2018 GMC Sierra 1500: common problems

The maker issued 724 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.

Key figures

Technical service bulletins (TSB): 724

Components owners complain about

Component	Owner complaints	involving a crash	Technical service bulletins (TSB)
Equipment	0	0	151
Electrical system	0	0	146
Engine and cooling	0	0	136
Powertrain	0	0	106
Engine	0	0	69
Fuel system	0	0	46
Structure	0	0	38
Wheels	0	0	34
Service brakes	0	0	23
Fuel/propulsion system	0	0	16
Steering	0	0	15
Suspension	0	0	15
Tires	0	0	14
Exterior lighting	0	0	13

Comparison

What to check before buying

Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.

Manufacturer service bulletins

Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.

received by NHTSA in 2025–2026 · № 11037555 · Other This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it
received by NHTSA in 2025–2026 · № 11037550 (+2 with the same text) · Other This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent…
This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
received by NHTSA in 2025–2026 · № 11037253 (+4 with the same text) · Other This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance
received by NHTSA in 2025–2026 · № 11035350 · Other This PI provides information to repair the door water deflector which is not sealed properly allows water…
This PI provides information to repair the door water deflector which is not sealed properly allows water into the door jam/sill area.
received by NHTSA in 2025–2026 · № 11035340 · Other PI to help diagnose A/C concern
received by NHTSA in 2025–2026 · № 11035308 (+1 with the same text) · Other This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues
received by NHTSA in 2025–2026 · № 11030974 · Other This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size…
received by NHTSA in 2025–2026 · № 11030092 · Other This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a…
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
received by NHTSA in 2025–2026 · № 11028700 · Other This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning…
This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning messages and MIL along with several low speed lan DTCs.
received by NHTSA in 2025–2026 · № 11027698 (+1 with the same text) · Other This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255
Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin.
received by NHTSA in 2025–2026 · № 11026863 · Other This Preliminary information communicates a diagnostic tip for an issue where the starter stays engaged…
This Preliminary information communicates a diagnostic tip for an issue where the starter stays engaged after the engine starts. Dealers are to suspect/monitor the crankshaft position sensor.
received by NHTSA in 2025–2026 · № 11026104 · Wheels This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities

NHTSA lists 724 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.

Other years of this model

Questions and answers

What are the most common problems with the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500?

There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 724 manufacturer service bulletins.

How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500?

NHTSA lists 724 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.

Should I buy a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 from a US auction?

Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.

Other 2018 models

Read also

Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.