2018 Chevrolet Silverado: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 551 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, electrical, and brakes. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2018- Owner complaints
- 551
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes reported
- 11
- 12 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2018 Chevrolet Silverado: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/3
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Silverado is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 18–19 mpg |
| 6.2L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 17 mpg |
| 4.3L 6-cylFlex fuel | 4WD, RWD | 19–20 mpg |
| 5.3L 8-cylFlex fuel | 4WD, RWD | 18–19 mpg |
| 5.3L 8-cylHybrid | 4WD, RWD | 18–20 mpg |
- The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado was sold in five versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Silverado that averages well under the EPA 17 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Hard shifting and harsh downshifts
10,000–21,000 miles
Leaf spring and front-end clunks
15,000–25,000 miles
Air conditioning failure
39,000–50,000 miles
Lifter failure and engine damage
56,382–82,986 miles
Power steering assist loss
69,000–87,000 miles
Transmission and torque converter failure
79,000–127,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission1501 crash
Transmission trouble dominates these reports. Hard downshifts, slamming into second gear, shudder, slipping under load, and gear hunting often start early and worsen over time. Fluid running hot is common, and a service bulletin covers a thermal bypass valve. Full failures with torque converter debris and metal shavings cluster from roughly 79,000 to 127,000 miles, and some rebuilt units fail again. Loss of propulsion in traffic is a real risk, and one stall ended in a crash. Separate reports describe a rear differential locking up while towing and a parked truck rolling away and injuring its owner.
Electrical86No crashes
Sudden, brief total power loss leads this category. The engine, gauges, lights, and radio cut out and come back, often during low-speed turns, and dealers often cannot reproduce it. Voltage drops and dead batteries come up alongside it. The integrated trailer brake control throws false warnings or fails to power trailer brakes. Three reports involve fire, including diesel block heater cords rubbing through wiring. The block heater was recalled twice, and owners describe long waits for a working fix. Cold-weather starter failures and blank backup cameras also appear.
Brakes541 crash
Loss of power brake assist is the main pattern. The pedal turns hard or sinks, stopping distances grow, and a Service Brake Assist message appears, sometimes at low speed and sometimes at a stop sign. One dealer traced it to a weak vacuum pump. Many owners describe symptoms matching federal recall records, only to be told their VIN is not included. The trailer brake control module also fails, leaving heavy trailers without electric brakes at highway speed. One crash report describes wheels locking without ABS engaging.
Engine53No crashes
Lifter failure is the defining engine problem. It begins as ticking, knocking, or rough running with a check engine light, then can bend pushrods, damage the camshaft, and require a full engine replacement. Several failures arrive just past warranty, from about 60,000 miles onward. Some trucks shake, backfire, and lose power at highway speed, leaving drivers struggling to get out of traffic. Dealers sometimes dismiss the early ticking as normal. Other reports cover radiator and cooling line leaks, failed starters, and one parked truck that caught fire.
Steering443 crashes
Electric power steering cuts out, mostly during slow turns and parking, often together with a brief whole-truck electrical shutdown and a visible voltage drop. Other reports describe steering that stiffens or locks at highway speed, and three complaints are crash-related, including one into a guard rail. Steering assist reduced, StabiliTrak, ABS, and trailer brake warnings tend to appear as a group. Repairs include a broken rack drive belt and replaced modules, and some owners see the failure return after a replacement steering unit.
Suspension24No crashes
Front upper control arms crack or break at the ball joint, sometimes on both sides, and one report describes a wheel separating from the truck. Rear leaf springs crack, squeak, or shift under loose U-bolts, producing clunks and thumps that often begin around 15,000 to 25,000 miles. Dealer re-torquing and lubrication frequently fail to stop the noise. A large share of complaints filed here actually describe transmission hard shifts and shudder rather than suspension faults.
Airbags143 crashes
Failure to deploy in a crash is the most serious pattern, with impacts at 45 mph leaving occupants injured, one with a broken back. The opposite also happens: roof rail and curtain bags fire while the truck sits parked, in one case punching metal through the roof. Service Restraint System warnings, high-resistance steering wheel airbag codes, and module communication faults recur, and one dealer cited unavailable parts. Several owners also note the passenger seat has no belt reminder or occupant sensor.
