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    GMC Sierra 1500

    EPA MPG: 18 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Sierra 1500 will be less reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023 and 2024 models.

    The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other minor transmission & clutch problem

    "GM used the wrong transmission fluid for a few years apparently, which was the cause of the vibration. I took it into the dealership before any more damage was caused so a simple transmission flush and replace with correct fluid solved the issue."

    Anonymous A., SC (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)

    "Going down the road and the truck would shudder. It started when it had around 40,000 miles on it. This is a known issue with GMC trucks and their bandaid fix is to change the transmission fluid and filter and add additives to it. So far, it is working."

    Anonymous A., MS (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)

    "The 8 speed transmission would shudder under low RPM while under 8 cylinder operation. No shudder occurs while in 4 cylinder operation (active fuel management). Hard downshifts occurs when accelerating and shifting from 4 cylinders to 8."

    Anonymous, NH (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 6.2-L V8)
    Rough shifting

    "Mainly after sitting overnight, the initial shifting through the gears is when the problem occurs. Then it shifts as expected. Had transmission flushed and fluid replaced with synthetic. Still occurring."

    Anonymous, IL (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)

    "Sierra is known for transmission issues. GMC seems to be sweeping it under the rug- rough shifting on start off and also between 35 to 50 mph apparently wrong transmission fluid was put in at factory. GMC says the cure is to flush the transmission -that helps initially, but eventually transmission has to be replaced, wish CR could look into it"

    Anonymous, AL (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)
    Slipping transmission

    "Transmission had shimmering every 10-15 seconds while driving. It helped after a transmission flush."

    Anonymous, TN (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)

    "Happens the same as the rough shifting after sitting overnight or for a long period of time."

    Anonymous, IL (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen freezes up

    "Touchscreen is shorting out and initiates random functions on its own. Cant operate any functions while happening."

    Anonymous A., CA (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 6.2-L V8)

    "screen would not take touch inputs and screen would randomly click between screens without any inputs."

    Anonymous, PA (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 5.3-L V8)
    Hardware replacement

    "Touchscreen was intermittent then failed. Needed replacement."

    Anonymous, NH (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 6.2-L V8)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    "Same as radio"

    Anonymous, AL (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)
    Radio

    "Radio would scroll thru the sirrus channels for no reason. Controls of radio and nav would not work. Rebooted the system by disconnecting the battery cables. That would last 1-3 days. Know problem with screen. Had to replace at a cost of $1000"

    Anonymous, AL (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Other brakes problem

    "took truck in for 30000 mile service was told brake line was leaking i never saw any signs of this when i parked my truck no leak on ground under truck"

    Anonymous A., KY (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 6.2-L V8)
    Parking brake

    "During rear brake servicing rotors couldn't be removed due too the e brake parts corroding between the shoe and pad material causing it to expand and binding with the rotors requiring extra labor too remove rotors and also needed new e brake shoes."

    Anonymous, NS (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3-L V8)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Headlights

    "I have one headlight that sometimes works and sometimes does not- apparently has some electrical issue with the power going to the headlight can't seem to find out what the problem is"

    Anonymous, AL (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)
    Other electrical system problem

    "Over a 6 month period there were 9 situations where the truck wouldn't start despite the fact that the charging system worked and the battery was fully charged and all other electrical systems worked fine. In most instances the truck would start (without intervention) a day or two later. On the 9th occurrence the truck had to be towed to a GMC affiliate garage. After inspecting the starter closely, the starter was identified as the cause and it was replaced. I have had no problem since (3.5 months)."

    Anonymous, NY (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 6.2-L V8)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Wheel bearings

    "Wheel bearing failure caused brake to overheat. I was able to get it to dealer for repair."

    Anonymous, ON (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3-L V8)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "I had a 2004 2500 before this truck. So this truck is lite duty in my opinion. For towing and heavy objects in truck."

    Anonymous A., CT (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3-L V8)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "Transmission just stopped working while driving"

    Anonymous, NJ (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3-L V8)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Condenser

    "The cooling temperature wasn't working properly."

    Anonymous A., MI (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT 6.2-L V8)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Starter

    "Starter motor failed leaving stranded. Truck was towed to dealership for repair. Service was great."

    Anonymous, ON (2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3-L V8)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    2018 Pickup trucks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    GMC vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    Engine Major
    Engine Minor
    Engine Cooling
    Engine Electrical
    Transmission Major
    Transmission Minor
    Drive System
    Fuel System/Emissions
    Exhaust
    Suspension/Steering
    Brakes
    Climate System
    Build Quality
    Electrical Accessories
    Body Hardware
    Paint/Trim
    Noises/Leaks
    In-car Electronics
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    AIR BAGS
    Jun 26, 2025
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V432000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1658
    AIR BAGS
    Oct 10, 2024
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V756000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2061
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Oct 01, 2020
    A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V603000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 14620
    ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Oct 24, 2019
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V761000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 652967
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Sep 06, 2019
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V645000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 3456719
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