2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Silverado 2500 › 2018
These records cover every 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. Newest first.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2018-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 Crew Cab trucks. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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 vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC Customer Service at 888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N242474500.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual fuel tank option. The rear fuel tank may collapse and prevent the fuel pump from transferring fuel to the front tank, resulting in an engine stall.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and fuel pump module, replacing them as necessary. Dealers will also add a vent hose to the rear tank assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on March 15, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 21, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222368030.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500 and 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel 6.6 liter engine and an optional engine-block heater cord. An electrical short-circuit may occur in the engine-block heater cable or in the terminals that connect the heater cable to the block…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace engine block heaters and heater cords. Vehicles that have this feature disabled as a remedy to the safety condition will be contacted and offered replacement block heaters and heater cords under a separate customer satisfaction program, free of charge. GM will provide free replacement block heaters and cords under a separate customer satisfaction campaign. For vehicles previously included in recall 19V-328, the heater cord will be replaced and rerouted, free of charge. Interim owner notifications were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 4, 2022. Customers may call GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 212329840.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500 vehicles and 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with Duramax 6.6 liter diesel engines and an optional engine-block heater. The engine block heater cord or the terminals that connect the heater cord to…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A short-circuit may damage the engine components and increase the risk of fire.
Remedy
GM will contact owners, dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Additionally, in Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles, dealers will install a new rerouted heater cord. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N182206310.
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 trucks. The front seat belt retractor assemblies were built with the incorrect torsion bar. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Risk and remedy
Risk
The seat belt retractors may not perform as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front seat belt retractor assemblies, free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's numbers for this recall are 17368, 17375, and 17376.
Owner complaints
53 complaints2 involved a crash2 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering · Suspension · Wheels
Description of Safety Defect: I purchased this 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD from Carvana. Within 14 days of vehicle delivery, an authorized, in-network warranty repair facility (Monro) diagnosed a critical safety defect in the steering linkage, identifying failed outer tie rod ends and a failed…
Description of Safety Defect: I purchased this 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD from Carvana. Within 14 days of vehicle delivery, an authorized, in-network warranty repair facility (Monro) diagnosed a critical safety defect in the steering linkage, identifying failed outer tie rod ends and a failed pitman arm. Carvana’s warranty administrator, SilverRock (Claim C102648992), acknowledged the structural steering failure by approving the pitman arm and idler arm replacement but explicitly denied the required tie rod ends, claiming "no failure." The vehicle has since been released back to me with the failed tie rod ends still installed. On this heavy-duty truck, the steering linkage has now deteriorated to a catastrophic failure point. With the truck parked on the ground, there is severe, excessive manual play allowing the front wheel to be physically shaken left-to-right by hand. The vehicle cannot be aligned, is structurally compromised, and is completely unsafe to operate on public roads due to the imminent risk of a total loss of steering control. Carvana and SilverRock delivered an unsafe vehicle that failed its structural inspection points, and subsequently refused to complete the safety-critical repair required under their mandatory 100-day limited warranty window, forcing a dangerous, heavy-duty vehicle back onto public roads.
- Air bags
Vehicle displays airbag deployment codes, airbag sound was heard, airbag agent smell is present yet no airbags were deployed in the vehicle. Yes it is available for inspection on request, it will be inspected by insurance adjusters in the next week.
- Engine · Power train
2018 Chevy Silverado 2500Diesel Duramax (63,000 miles & Garage kept) While pulling 37' camper on flat terrain, Push Rod bent and broke in half - violently shaking and missing; Engine was ruined. Engine light did not appear until after it started shaking. Luckily this happened before crossing…
2018 Chevy Silverado 2500Diesel Duramax (63,000 miles & Garage kept) While pulling 37' camper on flat terrain, Push Rod bent and broke in half - violently shaking and missing; Engine was ruined. Engine light did not appear until after it started shaking. Luckily this happened before crossing over steep mountain where we would not have been able to get off road or control vehicle and camper behind us. Truck was towed to Chevy dealership; had to wait until 10 days to learn extent of damage. Repair cost was going to be $26,000 and though our truck's trade in value was $37000 before this event, we were offered just $12000 for trade in. Though we had been led to believe that a Chevy Duramax was highly regarded for durability and longevity, we decided to purchase a RAM Truck. NO MORE CHEVYS for us! Contacted Chevy Customer Assistance but because we traded, they would not offer any financial assistance because we took the dealership's offer and traded the next day. We just couldn't stand a $26000 hit on an 8 year old vehicle and had to absorb that amount with our trade in.
- Air bags
Frontal driver airbag deployed spontaneously while vehicle was stopped at a stop sign. No collision or impact occurred. Deployment produced excessive smoke and heat. Minor burn to hand resulted from deployment.
