AutoUtility currently tracks 297 official NHTSA owner defect complaints for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. Powertrain & Transmission issues are the most frequently reported category, appearing in 125 complaints (42.1% of submitted records). Among these NHTSA complaint records, 10 filings cite a crash, 1 cites a fire, 5 report one or more injuries.
Factual proportion of owner complaints categorized by automotive subsystem in NHTSA records
125 owner complaints submitted to NHTSA ODI for this subsystem.
62 owner complaints submitted to NHTSA ODI for this subsystem.
44 owner complaints submitted to NHTSA ODI for this subsystem.
43 owner complaints submitted to NHTSA ODI for this subsystem.
Specific mechanical, electrical, and driver-assist defect symptoms identified via deterministic narrative analysis
8 complaint narratives describe this symptom.
6 complaint narratives describe this symptom.
Representative defect filings submitted by owners to the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
"There was a mass recall on 2018 GMC Sierras to due to a faulty break pump vaccum. We are experiencing the same problems but for some reason were not included in the recall. We were told to reach out on here as others have to see what can be done as this is a saftety hazard."
"Head gasket failure and overheating. After fixed, power steering has just failed during driving. Will have to have it towed to shop"
"THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR IS FAILING TO RETRACT. I HAD A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE AND AS WE CAME TO A STOP IN MY DRIVEWAY TO EXIT THE VEHICLE SHE UNHOOKED (RELEASED) THE SEATBELT AND IT WILL NOT RETRACT. THE SEATBELT IS NOW CURRENTLY EXTENDED OUT AND WILL NOT RETRACT BACK INTO..."
"ENGINE FAILURE, 5/3/22, 23,987 MILES, ALL LIFTERS WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, ENGINE FAILURE, 7/6/26, 46004 MILES, TOOK TRUCK IN FOR OIL CHANGE AND WHEN RETURNED HAD A TICKING NOISE. DEALERSHIP NOTIFIED ME THAT CAMSHAFT ISSUES AND METAL DETECTED IN OIL. ENGINE NEEDS REPLACED. 6.2 V8 2018. TURPIN..."
"Vehicle Details: 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Z72 4x4, 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 engine, VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of incident: 220,000 miles Location: [e.g., Little Rock, Arkansas area or specific road/highway – please provide if desired] What happened: The 5.3L V8 engine’s hydraulic roller lifters failed. One or..."
Reported defect complaint volume across sibling model years (2015–2026)
| Model Year | NHTSA Complaints | Crash Reports | Safety Recalls | Detailed Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 | 813 | 29 | 15 | View 2015 Problems → |
| 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 | 47 | 3 | 9 | View 2016 Problems → |
| 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 | 426 | 20 | 5 | View 2017 Problems → |
| 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Current Page | 297 | 10 | 7 | Current |
| 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 | 626 | 12 | 10 | View 2019 Problems → |
| 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 | 454 | 12 | 12 | View 2020 Problems → |
| 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 | 539 | 5 | 7 | View 2021 Problems → |
| 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 | 557 | 10 | 6 | View 2022 Problems → |
| 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 | 443 | 5 | 3 | View 2023 Problems → |
| 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 | 335 | 5 | 1 | View 2024 Problems → |
| 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 | 103 | 3 | 1 | View 2025 Problems → |
| 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 | 0 | 0 | 2 | View 2026 Problems → |
Complete distribution of consumer defect reports across all 74 granular NHTSA system and subsystem classifications
| Vehicle Component / System | Total Complaints | Crash Reports | Fire Reports | Injury Entries | Fatality Entries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain NHTSA category: POWER TRAIN | 85 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine NHTSA category: ENGINE | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes NHTSA category: SERVICE BRAKES | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other / Uncategorized NHTSA category: UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System NHTSA category: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering NHTSA category: STEERING | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags NHTSA category: AIR BAGS | 6 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Seat Belts NHTSA category: SEAT BELTS | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes NHTSA category: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure & Body NHTSA category: STRUCTURE | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires NHTSA category: TIRES | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility / Glass NHTSA category: VISIBILITY | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine & Cooling NHTSA category: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels & Hubs NHTSA category: WHEELS | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment & Accessories NHTSA category: EQUIPMENT | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,SUSPENSION | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension NHTSA category: SUSPENSION | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Wipers NHTSA category: VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel & Propulsion System NHTSA category: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,SEATS,ENGINE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,WHEELS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| POWER TRAIN,WHEELS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats & Restraints NHTSA category: SEATS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,ENGINE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,POWER TRAIN | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,TIRES | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control NHTSA category: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Cross-reference safety recalls, crash test safety ratings, and EPA fuel economy for this model year
Key performance indicators, EPA fuel economy specs, powertrain variants, and summary ratings.
Official recall campaigns, safety defect descriptions, and manufacturer free remedy instructions.
NHTSA 5-Star NCAP crash test results, driver assistance systems, and rollover resistance ratings.
EPA fuel economy ratings, electric range, and annual energy cost benchmarks.
Direct, deterministic answers synthesized from verified United States government databases for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
In official NHTSA consumer records, the most frequently cited issue area for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 is Powertrain & Transmission, appearing in 125 records (42.1% of submitted filings).
Secondary reported categories include Engine & Cooling (62) and Brakes & Traction Control (44).
AutoUtility does not issue subjective reliability scores or commercial ratings. In official United States government records, NHTSA tracks 297 consumer defect complaints and 7 safety recall campaigns for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500.
Reviewing documented component complaint distributions, recall remedy notices, and active federal investigations provides an objective, evidence-based view of the vehicle's historical safety and defect record.
Among consumer complaint records on file with NHTSA for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 10 filings cite a crash, 1 cite smoke or fire, and 5 report one or more injuries.
Incident entries represent consumer descriptions at the time of submission to federal authorities and do not establish mechanical causation or legal liability.
The complaint records on this page are retrieved directly from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) public database under 49 CFR Part 576.
Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.