general problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - part 1

80 problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 based on all problems reported for the 2018 Silverado 1500.

1 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/09/2025

Truck was intermittently losing power steering and shutting off/reseting itself. Was a loss of electrical and was throwing stabilitrak service warning. Would not stay on due to truck resetting itself but loss of power happened typically when I was in parking lot or driveway. Could have easily been on the highway which could have been deadly. Dealership found that the battery cables and module were not getting enough power to truck. Replaced these and it seems okay now. Total cost was ~$1200. I see several recalls for battery cable issues but nothing pulling on my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ltz crew cab.

2 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/06/2025

1. The components that failed were the transmission because the vehicle was driving and continued to slow down until it came to a complete stop gradually, and had to be pushed home. And also, there was an issue with the doors unlocking on their own and all windows rolling down by themselves. 2. The safety risk was the issues that happened without any knowledge of any issues at all with the vehicle. And the vehicle could have stopped on the highway, and another vehicle could have run into it, and it could have been a very bad incident. And with the doors unlocking and the windows rolling on their own could be exposed to unsafe environments and possibly theft of the vehicle or harm to the occupants. 3. Had a scan done, which showed the issues that were going on with the vehicle 4. I haven't had a chance to have it taken to the manufacturer because it broke down, and I was waiting for some help to get these issues repaired from the manufacturer. And needed from acc. 5. There wasn't no indicators or lights on when this happened? I was told by a coworker about the windows being down, and with further investigations, I found the doors were unlocked as well, which was done automatically without my control.

3 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/02/2025

To whom it may concern, below is my support statement regarding recurring safety and reliability issues observed in the vehicle over an extended period: 1. Sensor malfunction and resulting damage the front and rear proximity sensors exhibit repeated failures. During reversing, the system issues false warnings when no obstruction is present. Conversely, while driving forward, the system fails to provide warnings when approaching walls, sidewalks, or other fixed objects. These failures have directly contributed to multiple instances of exterior damage, including impact with hard surfaces, as well as damage to tires and rims. 2. Warning system deficiencies the engine warning system has proven unreliable. Significant oil leaks occurred without any corresponding check engine notification. On separate occasions, the check engine light illuminated briefly before extinguishing without resolution. 3. Diagnostic inconsistencies independent diagnostic inspections identified multiple ecm fault codes. However, upon subsequent service visits, these codes were cleared or dismissed without adequate explanation, creating uncertainty regarding the vehicle’s underlying condition. 4. Excessive repair history despite limited use over the past several years, the vehicle has required multiple costly repairs despite being operated only for routine transportation. It has not been utilized in off-road conditions or to its full 4x4 capacity, yet has demonstrated significant and repeated mechanical deficiencies. The issues experienced indicate systemic failures in critical safety systems, monitoring functions, and diagnostic reliability. These unresolved defects have resulted in repeated safety risks, physical damage, and disproportionate maintenance requirements.

4 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/29/2025

Doors automatically lock with the keys in the ignition and running locking in anyone who is still in vehicle who cannot open to door physically. It will also prevent you from entering the vehicle without a second set of keys or other methods of unlocking the door (onstar, locksmith). This could put occupants in danger and exposed to the elements unexpectedly and also place inside children in danger. Diagnosis - keyfob - if battery in keyfob is low, the programming of the vehicle is set to automatically lock even if vehicle is in the ignition and running. When unlocking vehicle with the defective fob, vehicle will unlock, then immediately lock preventing entry. Remedy - replace battery in key fob and truck works as normal.

5 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/09/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly lost electrical power before returning to normal functionality. The contact stated that during the brief failure, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

6 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/05/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who observed damages to the main wiring harness, due to a failure with the over molding protective shell. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.

7 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/29/2024

Have had 3 rear door actuator locks fail. Refer to complaint 11538814. Will be able to upload files at request.

8 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/27/2024

Entire system (everything) shut down without warning, sometimes kick back on, and other times not at all. Extremely dangerous as it will occur no matter traveling on highway or turning a corner in a parking lot. There are discussion boards in which many people have experienced this problem and clearly it is because of "bad battery cables" and common within the 2014-2018 models. My truck is currently in a dealership garage to have the cables replaced and I have to have a rental car while the cables are on backorder for 5 to 10 days (maybe longer). How is this not a "recall" when so common and so dangerous? dealership could see in a diagnosis that power had been lost and communication lost, over and over and over. There has never been a dash warning light come on at all.