- Fuel/propulsion system
The truck kept going into limp mode and when taken to the dealership it was found to have metal in the fuel. According to the report from the dealership they stated that this indicated the injection pump had come apart internally and sent metal throughout the system. It has since been repaired at…
The truck kept going into limp mode and when taken to the dealership it was found to have metal in the fuel. According to the report from the dealership they stated that this indicated the injection pump had come apart internally and sent metal throughout the system. It has since been repaired at a high cost to myself. The generation of truck made before mine had a recall for the same thing and I feel that they have not fixed the problem or it wouldn't have happened to my truck. Seems like a manufacturing defect. When in limp mode the truck does not operate at the speed limit required for highway driving. There was no indication prior to the failure.
- Electrical system
Rear defroster seemed to short circuit and over heated causing my back window to break. There was no warning, no light that alerted me to this going on. I had it inspected by a local Chevy dealership and they have indeed confirmed that it short circuited and caused the damage to my rear window. They also removed the fuse to prevent anything further from happening and told me it could have completely caught on fire.
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 92,985. While attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that the title mileage was approximately 215,000.
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while having a State Emissions Test performed on the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 75,200; however, it was discovered that on January 17,2024, the mileage was 265,005.
- Exterior lighting
tail light assembly falls out of the truck body due to faulty bolt connections that fail ( crumble and break off) due to heat from parking in the sun
- Fuel/propulsion system
2 low pressure fuel pumps have failed. truck stalls in traffic. currently in show with extremely large bill for repair.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Driving down the road in heavy traffic and had complete engine failure due to loss of fuel. Diagnosed as fuel control module. I have seen where GM recalls have been made for similar issues. This put me in danger of collision. Truck is at the dealer and will cost $957.00
- Power train
70,000 mile complete transmission failure despite being serviced on-time, as per the guidance. Failure happened while driving and it became dangerous to try to maintain highway speed. Quoted $8390 to replace by the local Chevy dealership and quoted 4-6 weeks delivery for backordered parts. This is…
70,000 mile complete transmission failure despite being serviced on-time, as per the guidance. Failure happened while driving and it became dangerous to try to maintain highway speed. Quoted $8390 to replace by the local Chevy dealership and quoted 4-6 weeks delivery for backordered parts. This is an unacceptable situation that GM and other manufacturers have artificially manufactured. They design everything to the bare minimum to save fractions of a cent per part, and then they intentionally make the parts unavailable and then the dealership pushes you to trade the broken vehicle in at a massive loss just so you can get back on the road in a newer, more expensive vehicle. This sort of behavior is causing immense financial harm to American families.
- Steering
I’m have 1-2” dead space in steering. It is hard to stay in lane on highway as when a road dip takes extra movement keep straight. I was told this is normal but had dealer change steering box. Replacement helped a lot but truck is starting to get the 1-2” of play once again. Seems like similar issue to 2016 model year.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
Dash Warning: Check Engine Light, "Engine Power is Reduced!" and Traction Control. Code Reader Results: P2138 (APP) Accelerator Pedal Position Sensors - Not Plausible. Replaced with NEW OEM Part(s) - APP, Electrical Throttle Body and M15 Fuse - which did NOT fix issues and now due to safety…
Dash Warning: Check Engine Light, "Engine Power is Reduced!" and Traction Control. Code Reader Results: P2138 (APP) Accelerator Pedal Position Sensors - Not Plausible. Replaced with NEW OEM Part(s) - APP, Electrical Throttle Body and M15 Fuse - which did NOT fix issues and now due to safety concerns (further damage to vehicle and personal preservation) will be towing to dealership for diagnosis. Believe to be a known WIRING issues most likely due to WATER exposure/ SHORT in Connectors. - See IP, ECM/PCM and possible false activation to the APP circuit. This should be a RECALL due to the severity of mechanical issues of the malfunctioning system.
- Unknown or other
Reductant heater fault
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
while driving i smelled burning electrical somewhere in the cab. looking in the rearview mirror i saw smoke ciming from the corner of the sliding rear window. i pulled over and opened my rear door and heard a crack type noise. the smoke stopped and the drivers side rear window was shattered. upon researching the issue i found a recall was done in canada and not in the usa .
