BestCarRank
Chevrolet

2018 Chevrolet 3500

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Chevrolet 3500 has 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 7. The most common issue is visibility problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: my 3500 hd srw has a power fold button for the side mirrors. while passing a semi truck at 70 mph on i-20, i went to adjust the right mirror slightly. i accidentally pushed the power fold button ( it is located between the left and right mirror adjustment button on the driver side door ). the side m.

5

Total Complaints

0

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 5)

VISIBILITY

1 complaints
20%
  • MY 3500 HD SRW HAS A POWER FOLD BUTTON FOR THE SIDE MIRRORS. WHILE PASSING A SEMI TRUCK AT 70 MPH ON I-20, I WENT TO ADJUST THE RIGHT MIRROR SLIGHTLY. I ACCIDENTALLY PUSHED THE POWER FOLD BUTTON ( IT IS LOCATED BETWEEN THE LEFT AND RIGHT MIRROR ADJUSTMENT BUTTON ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR ). THE SIDE M
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

MY 3500 HD SRW HAS A POWER FOLD BUTTON FOR THE SIDE MIRRORS. WHILE PASSING A SEMI TRUCK AT 70 MPH ON I-20, I WENT TO ADJUST THE RIGHT MIRROR SLIGHTLY. I ACCIDENTALLY PUSHED THE POWER FOLD BUTTON ( IT IS LOCATED BETWEEN THE LEFT AND RIGHT MIRROR ADJUSTMENT BUTTON ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR ). THE SIDE M

— NHTSA complaint filing

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Chevrolet 3500

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,607
Full coverage / month
$134
Liability only / year
$611
vs US avg
-4%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age1.00x
= Full coverage estimate$1607

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet 3500 Service Intervals

Oil change
8K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
8K mi
Brake fluid
36 months
Transmission fluid
45K mi
Engine coolant
150K mi
Spark plugs
100K mi
Cabin air filter
23K mi
Engine air filter
45K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
3 yr / 36K mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
6 yr / 100K mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2018 3500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
BRAKES(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 5 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • VISIBILITY: MY 3500 HD SRW HAS A POWER FOLD BUTTON FOR THE SIDE MIRRORS. WHILE PASSING A SEMI TRUCK AT 70 MPH ON I-20, I WENT TO ADJUST THE RIGHT MIRROR SLIGHTLY. I ACCIDENTALLY PUSHED THE POWER FOLD BUTTON ( IT IS LOCATED BETWEEN THE LEFT AND RIGHT MIRROR ADJUSTMENT BUTTON ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR ). THE SIDE M

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • TRANSMISSION: WHILE TRAVELING AT 31 MPH ON A SLIGHT DOWN-GRADE, THE TRANSMISSION 'SHUTTLES' BETWEEN GEARS WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. IT IS MOST PROMINENT WHEN THE ENGINE HAS NOT REACH FULL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. IT ALSO HAPPENS WHEN ACCELERATING, SUCH AS ENTERING A FREEWAY. A VIDEO IS AVAILABLE.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • BRAKES: WHILE PULLING A VARIETY OF 3 DIFFERENT TRAILERS, THE INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL DOES NOT PROPERLY SEND OUTPUT TO THE TRAILER BRAKES. THIS CAUSES THE TRUCK (TOW VEHICLE) TO DO ALMOST ALL OF THE BRAKING WORK ON ITS OWN. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS I'VE HAD THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES ACTIVATE ON THE TRUCK WH

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: WHILE PULLING A VARIETY OF 3 DIFFERENT TRAILERS, THE INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL DOES NOT PROPERLY SEND OUTPUT TO THE TRAILER BRAKES. THIS CAUSES THE TRUCK (TOW VEHICLE) TO DO ALMOST ALL OF THE BRAKING WORK ON ITS OWN. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS I'VE HAD THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES ACTIVATE ON THE TRUCK WH

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Chevrolet 3500 — Year Comparison

How does 2018 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
0
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
7

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2018 Chevrolet 3500