2018 Gmc Sierra: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Used GMC SIERRA shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Current data includes 356 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2018 Gmc Sierra Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2018 Gmc Sierra trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Gmc Sierra has 356 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 11 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Gmc
- Model
- Sierra
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 356
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Safety recall campaigns
- 11
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 23
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
Most Common 2018 Gmc Sierra Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Gmc Sierra?
This GMC SIERRA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Gmc Sierra
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Gmc Sierra, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The GMC SIERRA has 356 NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls on record. 10 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 11 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 356 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 11 federal recall campaigns
- 10 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
All 2018 Gmc Sierra Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Gmc Sierra. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 130 | 4 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 80 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 52 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 51 | — | 3 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 34 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 31 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 15 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 8 | 4 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Diesel | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Gmc Sierra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Paint flaking top above windshield within one year of ownership! Paint flaking on left rear door within last month!
The transmission has always been rough. It has now gone out at 75,000 miles. This transmission issue really seemed to get worse about 50,000 miles. But when I called the dealer, they said they were backed up and couldn't get to it for 9-12 weeks (Covid excuses at that point). The…
GM Duramax L5P diesel engine electrical connector for #4 fuel injector. This failure caused the Diesel exhaust brake, which controls downhill speed, to disengage, extreme shaking of the vehicle, emissions system warning and speed limiting. This occurred while descending a stee…
The contact owns a 2018 Gmc Sierra 3500. The contact stated while operating the vehicle at an undisclosed speed the vehicle suddenly shutoff, the vehicle was coasted to side of the road. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) however, the …
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra Denali 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at speeds over 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving on three separate occasions and stalled twice while …
I’ve owner the vehicle since new. My A/C condenser has failed 3 times, meaning I’m now about to be on my 4th. The welds are weak and it cracks in the same spot 95% of the time. It should last more than a 2 year average.
Premature frame rot
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, and while the vehicle was parked, the running boards unexpectedly lowered. Additionally, there was oil leaking from the vehicle, and the check engine warning light was i…
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH on bumpy terrain, the driver’s and passenger’s side curtain air bags deployed unexpectedly. No warning light was illuminated, and there was no impact to the vehicle to cause the ai…
1. Electronic power steering modular issue. My 2018 GMC SEIRRA 1500 CREW CAB JUST LOST ALL POWER STEERING. THEN WHEN I PARK IT. Assist notifications come on, ABS notices, BRAKE light stays on, trailer/tow notifications, trailer assist, parking brake, etc SUDDENLY A LOUD thu…
I’ve gone through two transmissions on my 2018 gmc sierra 1500 both times the same issue. The gears are shot, hard shifting. Vehicle is well maintained. Both transmissions one original equipment and second bought at the dealership the truck was bought both only lasted over 80000 …
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally hard. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was i…
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal vibration in the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the tires were replaced, and the wheels and bearings were inspe…
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. While starting the vehicle, it was shaking violently, with reduced power. The vehicle was restarted and worked as designed. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine and Engine and Cooling)…
I OWN A 2018 GMC SIERRA DENALI ULTIMATE, The truck has the 6.2 engine which had the lifter issue as stated with the current situation. At the time, the truck had 37,000 miles when the issues started. I purchased the truck from Andy Mohr with 8806 miles on it in November of 2019.…
The lifters in my engine collapsed. This caused a push rod to be bent and the cam shaft to be damaged causing thousands to fix. While I was driving. I could feel the engine malfunction causing my speed to significantly decrease. The vehicle was fixed through an independent me…
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be re…
Engine failure. 6.2l with AFM system Extreme oil consumption Heavy metal in oil Loud ticking 120789 miles Purchase date 05/29/2025 Madras, Oregon Chevrolet Dealer
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air conditioning system became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the air conditioning system failed to function properly. The vehi…
Driving on the freeway going approx 70 MPH and the ABS warning light, and Stabilitrak warning light suddenly turned on. I’m sure you can imagine how panicked I was going that fast on the freeway and having my brake warnings suddenly turn on. Especially with my entire family in …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Gmc Sierra.
2018 Gmc Sierra Recalls
11 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Gmc Sierra. 11 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Gmc Sierra Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Gmc Sierra reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 356 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 11 recall campaigns for this model year. This GMC SIERRA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Gmc Sierra?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (130 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (80 complaints). #3: Brake System (52 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Gmc Sierra?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Gmc Sierra?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Gmc Sierra, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 356 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Gmc Sierra have any recalls?▾
Yes. 11 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Gmc Sierra. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM. 11 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Gmc Sierra?▾
This GMC SIERRA year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Gmc Sierra reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Gmc Sierra based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.