general problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - part 1

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic to inspect the vehicle. The independent mechanic discovered that the camshaft and lifters were inoperable. The mechanic stated that the issue would worsen if the vehicle were continually driven. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 147,000.

Failed/collapsed lifters associated with known active fuel management (afm) issues. These issues are documented in technical service bulletins and I believe there are special campaigns for 2014-2018 l83 engine, but my VIN does not have a special campaign attached to it for some reason. I believe there are also class action lawsuits associated with these known issues, but a recall has not been issued.

We purchased a 2018 fully loaded chevy silverado ltz/z71 ($60,000) in 2019, with the idea it would last. After being super meticulous with maintenance and keeping this vehicle in top condition, we just passed the 110,000 mile mark. I have receipts of all the work/maintenance completed on this vehicle. I began to hear a ticking noise in the engine block, and the check engine light came on, so I pulled the codes and went to a local transmission/engine mechanic to find that I have a bent push rod (manufacture failure) due a failed lifter/afm system. I opted not to take it directly to the dealer as they charge $179 base rate for diagnosis which could increase depending on the diagnosis needed. After numerous calls, I found this is a very common ($7,500-$11,000+) issue with '18-'21 models. Explored my options only to find the 2021- 2026 engines are worse with issues involving crankshaft, engine seizures and an active lawsuit with the new 6. 2l v8 engines. (silverado, GMC sierra, tahoe, suburban, yukons) I was then pointed in the direction of speaking to the gm manufacture directly, again. I had contacted them numerous times and was told the damages, even though are not preventable and are directly due to a manufacture error. I was told I must take my vehicle to a licensed service dealer to be diagnosed. I informed them, that I was already told my vehicle would not be covered so I did not feel the need to endure additional cost only to be told the cost would again, not be covered. I'm not seeking full payment; I even mentioned goodwill assistance of which they denied; however, I'm without a vehicle and have received very little to no communication in resolving this issue, which is an issue I'm finding is happening to many others alike and general motors corp, is not taking any responsibility or accountability in this matter.

Collapsible lifter and lift rod failure.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon cold starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and suggested that a diagnostic test be performed. The contact called two other local dealers, herndon Chevrolet service (5617 sunset blvd, lexington, SC 29072) and jim hudson Chevrolet service (111 newland rd, columbia, SC 29229), but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics and was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was contacted and offered a gift card towards the purchase of another vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Since purchase in 2018, my pickup truck has had a ticking and banging sound which includes rough idling and a check engine light. During routine maintenance, oil changes, etc. I have continued to ask about the noise but gm technicians have said nothing is wrong. In November 2025, I took the truck to a local shop for an oil change and that’s when I learned it has lifter issues. Upon investigating whether other chevy silverado truck owners are experiencing the same thing, I’ve learned about various recall and extended warranty programs offered by general motors. I’m wondering when or if my 2018 chevy silverado might be included in a recall or could I be offered an extended warranty?.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact became aware of abnormal oil consumption and sound coming from under the hood. The local dealer was contacted; however, the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound while driving and during start-up. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 19v328000 (engine). The contact was concerned that the engine might seize. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the failure was linked to the cylinders. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

I purchased my truck in December 2018 which is a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4x4 crew cab automatic from servco Chevrolet dealership in waipahu, hawaii and making monthly payments for my truck February of 2019 truck runs good and purchased the warranty also had my oil and service changed when time is due which I always kept up. [xxx] and mileage was 40k while leaving work to go home at a stop light was red once turned green I pushed pedal to go and truck just changed noise tone started to run like rough idle, loud tapping noise coming from the engine, shaking and check engine light came on almost causing me to get into an accident. I pulled on the side and checked what was going on and heard the tapping noise from the motor. So I made an appointment with service department with servco Chevrolet dealership where I bought my truck from and spoke with the service tech for my truck to go in for repairs due to issue. It took 2 to 3 weeks for repairs to be complete and service tech informed me that I'm not the only person to have that issue which had to do with the lifters and camshaft with these motors but gm never came out with any recalls due to how much people has the same motors with the same issue. So luckily it was still covered under warranty but said the problem might come back and would just replace the faulty lifters and camshaft. So in August of 2023 my truck has the same issue but wasn't covered under warranty anymore and mileage is 61k and missed the warranty repairs that was for the lifters which I got it scanned cause check engine light and same issue and code was p0016. So I called servco Chevrolet dealership in waipahu again and spoke with the service technician which he told me I just missed the coverage of the warranty repair and only way to get it fixed I would have to bring it back for them to scan and roughly would range from 4k to 8k to get it fixed. So my truck is parked in my garage and hasn't been moved but paying for truck. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph, the “service stabili-trak” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the instrument panel went black, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated unintendedly. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact waited approximately 10 minutes before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The warning light was no longer illuminated. The failure occurred two more times while driving to the residence. The vehicle was taken to several certified mechanics who were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer assisted the contact in scheduling an appointment with the dealer. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

My 2018 Chevrolet silverado with a 6. 2 engine suffered a connecting rod bearing failure causing the engine to seize/lock up. The engine components are available for inspection. The engine seized/locked up and could have caused a crash. The vehicle is at my mechanics shop right now and will remain there until it is repaired. The vehicle has been inspected by my mechanic but no one else. The engine had developed a "tick" at idle and while driving. My mechanic found a bent pushrod in the engine and then found the engine suffered a camshaft lifter failure. He replaced all the pushrods, camshaft lifters, and the camshaft. It had been repaired and had been driven for a test drive. There were no warnings the engine was going to to fail. The engine just locked up without warning. The engine was removed from the pickup and was then disassembled and found to have had a connecting rod bearing failure on cylinder 7 and cylinder 8.