9 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/09/2024

The truck started shuttering one day it was like I was driving on the drunk bumps but I wasn't. Also it will drop gears when it shouldn't and at times it will kinda jump like it's losing power and don't want to go. I have taken it to my step dad who has been a transmission mechanic all his life and he said the transmission needs to be rebuilt but even rebuilding it won't solve the problem because it is a flaw in the way it was made so rebuilding it they use the same parts and everything so it will eventually do the same thing again it's all just a matter of when. He also had me go to another really good transmission guy and he said that we could replace the torch converter but still may need a rebuild l. I don't know if any that has to do with my passenger tire wear or my wheel bearing coming loose while driving only one bolt was holding it on when my husband checked it. The wheel bearing coming loose is pretty big safety problem. As for the transmission my step dad works at a transmission shop and he said they get probably 3 to 5 trucks a week having the same problem mine is having and I know they have been recalls on other trucks that have the same problem as mine just my one wasn't in the batch they recalled .

10 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/18/2024

No check engine light come on until continued driving over 15-20 miles. Transmission slams into second gear when taking off or when stopping it may or may not downshift into first causing safety issues when in traffic. Possible electrical error or clutch inside transmission. On this model it is a sealed transmission so no way of identifying if metal shavings come out with a transmission flush. The issue only happens when vehicle is at temperature, if under and still cool drives perfect but as soon as it hits the temperature of 210 it slams very ugly.

11 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2024

Hi I toke in my truck twice because of it was jerking was told it was fine noting was wrong my truck is now doing it so hard it feels like I been hit by another car.

12 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/17/2024

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the vehicle went into limp mode and was slow to respond as needed. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the exhaust. While driving, the rear end locked up. The contact stated that the vehicle was slipping, and the vehicle shut off while driving. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact replaced the spark plugs, coil pack, and spark plug wires with a misfire in cylinder #6. The contact stated that the fluids were replaced at an unknown local dealer prior to the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

13 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/13/2024

The trailer brake signal will alert an unnecessary amount of times randomly.

14 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/12/2024

I’ve had to have the transmission replaced before hitting 123k miles there is a constant shake, tremble in the car that dealer mechanics cannot figure out and they relate the issue to the transmission electrical dashboard and ac lightning fixture burnt out.

15 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/16/2024

Vehicle shuts off while driving in traffic at low and high speeds stabilitrak service light comes on and the vehicle dash goes dark radio and temp control panel go dark/ black.

16 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/30/2024

Rear window defrogger overheated and caused the back electric sliding window to shatter and when door was closed the window blew out!.

17 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/27/2023

I have a 2018 chevy Silverado 1500 crew cab, I’ve been having problems where the truck warning light would come on saying “service stability control” and the truck would turn off when reversing and while driving on highway and the light flickers and the steer wheel would lock up as well, please help me out, I have searched over the web and have seen other people posting about it and having the same problems but yet chevy has not done anything about it, this is a safety hazard.

18 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/21/2023

At random the touch screen/radio will continuously switch through screens and apps while operating and will become extremely warm to the touch. The display screen on the instrument panel will also scroll through randomly. The heat will stay on continuously even though it is off.

19 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/19/2023

The component or system that failed or malfunctioned, fuel pump ( metal flaking in fuel system ) has caused 1 or more cylinders to fail. It is available for inspection upon request. My safety as well as the safety of many other motorists was put at high risk due to the fact that I had a 40ft. Trailer hitched to the truck at the time the engine power was reduced. Thus causing my vehicle to loose power while driving on a major highway. The 2018 chevy silverado was diagnosed by the Chevrolet dealership doing-business-as aschenbach Chevrolet located at 925 east main street, wytheville, va 24382. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. When pressing down on the gas pedal, the truck would not accelerate as normal, then a message appeared on the dash-screen engine loosing power. Major engine failures & reproduced repairs: **January 2022 engine rebuilt/replaced - seguin chevy dealership **April 2022 failed knox sensors - power reduced - rush elgin chevy **November 2022 engine replacement, failed fuel injectors, glo plugs & coolant leak - robbins chevy dealership ** September 2023 failed fuel pump, fuel injectors - aschenbach chevy.

20 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/15/2023

Turned on rear window defrost and unit started smoking badly with a chemical smell while driving truck. I pushed button to turn rear defrost off so it wouldn't start on fire but the unit had heated up so badly it shattered the window it was touching.

21 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/11/2023

The following recalls were found on kelly bluebook, that matched the issues I have been having with my vehicle perfectly. When calling the recall center, they stated my vehicle year 2018 chevy silverado and serial number were not listed for this but it's the exact diagnosis of what I'm experiencing. 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 vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash. As the vacuum level drops, the brake assists decrease, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the brakes inflate on their own as if someone is pressing them down while driving. The vehicle begins to jerk horribly causing the inability to steer or maintain control of the vehicle or the ability to stop. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? this is very dangerous. I have no control over the speed of the vehicle or if the brakes will fail, or if the brakes will burn up due to fighting with the accelerator while driving. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? yes, the manufacturer inspected it and stated they could fix the issues, paid but then the same malfunction kept happening even after payment and supposedly being fixed. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? none related to the issues, stabilitrak warning and then random hill assist to inflate the brake vacuum.