Seat belts71 crash
Rear seat belts fail to retract, which makes it impossible to lock in a child seat. On crew cabs, the plastic retainer on the rear middle belt breaks or pops apart and leaves the belt slack, and dealer replacements do not hold. Other reports describe a buckle that will not latch, a restraint warning light that keeps returning, and both front pretensioners firing during a slow parking-lot bump, filling the cab with smoke.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Silverado owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
The transmission failed at 81k miles. Upon doing some research, it sounds like this is caused by the wrong transmission fluid that was installed by GM, not myself, the owner. If known about early enough, flushing the transmission 3 times and replacing with the newest transmission fluid is to correct the problem. I was not notified of this 'fix' and the transmission is already damaged to the point where it must be replaced.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2022
The engine gave out at 60k miles. Only covered buy the extended warranty I bought. the transmission thunks on downshifts. The exhaust adaptive valve started making a terrible noise at 40k miles. I took it to the dealership for them to tell me my extended warranty doesn't cover it and to buy an aftermarket exhaust because it would be too expensive to replace it. I think they quoted me at $1200
Filed with NHTSA, November 2021
Service Trailer brake light would ding and appear randomly while parked and driving with no trailer or load hooked. Radio jumps screens making phone calls disconnecting Bluetooth just spazes out. Truck is currently sitting at the dealer suggesting a TCM repair. Truck will be in Drive and roll backwards. Driving down the road vehicle just goes limp.. no power nothing. Absolutely disgusted with my purchase and what I’m going through with my 2018 Silverado
Filed with NHTSA, August 2023
Trailer brake system failure we noticed the sudden drainage of power resulting in death of battery multiple times alert was present after we notice the loss in voltage in battery to battery drainage after research I found that it is usually a short or a bad wiring harness which causes this and could pose a danger considering how I at one point in time have trilled things this could be an issue and a danger to others on the road
Filed with NHTSA, November 2021
While coming to a stop at a traffic signal I experienced a sudden braking loss. The pedal began to vibrate and I noticed an extreme reduction in braking power. I then got a prompt on my dashboard saying “service brake assist.” I narrowly avoided the car in front of me while trying to stop. I contacted GM and they claim even though my year make and model are the same as vehicles being recalled my specific VIN# is not.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2021
While vehicle is in motion the brake system will automatically start to lock up the brakes and then the stabilitrak light will light up on the dash. As well as if cruise control was set to whatever speed the brakes at some point will begin to slowly lock up causing cruise control to disengage and stabilitrak light will turn on. Relating to: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 20V603000 GM's number for this recall is N202300860.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2024
This 2108 vehicle had 56174 miles on it in October 2023 when the starter went bad, then with 56382 miles on it in November 2023 the lifter failed and the engine had to be replaced and then with on 56838 miles on it in Dec 2023 the engine light came on and the dealership replaced the canister and solenoid. All in a 3 month time. Chevy says it happens. Then we start reading it is a problem with their 2019 to 2024 vehicles. Maybe it goes back more.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2025
I well maintained my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, and now the motoer is failing, loss of power and just started smoking from exhaust, my mechanic said that the motor is in the process of blowing up. I made every oil change, and maintained the vehicle because I wanted it to last and be the last vehicle I had to purchase. It failing almost caused a bad accident on the interstate, but luckily I was able to avoid an incident and get to safety.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2025
How the 2018 compares with other Silverado years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2018 ranks fourth for owner complaints among 8 Silverado years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission150143
- Electrical8676
- Brakes5432
- Engine53134
- Steering4431
- Suspension243
Where the 2018 fits in the Silverado's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2018 is the fifth model year of the Silverado's third generation (2014–2018).
Recalls to confirm (10)
Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V432000AirbagsJun 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
24V756000AirbagsOct 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
23V047000Fuel systemFeb 2023
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual fuel tank option. The rear fuel tank may collapse and prevent the fuel pump from transferring fuel to the front tank, resulting in an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and fuel pump module, replacing them as necessary. Dealers will also add a vent hose to the rear tank assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on March 15, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 21, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222368030.
21V496000EquipmentJul 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500 and 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel 6.6 liter engine and an optional engine-block heater cord. An electrical short-circuit may occur in the engine-block heater cable or in the terminals that connect the heater cable to the block heater.
Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace engine block heaters and heater cords. Vehicles that have this feature disabled as a remedy to the safety condition will be contacted and offered replacement block heaters and heater cords under a separate customer satisfaction program, free of charge. GM will provide free replacement block heaters and cords under a separate customer satisfaction campaign. For vehicles previously included in recall 19V-328, the heater cord will be replaced and rerouted, free of charge. Interim owner notifications were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 4, 2022. Customers may call GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 212329840.
20V603000BrakesOct 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.
Risk: A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
19V761000BrakesOct 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
19V645000BrakesSep 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
19V328000EngineApr 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500 vehicles and 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with Duramax 6.6 liter diesel engines and an optional engine-block heater. The engine block heater cord or the terminals that connect the heater cord to the block heater may short circuit and fail.
Risk: A short-circuit may damage the engine components and increase the risk of fire.
Fix: GM will contact owners, dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Additionally, in Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles, dealers will install a new rerouted heater cord. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N182206310.
19V088000Fuel systemFeb 2019
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 GMC Sierra 3500 and Chevrolet Silverado 3500 trucks equipped with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks. The fuel-level sensor in the front tank may stick in a low-level position, allowing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.
Risk: If the front tank overfills, the excess pressure may cause the front tank to expand and contact the driveshaft, possibly resulting in a hole in the tank. The hole will leak fuel, which in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear-tank fuel-pump module, inspect the front tank and, if necessary, replace the front tank, free of charge. The recall began July 30, 2019. GM's number for this recall is N182204190.
17V567000Seat beltsSep 2017
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 trucks. The front seat belt retractor assemblies were built with the incorrect torsion bar. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies.".
Risk: The seat belt retractors may not perform as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front seat belt retractor assemblies, free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's numbers for this recall are 17368, 17375, and 17376.
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