2018 chevy silverado 5. 2l with v8 engine equipped with afm system broke down while accelerating onto a on ramp for the highway going 40 mph. Truck failed to accelerate any faster and a loud knocking noise occurred with a check engine and traction failure light. Safety was put at risk as there was no where to pull off and my truck had no power to it while accelerating onto a very busy interstate. The truck was towed to a chevy dealership and determined the lifter valves were ticking form both sides and require replacement of them all and the cam shaft.

My 2018 silverado z71crew cab lt , 5. 3l engine was having issues with hold freon in ac unit. We took to dealer to be fixed in June 2025. They added freon and it was running good for a week then once again blew but no cold air. So took back second time 7/3/25 and they started the die test and machine went down in middle of doing it. So could not finish fixing . We took back on 07/20/25 and they completed the test needed condenser . So few days later we took to our local mechanic to have the condenser replaced and all is well with the ac unit now. Everything was fine from mid July 2025 till oct 14 th 2025 , when it started shaking and was running rough and engine light was on so I had it checked for codes to see what it needed. Came back as bad injector. So we took to local mechanic to have injector replaced and tuneup and coils replaced . After this was completed was running much rougher then before we even had that injector and tuneup done. So mechanic suggested for him to keep it and let him dive deeper into what was wrong and why it was running rougher than before, so we let him do that. . After two days, he came back and told us that there was a crack in the engine and that is why it was running rough and that it probably was going to have an engine failure and might be and must be replaced. So I looked up my VIN number to see if there’s any recalls for my particular truck and engine size which is a 5. 3 l and it doesn’t show my particular truck but it does show my year of a silverado and the 3. 6 l engine has had the same issues so I was wondering if this recall should be extended to the 5. 3 l 2018 seems to be the same problem with the engine block.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the vehicle lost motive power and the lifters collapsed. The contact was able to pull over safely. The contact stated that the engine and abs warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer, who informed them about the diagnosis and the cost for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

I well maintained my 2018 Chevrolet silverado, and now the motoer is failing, loss of power and just started smoking from exhaust, my mechanic said that the motor is in the process of blowing up. I made every oil change, and maintained the vehicle because I wanted it to last and be the last vehicle I had to purchase. It failing almost caused a bad accident on the interstate, but luckily I was able to avoid an incident and get to safety.

On 4/18/25 I was driving to work and was about 2 miles from work when I started to get all kinds of faults displaying on my screen. The engine started to run rough; it sounded like it was not running on all cylinders. After work I drove it straight to the maintenance shop I have been using. They informed me that a lifter failed and went into the cam shaft and created all kinds of metal. I was informed that this was the second Chevrolet silverado they have had this problem and replaced the engine.

I purchased a used 2018 Chevrolet silverado high country (VIN: [xxx] ) on [xxx], with 24,375 miles. On the day of pickup, the truck felt like it was driving over rumble strips. Dimmitt Chevrolet flushed the transmission and used the updated mobil 1 hp lv fluid. This worked temporarily, but the shudder returned. Carmax then sent the truck to burke’s transmission in sarasota, where they replaced the torque converter. However, the shop declined to rebuild the transmission, citing its complexity. I later brought the truck to cox Chevrolet in bradenton. Despite clearly describing the shudder, harsh shifting, and driveline clunk, they told me the behavior was “normal” and refused to investigate further, stating, “we’ll look into it once the unit fails completely. ” the symptoms have worsened. Harsh 1–2, 2–3, and 3–4 shifts are back. Shifting into drive causes a loud clunk and forward lurch. Cold starts cause bucking and sudden stopping. I’ve replaced the tires, bilstein 5100 rear shocks, and front suspension parts, but the problem persists. I signed on to a class action lawsuit against gm over the 8l90 transmission, but my claim was denied. This issue is well-documented and matches reports from many other owners. It affects drivability, safety, and long-term reliability. Gm and its dealers have failed to properly address this known transmission defect. I urge NHTSA to investigate further. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power while driving over a ditch or speed bump. Several unknown warning lights were occasionally illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the negative and positive battery wiring cables were abnormally hot. The contact restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer. The contact was informed that the fuse box, battery cables, and ground wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to start with the ignition key; however, the contact was able to use a screwdriver to start the vehicle, and the starter was replaced by the same local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

Lifter problem misfire.