- Fuel/propulsion system
Vehicle stalled then would not start
- Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
While hauling a trailer I received a warning tone and looked down to read the message, "reduced engine power", and the service engine light appeared all at the same time. The engine shutoff at the same time I received the warnings and didn't allow me to safely pull off the road.. I lost power…
While hauling a trailer I received a warning tone and looked down to read the message, "reduced engine power", and the service engine light appeared all at the same time. The engine shutoff at the same time I received the warnings and didn't allow me to safely pull off the road.. I lost power steering, power braking, and controlling the vehicle and trailer while coasting to the sholder was difficult. Fortunately it was early in the morning and I was only traveling 35 mph on a straight road, and no other vehicles were on the road. If I was on an interstate traveling 55+ mph or on a curvy road it would have caused an accident or worse. I was very fortunate. This was the first time I experienced this problem and hadn't received prior warning messages or lights. The truck would not restart and the truck and trailer were towed to the dealership. The diagnosis was a failed "Fuel Pump Control Module." After waiting several weeks the replacement Fuel Pump Control Module did solved the problem. I kept the failed Fuel Pump Control Module and is available for inspection. Please investigate thoroughly! I was extremely fortunate the part failed when it did and I was able to walk away unharmed.
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the engine idling for approximately ten minutes, the rear crew cab window suddenly shattered. During the failure, the rear window defroster was activated. The cause of the failure was not yet…
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the engine idling for approximately ten minutes, the rear crew cab window suddenly shattered. During the failure, the rear window defroster was activated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off and parked in the driveway, the contact heard a loud explosion. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear passenger’s side side-curtain air bag erroneously deployed. The cause of the…
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off and parked in the driveway, the contact heard a loud explosion. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the rear passenger’s side side-curtain air bag erroneously deployed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that during the failure, shrapnel and shards of metal pierced the roof and caused multiple holes in the roof of the vehicle. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 72,500.
- Unknown or other
For the last year the vehicle has been in the shop at the dealer for a rancid chemical smell in the cab of the truck that causes a burning to the eyes and lungs. It gets worse when it's hot outside. The smell is there even when the vehicle is not running. The dealer cannot find the source of the…
For the last year the vehicle has been in the shop at the dealer for a rancid chemical smell in the cab of the truck that causes a burning to the eyes and lungs. It gets worse when it's hot outside. The smell is there even when the vehicle is not running. The dealer cannot find the source of the smell and has turned the vehicle back over to us with no solution. It feels unsafe and is extremely uncomfortable to drive in with burning eyes and breathing issues.
- Electrical system
keep getting message SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM. over and over going down the road,
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Dashboard lights and audio system shut off randomly for one second while driving, and then turned back on. when shutting the truck off, all power was lost for one second
- Engine and engine cooling
The contact's son owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and “Service Vehicle" messages was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) and catalytic…
The contact's son owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and “Service Vehicle" messages was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000. The VIN was not available.
- Engine
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer…
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer replaced the negative battery cable; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11012027This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that are found to have a back-up alarm inoperative during the Pre-Delivery Inspection. On trucks equipped with the Back Up Alarm (RPO 8S3), the alarm will be intentionally left disconnected from the assembly plant. Technician will reroute the harness and plug it in.
- 11011989This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011900This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11011709This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011704This informational bulletin provides technicians and dealership personnel with spray-in bed liner general information and repair procedures.
- 11011444This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
- 11011420This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer technician that TAC recommends the utilization of the GDS2 software to aid in diagnosing automatic transmission concerns. TAC is requesting the GDS2 session logs be sent in before the dealer contacts TAC.
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11011119This Preliminary information communicates to dealers GM is working on a solution for outdated Apps
- 11010874This bulletin provides information on how to look for and test for DEF or water in the fuel system and what the specs should be.
- 11010576This service bulletin provides information on All hazmat parts being returned to the Warranty Parts Center (WPC) must be shipped using Central Transport. Hazardous materials should never be sent by air transportation to the WPC.
- 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
- 11010544This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11010495This bulletin provides information on Warranty Administration Required Operating Procedures - 8 Points (U.S. Only).
- 11010493This warranty administration service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.
- 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11010488This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on the Global Warranty Management (GWM) Warranty Parts Center (WPC) Parts Return Program.
- 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
- 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009430This technical bulletin provides a procedure to correct the condition of Malfunction Indicator Lamp Illuminated with DTCs P2463 P2459 P11FB P11D3.
- 11009170This Preliminary information communicates additional information on how a LIN bus operates and diagnostic tips when working on a LIN bus.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11009118This Preliminary information communicates information on adding RPO UF3 Fast Idle to a vehicle.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
- 11009037This service bulletin provides information on Enhancing Field Product Reports with Digital Pictures.
- 11009031This informational bulletin provides information on Steering Bump or Clunk Noise on Rough Roads or Potholes.
- 11008986This Preliminary information communicatesdirection and examples when diagnosing multiple DTCs, one of which includes U**** Byte 71 DTC.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
Every Chevrolet Silverado 2500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.