2018 GMC Sierra 1500 power train problems
128 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 — 43% of all complaints for this model 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…”
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…”
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”
filed Sep 1, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other Sierra 1500 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Sierra 1500 | 25 | 23% |
| 2025 Sierra 1500 | 24 | 21% |
| 2024 Sierra 1500 | 68 | 19% |
| 2023 Sierra 1500 | 91 | 19% |
| 2022 Sierra 1500 | 108 | 19% |
| 2021 Sierra 1500 | 134 | 24% |
| 2020 Sierra 1500 | 96 | 21% |
| 2019 Sierra 1500 | 136 | 21% |
| 2017 Sierra 1500 | 117 | 33% |
| 2016 Sierra 1500 | 83 | 24% |
| 2015 Sierra 1500 | 97 | 14% |
| 2014 Sierra 1500 | 69 | 9% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.