A sorted late model of its generation
The 2018 Silverado 1500 has fewer complaints than the model average. The main item to check is torque converter shudder on trucks with the 8-speed automatic.
Updated November 2026 · based on 522 owner complaints and 7 recalls
127 40% below the Silverado 1500 average
7 free to fix at a dealer
Every Silverado 1500 year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2018 Silverado 1500
Top problems and what they cost
Torque converter shudder
A shudder, like driving over rumble strips, at steady speed. A fluid change often fixes it.
Fix: Transmission fluid flush $250 to $400; torque converter $1,500 to $2,500.
Transmission
Engine stalls at full steering lock
A few report the engine dying when the wheel is turned all the way.
Fix: Diagnosis $100 to $200.
Electrical
Air bag inflator recalls
Several recent air bag recalls apply.
Fix: Free under recall.
Air bags
Recalls
As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the...
Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the ve...
A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the ve...
A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increases th...
A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing t...
Show all 7 recalls
A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing t...
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Confirm all recalls show as repaired, including the brake vacuum and air bag recalls.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2018 Silverado 1500 has 7 recalls on record, listed below.
- Hold a steady 40 to 50 mph and feel for shudder.A shudder feels like driving over rumble strips. It usually points to a worn torque converter or transmission, which can be expensive to fix.Owners filed 41 complaints about transmission shudder and harsh shifting on the 2018 Silverado 1500.
- Ask whether the transmission fluid has been changed.Rough, delayed or slipping gear changes are early signs of transmission trouble. A rebuilt or replacement transmission often costs $3,000 to $6,000.Owners filed 41 complaints about transmission shudder and harsh shifting on the 2018 Silverado 1500.
Questions
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?
A sorted late model of its generation. The 2018 Silverado 1500 has fewer complaints than the model average. The main item to check is torque converter shudder on trucks with the 8-speed automatic.
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?
7 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems?
Torque converter shudder; Engine stalls at full steering lock; Air bag inflator recalls.
Crash rating shown for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/EC 4WD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.