Truck suddenly started slowing down and smoke came from the tailpipe. No warning issued before the failure. Transmission replaced in January of this year also.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion into cylinder #7, causing engine failure. The contact stated that metal shavings were found mixed in with the engine oil. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

2018 6. 2l engine dropped 3 lifters at just a little over 70k miles. Vehicle is my wife’s and almost caused her and my child to have an accident while traveling on highway at posted speed. Vehicle lost power that resulted from premature engine failure resulting in vehicle losing power to the brakes and steering while in heavy traffic. This directly affected my wife and immediately caused her to have a panic attack. Vehicle has always been maintained to the highest levels. This issue affects a substantial amount of these motors around the same mileage. Very bad and unsafe afm design that is common among vehicles with this engine. Transmission is also experiencing studdering/vibration issues. Right now we have paid out over 5k for engine repairs. Transmission needs repaired and presents a constant safety risk to our family as well as others. Gm needs to stand by their products as we consumers put our trust in these vehicles to be safe and to last more than a few miles. My wife and I both have to work and unfortunately we don’t have the extra funds to purchase another vehicle or to keep shelling money out to fix a basically new vehicle that we have babied. Please help us hold companies accountable for their failure to stand behind their products. Thank you for your time.

Engine all of a sudden had no power or acceleration. Started shaking and thumping extremely loud.

Transmission jerks with hard shift and rough idle.

Unknown.

An independent service center confirmed that the water pump failed and fell apart. This water pump is a 4-groove pulley (part number 12685259) specific to my vehicle. Most other silverados have a 6-groove pulley system. This 4-groove pulley water pump is unavailable from the dealer or any of the part stores, as they are on back order with no resolution or availability date. Gm has notified some parts stores that this part has been discontinued and is no longer available. This truck is less than 10 years old. There are no other parts, either aftermarket or otherwise, to replace my water pump. The water pump is a vital engine component needed to prevent significant engine damage, and without it, the truck can not run independently without overheating. It is essentially the heart of the automotive cooling system, because the truck water pump function is to continuously circulate the engine coolant from the radiator to the engine and back to the radiator. I have had my truck in an independent service center since January 2025, waiting for this part, which is unavailable. I do have the original part at the shop available for inspection. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem before the failure; it just started making a clanking sound, and I immediately took it to a shop, and have been out of a vehicle for 5 months.

10 miles from home on [xxx] after thanksgiving with my children sleeping at [xxx] in snowy cold weather, my engine began to fail. Power was limited on hills and the check engine light would come on and go back off when on flat or downhill. The next morning I took my truck to the dealer that I purchased it from where I was told the lifters had failed and I need a new engine. 1000 miles after I replaced my engine my transmission failed completely requiring a transmission replacement. Immediately upon picking up the vehicle and going down a long hill in the area, engine breaking turned on as expected but as the truck tried to slow itself, after 2 or 3 downshifts, the transmission began making a loud grinding sound and while still going close to 50 mph, the speedometer showed 10-15 mph and the tach dropped to idle. The transmission was decoupled from the motor. When gas was reapplied it seemed to make the connection again and resume normal driving. I called the dealership whose techs did not believe me and told me that I could 'turn off' the engine breaking feature. The situation continued to worsen each drive and it would do it more often. This was unacceptable and they finally had a tech ride with me to experience it and immediately agreed there was an issue and reordered another transmission. The third transmission did not fix the issue and was experienced immediately. They are now guessing how to fix the issue telling me I have to replace the transfer case out of my pocket with no diagnosis, not sure what is causing it and have not fixed the problem. Videos would not fit in upload due to size. Videos show speedometer failure. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the engine and transmission were recently replaced, and the vehicle was released by the dealer and the failure occurred three days later. Additionally, the contact stated that the dealer installed a rebuilt transmission and engine, with a warranty up to 100,000 miles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact stated that the repair was declined coverage under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

Two broken exhaust manifold bolts.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the transmission failed to operate as designed and the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle returned to normal functionality afterwards. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure; however, the check engine warning light illuminated after the failure and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The failure persisted and the vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking and jerking. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 mph. In addition, the contact stated while driving uphill, the failure reoccurred. The contact was almost involved in a crash because the vehicle had failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled backwards. The contact turned the vehicle off and restarted the vehicle and the contact was able to get to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine and transmission failure. The contact was informed that the engine and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring for over five years. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times due to the failure. The contact was informed several times that the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

I own a 2018 Chevrolet silverado (8?speed, ~81,000 miles). The engine has been audibly ticking, and the dealership confirmed hearing it during diagnosis. This aligns with known afm lifter collapse issues in the l86 gen?v v8, a design failure rather than simple wear. I’ve consistently used premium schaeffer 0w?20 synthetic oil, changed regularly on schedule. Maintenance logs and receipts are available. So far, the engine hasn’t completely failed, but lifter collapse can spiral into catastrophic camshaft or short?block damage—with no advance warning and high risk of sudden failure. I haven’t had an accident yet, but the ticking is driving home how precarious this is—one mile closer to a full grenade without warning. I’m reporting this in the hope NHTSA will identify a widespread safety risk in these l86 lifter failures and prompt a formal investigation or recall to prevent sudden engine failure in similar vehicles.

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.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving out of the driveway, the vehicle shuddered prior to stalling. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the contact was concerned for his personal safety while driving the vehicle after the failure. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #6, lifters, and guides needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.