What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

The largest group of complaints names the power train, with 173 complaints. The engine, electrical system and brakes follow.

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado have recalls?

Yes. The by-year facts list 7 recalls for 2018. See the Recalls section of this page for the full list.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?

Owners filed 524 complaints with NHTSA. These reports are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so weigh them with the recall list and the year comparison on this page.

What is the gas mileage of the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.

Is 2018 the best year for the Chevrolet Silverado?

Check the year-by-year comparison on this page, which lines up complaints and recalls for each model year.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 524 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado^[1]. The power train group is the largest, with 173 complaints^[2].

524owner complaints^[1]

7recalls^[3]

17–20MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

5★NHTSA overall rating^[5]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Owners filed complaints across several parts of the truck. Here are the groups, biggest first.

Power Train. 173 complaints^[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe rough or harsh shifting, sudden downshifts on the road, a shake at highway speed, and a truck that moved when it was parked.
Engine. 112 complaints^[6]. Owners describe the engine shutting off at low speed, shaking, a weak starter, coolant mixing with oil, and fire reports.
Electrical System. 104 complaints^[7]. Owners describe stalling that clears on restart, warning messages with lost power steering, a radio that failed along with starting, and a window that did not stop when it met a finger.
Brakes. 99 complaints^[8]. Owners describe a pedal that turned hard or sank, lost braking help at low speed, and a pedal that pulsed or kicked back.
Unknown Or Other. 59 complaints^[9].
Steering. 42 complaints^[10].
Suspension. 32 complaints^[11].
Speed Control. 19 complaints^[12].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2018 Silverado is necessarily included.

Air Bags (26V325), May 2026. About 4,315 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Air Bags (26V166), March 2026. About 2,819 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Air Bags (25V432), June 2025. About 1,658 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator (24V756), October 2024. About 2,061 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, parts separating. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[16]
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum (20V603), October 2020. About 14,620 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[17]
Service Brakes (19V761), October 2019. About 652,967 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[18]
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum (19V645), September 2019. About 3,456,719 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[19]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[4]	18 / 24 / 20	$3,350
Silverado C15 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive^[20]	18 / 24 / 20	$3,350
Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive^[21]	16 / 21 / 18	$3,700
Silverado K15 4WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive^[22]	17 / 22 / 19	$3,550
Silverado C15 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[23]	16 / 22 / 18	$3,700
Silverado C15 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[24]	16 / 23 / 19	$3,550
Silverado C15 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive^[25]	16 / 23 / 19	$3,550
Silverado C15 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive^[26]	15 / 21 / 17	$4,850
Silverado K15 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive^[27]	15 / 20 / 17	$4,850
Silverado K15 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive^[28]	15 / 20 / 17	$3,950
Silverado C15 Cab Chassis 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[29]	15 / 20 / 17	$3,950
Silverado K15 Cab Chassis 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive^[30]	15 / 19 / 17	$3,950
Silverado K15 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive^[31]	16 / 22 / 18	$3,700
Silverado K15 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive^[32]	16 / 22 / 18	$3,700

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
PU/CC 4WD^[5]	5	5	5	4	17.4%
PU/RC 4WD^[33]	5	5	5	4	17.4%
PU/EC 4WD^[34]	5	5	5	4	17.9%
PU/RC RWD^[35]	5	5	5	4	17.9%
PU/CC RWD^[36]	5	5	5	4	17.9%
HYBRID PU/CC RWD^[37]	5	5	5	4	17.9%
PU/EC RWD^[38]	5	5	5	4	17.4%

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB M/BOX 2WD^[39]	235 in	80 in	74 in	153 in	5,161 lb
SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB M/BOX 4X4^[40]	235 in	80 in	74 in	153 in	5,359 lb
SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB S/BOX 2WD^[41]	226 in	80 in	74 in	144 in	5,073 lb
SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4^[42]	226 in	80 in	74 in	144 in	5,278 lb
SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB M/BOX 2WD^[43]	226 in	80 in	74 in	144 in	5,002 lb
SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB M/BOX 4X4^[44]	226 in	80 in	74 in	144 in	5,216 lb

