Is the 2018 Gmc SIERRA 3500 reliable?

The 2018 Gmc SIERRA 3500 has 20 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: BRAKES problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Gmc SIERRA 3500?

Top problems: BRAKES (6 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (3 complaints, avg repair $500); LIGHTING (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Gmc SIERRA 3500?

Yes, there are 6 recall(s): SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR, ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY, EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER, FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR. 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 3500?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Gmc SIERRA 3500 is approximately $1,607/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 3500

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Gmc SIERRA 3500 has 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 25. The most common issue is brakes problems (30% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2018 gmc sierra 3500. while driving approximately 60 mph and hauling a trailer, the abs, service trailer brake, service power steering, and service stabilitrak warning indicators illuminated. also, the vehicle lost braking functionality. the contact also stated that the failur. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BRAKES

6 complaints

30%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC SIERRA 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND HAULING A TRAILER, THE ABS, SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE, SERVICE POWER STEERING, AND SERVICE STABILITRAK WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE VEHICLE LOST BRAKING FUNCTIONALITY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILUR
• I WAS DRIVING UP HILL THE TRUCK LOST POWER DIED/SHUTDOWN SO I HAD NO POWER STEERING NO POWER BRAKES WE LIVE ON A COUNTRY RURAL ROAD. HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO KENDALL CHEVROLET IN EUGENE OREGON WHERE IT HAS BEEN SINCE NOVEMBER 2 WITH ELECTRICAL ISSUES THAT THEY ARE TRYING TO PINPOINT.
• APRIL 9TH 2020 I WAS OPERATING MY VEHICLE A 2018 GMC SIERRA 3500 DENALI EQUIPPED WITH THE DIESEL PACKAGE. I WAS TOWING A BOBCAT SKID STEER ON A TRAILER WITH A TOTAL WEIGHT OF APPROXIMATELY 4300LBS. I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 45 MPH WHEN I ENCOUNTERED A RED LIGHT. WITH PLENTY OF ROOM TO STOP I APPLIED

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC SIERRA 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND HAULING A TRAILER, THE ABS, SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE, SERVICE POWER STEERING, AND SERVICE STABILITRAK WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE VEHICLE LOST BRAKING FUNCTIONALITY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILUR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Gmc SIERRA 3500

Based on 11 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 54K 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+

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 (6)

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR14/09/2017

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 trucks. The front seat belt retractor assemblies were built with the incorrect torsion bar. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Risk: The seat belt retractors may not perform as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front seat belt retractor assemblies, free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's numbers for this recall are 17368, 17375, and 17376.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Gmc SIERRA 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.

Your state (affects local premium average)

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 Gmc SIERRA 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

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 3500, 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

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 20 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC SIERRA 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND HAULING A TRAILER, THE ABS, SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE, SERVICE POWER STEERING, AND SERVICE STABILITRAK WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE VEHICLE LOST BRAKING FUNCTIONALITY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILUR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL SHAKING FROM 70MPH TO 78 MPH HIGHWAY DRIVING
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
LIGHTING: HID HEADLIGHTS ON MY TRUCK FLICKER SIGNIFICANTLY, AND DIM AND BRIGHTEN, WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON BUMPY SURFACES. THIS IS BRAND NEW TRUCK WITH 2500 MILES ON IT. I PAID EXTRA FOR THE ALL TERRAIN VERSION. GMC'S OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO ME IS THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR HID HEADLIGHTS TO FLICKER ON/OFF, AND TH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: 17Jan2023. 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD Denali. Northbound on I37 near Three Rivers, TX. Speed approx 75 mph. Temp approx 55F. Wx conditions, 1/2 mile vis in fog. Traffic, zero vehicles ahead, one vehicle approx 100 yards behind. Time approx 0815. No overpasses encountered. Cruise control engaged.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Gmc dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)