2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems
What owners have reported about the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 305 complaints with NHTSA, the 12th most of 19 Sierra 1500 model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and brakes.
305 complaints 7 recalls, 1 crash risk 12th worst of 19 Sierra 1500 years
Top 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 problems
Transmission problems
131 complaints (43%) name the transmission, most often the torque converter.
Engine problems
72 complaints (24%) name the engine, most often the exhaust system.
Brake problems
44 complaints (14%) name the brakes.
Electrical problems
43 complaints (14%) name the electrical system, most often the instrument cluster / panel and speedometer / odometer.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (119 of 305). The amber line is the middle value, about 35,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2018 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls
Airbags
The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture. 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, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace both RRAB modules, free of charge. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 26V166.
Recall 26V325000 · May 2026Airbags
The left or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture. 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, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right-side RRAB modules, free of charge.
Recall 26V166000 · Mar 2026Airbags
The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture. 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.
Recall 25V432000 · Jun 2025Inflator
The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture. 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.
Recall 24V756000 · Oct 2024Vacuum
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. 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.
Recall 20V603000 · Oct 2020Wheel sensor failure can cause sudden pulling
Crash riskIf a wheel-speed sensor fails while the vehicle is going between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the brake control software can wrongly apply the brake on one wheel. The vehicle may then pull sharply to one side without warning, which raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will reprogram the brake control module (EBCM) at no cost to you.
Recall 19V761000 · Oct 2019Vacuum
The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time. 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.
Recall 19V645000 · Sep 2019Get an email when your 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Sierra 1500 years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2018 GMC Sierra 1500 problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 305 complaints with NHTSA, the 12th most of 19 Sierra 1500 model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and brakes.
What are the most common 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 problems?
Owners most often report problems with the transmission, engine, brakes and electrical system. 131 complaints (43%) name the transmission, most often the torque converter.
At what mileage do 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 11,000–66,000 miles, with a middle value near 30,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
7. Airbags (26V325000); Airbags (26V166000); Airbags (25V432000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2018 GMC Sierra 1500?
Ask for service records covering the transmission, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2012, 2013 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.