How 2018 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Silverado model year. The 2018 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1999	2,247	5
2000	1,919	8
2001	1,344	4
2002	1,219	4
2003	1,500	6
2004	1,420	8
2005	844	8
2006	547	4
2007	1,056	3
2008	1,076	4
2009	520	3
2010	425	3
2011	638	6
2012	284	4
2013	365	5
2014	1,560	19
2015	1,186	18
2016	802	14
2017	839	7
2018	524	7
2019	1,096	10
2020	747	12
2021	847	8
2022	650	6
2023	388	3
2024	342	6
2025	120	1
2026	126	6

NHTSA's counts for the Silverado show 524 complaints and 7 recalls for 2018^[3]. Among the 28 model years listed, 8 have fewer complaints than 2018 and 19 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2025 (120) and the most are for 1999 (2,247)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2018 Silverado?

The 2018 Silverado draws a lot of owner complaints, 524 in all^[1]. They cluster in the power train, engine, electrical system and brakes^[2]^[6]^[7]^[8]. Some reports mention crashes, fires or injuries, so safety-related stories are part of the record^[1]. These are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales, so they show where owners ran into trouble and not how often it happens. If you are shopping for one, read the recall list and the year comparison on this page before you decide.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?: The largest group of complaints names the power train, with 173 complaints^[2]. The engine^[6], electrical system^[7] and brakes^[8] follow.
Does the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado have recalls?: Yes. The by-year facts list 7 recalls for 2018^[3]. See the Recalls section of this page for the full list.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?: Owners filed 524 complaints with NHTSA^[1]. These reports are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so weigh them with the recall list and the year comparison on this page.
What is the gas mileage of the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?: See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.
Is 2018 the best year for the Chevrolet Silverado?: Check the year-by-year comparison on this page, which lines up complaints and recalls for each model year.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado

2000 1,919 complaints, 8 recalls
2004 1,420 complaints, 8 recalls
2014 1,560 complaints, 19 recalls
2015 1,186 complaints, 18 recalls
2016 802 complaints, 14 recalls
2017 839 complaints, 7 recalls
2018 this page
2022 650 complaints, 6 recalls
2025 120 complaints, 1 recall

Compare all model years of the Chevrolet Silverado

Other Chevrolet models from 2018

2018 Chevrolet Colorado 183 complaints, 1 recall
2018 Chevrolet Cruze 109 complaints, 3 recalls
2018 Chevrolet Equinox 410 complaints, 5 recalls
2018 Chevrolet Malibu 711 complaints, 6 recalls
2018 Chevrolet Tahoe 105 complaints, 3 recalls
2018 Chevrolet Traverse 464 complaints, 2 recalls

All Chevrolet models

Similar cars from 2018: special purpose vehicles

2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris Cargo 28 complaints, 10 recalls

All special purpose vehicles we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 524 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado (10 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 11 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
173 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Silverado model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
112 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,145). NHTSA vehicle records
104 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 38,020). NHTSA vehicle records
99 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,550). NHTSA vehicle records
59 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 25,500). NHTSA vehicle records
42 complaints name the steering component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 28,042). NHTSA vehicle records
32 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 15,000). NHTSA vehicle records
19 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,550). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 26V325, filed May 21, 2026: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
Recall 26V166, filed March 19, 2026: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
Recall 25V432, filed June 26, 2025: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
Recall 24V756, filed October 10, 2024: Air Bags › Side / Window › Curtain › Inflator. NHTSA recall database
Recall 20V603, filed October 1, 2020: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V761, filed October 24, 2019: Service Brakes. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V645, filed September 6, 2019: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Silverado C15 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado K15 4WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado C15 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado C15 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado C15 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado C15 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado K15 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado K15 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado C15 Cab Chassis 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado K15 Cab Chassis 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado K15 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Silverado K15 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, HYBRID PU/CC RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB M/BOX 2WD: length 235 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 153 in, curb weight 5,161 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB M/BOX 4X4: length 235 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 153 in, curb weight 5,359 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 5,073 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 5,278 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB M/BOX 2WD: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 5,002 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB M/BOX 4X4: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 5,216 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2018 Chevrolet Silverado: problems, recalls and fuel economy