22 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/11/2023

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after five minutes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.

23 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/26/2023

Service trailer brake light would ding and appear randomly while parked and driving with no trailer or load hooked. Radio jumps screens making phone calls disconnecting bluetooth just spazes out. Truck is currently sitting at the dealer suggesting a tcm repair. Truck will be in drive and roll backwards. Driving down the road vehicle just goes limp. . No power nothing. Absolutely disgusted with my purchase and what I’m going through with my 2018 silverado.

24 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/24/2023

June 24th 2023 on a sunny day right after I start my truck ( truck still on my drive way) trailer brake system service notice came on. I don't have any trailer on that truck at that time. This truck trailer brake system service notice on & off and beep too, it keep my eye off the road the most time this is danger this vehicle never been to accident or even small hit. . . Please get chevy fix this problem , I don't want have a accident because that notice keep came up and keep my eye off the street.

25 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/30/2023

Unknown the ignition, steering wheel, and electrical. While driving it flickers off and on, turns off the engine, unlocks my doors and turns on again. Yes, our safety as well as others are put at risk this can cause an accident to happen on the road while driving, most likely to get rear ended. Today it gave me a scare because my 2 year old granddaughter was in the truck.

26 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/23/2023

My trailer brake system service light is on. This is due to a faulty wire harness. This issue is also causing the stabilitrak service light to appear.

27 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/09/2023

Vehicle started to fill with smoke. I exited vehicle to look in the back seat when all of a sudden the rear window exploded causing glass to come flying at me. There was a recall for this exact same issue, however gm says this vehicle is not included in it. Obviously there are more vehicles that need to be recalled!.

28 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/03/2023

While driving down the highway, I heard a ding and the service trailer brake message appeared. Several minutes later, while driving about 30 mph and coming to a stop, I heard the ding again, the service trailer brake message appeared again, then all electric components died. I had no lights or gauges working, the radio turned off, the a/c turned off, I loss all steering capabilities as my steering wheel locked in place, and the engine died. All of this occurred while the vehicle was still in motion. As I pressed the brake and came to a stop, the electronics regained power. A message appeared telling me to lower and raise the driver's side window. I came to a complete stop. Even though the electronics returned, I had to restart the engine. I put the vehicle in park, turn it off with my key, then start it again with the key, all while stopped on a very busy highway. I was able to drive the vehicle home with no further issues. I have not contacted the dealership yet, as they are currently closed as I write this. I will be contacting them and informing them of the issue. I had mentioned a similar issue to the dealership a few years ago. They made a report of the incident, but said there is nothing they can do if they cannot replicate it. This is very dangerous. Losing all electronic functions, including the ability to steer and having the engine die while driving is scary. I can lose the ability to guide my truck and crash the vehicle into something or someone. This puts my family at risk and anyone else on highway that may be in proximity. There is no telling when this will take place. I have had electrical issues randomly happen while starting the vehicle, but not while driving. I may go weeks or months between electrical startup problems. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

29 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/02/2023

Service parking brake system keeps coming on, switch has been replaced and it still comes on. I have had the traction control light and service abs light come on. Took to shop they told me there was a broken wire the first two times in the harness.

30 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/15/2023

The vehicle has just completely died on me at least twice while driving it, the power steering keeps cutting out, and the headlights will dim significantly upon pressing the brake pedal or using turn signals. This has been going on intermittently for months. Upon an internet search, this does not appear to be an uncommon issue.

31 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/15/2023

The control module for the passenger side air bag failed. A warning light depicting the air bag was continuously displayed until the module was replaced according to the dealer service department, the air bag would fail to deploy with this failure.

32 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/07/2023

The service stabiltrak and trailer brake system warming light comes on. The dealership said that it is a wire harness.

33 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/02/2023

The hood latch sensor has gone out and says that my hood is open when it is not. The problem is that the security alarm reads it as someone’s tampering with my hood and sets off my alarm. At this time I am unable to lock my truck because the alarm constantly goes off. The dealer has said this is happening so often that the part is severely back ordered.

34 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/14/2022

I have done some research and found other trucks same year and make have had the same problem and have had recalls but the problem is when I hit the break the lights will all flash like the truck is going to stall and it will say service trailer break system and stablitrak system and will even shut my truck off while I’m driving causing me to have to either pull of the side of the road and start my truck back up.

35 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2022

Service trailer brake system message appears and disappears constantly, check engine light.



Silverado 1500 Service Bulletins
Silverado 1500 Safety Recalls
Silverado 1500 Defect Investigations