Is the 2018 Gmc SIERRA 1500 reliable?

The 2018 Gmc SIERRA 1500 has 415 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Gmc SIERRA 1500?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (126 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (68 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (43 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Gmc SIERRA 1500?

Yes, there are 7 recall(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR, AIR BAGS, AIR BAGS, AIR BAGS. Contact any Gmc dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Gmc SIERRA 1500?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Gmc SIERRA 1500 is approximately $1,601/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2018 Gmc SIERRA 1500

Q: Is the 2018 Gmc SIERRA 1500 often stolen?

The Gmc SIERRA 1500 was the #16 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 6,300 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: above-avg.

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Gmc SIERRA 1500 has 415 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 472. The most common issue is transmission problems (30% of all complaints), specifically: since day 1 of purchasing new,to current date, there is vibration at idle. there is vibration at highway speeds of 60 mph plus. it has been to the dealer 5 times for testing. this is a known problem with thousands of vehicles. gm says it meets their specifications. the dealer balanced the tires 3 ti. There are 7 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 11 crash reports 5 injuries

415

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

126 complaints

30%

• SINCE DAY 1 OF PURCHASING NEW,TO CURRENT DATE, THERE IS VIBRATION AT IDLE. THERE IS VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 60 MPH PLUS. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 5 TIMES FOR TESTING. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES. GM SAYS IT MEETS THEIR SPECIFICATIONS. THE DEALER BALANCED THE TIRES 3 TI
• BRAND NEW 2018 SIERRA 1500 Z71. WHEN DRIVING THE TRUCK FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER SITTING FOR A NUMBER OF HOURS (6+HRS) THE TRUCK EXPERIENCES A "HARD" 1-2 SHIFT. THIS OCCURS 100% OF THE TIME WHEN I LEAVE FOR WORK IN THE MORNING. SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED, THIS IS THE HARD
• EXTREMELY HARD SHIFTING ON LOWER GEARS. WHEN SLOWING WHEN IT GOES FROM 2ND TO 1ST IT FEELS LIKE I GOT REAR-ENDED. NOT ALL THE TIME BUT ONCE A DAY AT LEAST. IT ALSO SHUDDERS WHEN SLOWLY ACCELERATING IN TRAFFIC, SOMETIMES THE RPM GOES WAY HIGH AND IT LURCHES FORWARD WHEN IT UPSHIFTS.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 4 crashes

“SINCE DAY 1 OF PURCHASING NEW,TO CURRENT DATE, THERE IS VIBRATION AT IDLE. THERE IS VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 60 MPH PLUS. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 5 TIMES FOR TESTING. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES. GM SAYS IT MEETS THEIR SPECIFICATIONS. THE DEALER BALANCED THE TIRES 3 TI”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Gmc SIERRA 1500

Based on 155 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 33K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 59 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 22K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 17K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 26K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 36K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (7)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM06/09/2019

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.

Above-average theft risk

#16 most stolen in 2025

The Gmc SIERRA 1500 was the #16 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 6,300 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Notes: Full-size truck; parts demand

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Gmc SIERRA 1500

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.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,601

Full coverage / month

$133

Liability only / year

$574

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 risk1.06x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1601

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

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Gmc SIERRA 1500 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

Uses GM Oil Life System. Full-size trucks may have shorter differential and transfer case intervals if used for towing.

"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.

Gmc 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 Gmc. If you're buying a used 2018 SIERRA 1500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Gmc dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 415 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: SINCE DAY 1 OF PURCHASING NEW,TO CURRENT DATE, THERE IS VIBRATION AT IDLE. THERE IS VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 60 MPH PLUS. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 5 TIMES FOR TESTING. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES. GM SAYS IT MEETS THEIR SPECIFICATIONS. THE DEALER BALANCED THE TIRES 3 TI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: FUEL INJECTION SEALS #4 O-RING SPLIT - LEAKING FUEL - POOLING GAS ON MANIFOLD. TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SMELL OF GAS, LACK OF ACCELERATION AND POOR GAS MILEAGE. THIS IS KNOWN ISSUE BASED ON THE SERVICE BULLETIN 18-NA-137 - VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 6000 MILES
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED IT STEERS TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT . NOT A SIMPLE ALIGNMENT PULL OR WANDER I CAN FEEL THE WHEEL AS TO WHICH WAY IT WANTS TO STEER AT RANDOM. IF NOT PAYING ATTENTION OR IF YOU WERE TO LET GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL IT WILL GO OFF THE ROAD ABSOLUTLY NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. WHILE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: MY VEHICLE IS HACKED ANYTIME I AM DRIVING THE VEHICLE I AM NOT IN FULL CONTROL. THE VEHICLE STEERS ITSELF LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKES ARE ALWAYS ON WHILE DRIVING SOMETIMES BRAKING HARDER BUT ALWAYS ON. THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM HAS MANY GLITCHES. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 7 recalls have been completed — free at any Gmc dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)