4902V · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 9, 2026
This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning messages and MIL along with several low speed lan DTCs.
PIT6483 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 5, 2026
This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier…
PIT6400A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 16, 2026
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2018 GMC Sierra 1500?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Among complaints with usable mileage, the median reported incident mileage was 35,721 miles. This does not predict when a particular vehicle will develop a problem.