2018 GMC Sierra 1500 power train problems
125 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 — 43% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Vehicle Details: 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Z72 4x4, 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 engine, VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of incident: 220,000 miles Location: [e.g., Little Rock, Arkansas area or specific road/highway – please provide if desired] What happened: The 5.3L V8 engine’s hydraulic roller lifters failed. One or…”
filed Jun 11, 2026
“The transmission has always been rough. It has now gone out at 75,000 miles. This transmission issue really seemed to get worse about 50,000 miles. But when I called the dealer, they said they were backed up and couldn't get to it for 9-12 weeks (Covid excuses at that point). Then, it really had an…”
filed May 15, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other Sierra 1500 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Sierra 1500 | 17 | 25% |
| 2025 Sierra 1500 | 20 | 22% |
| 2024 Sierra 1500 | 64 | 20% |
| 2023 Sierra 1500 | 81 | 19% |
| 2022 Sierra 1500 | 100 | 18% |
| 2021 Sierra 1500 | 129 | 24% |
| 2020 Sierra 1500 | 88 | 20% |
| 2019 Sierra 1500 | 129 | 21% |
| 2017 Sierra 1500 | 116 | 33% |
| 2016 Sierra 1500 | 83 | 25% |
| 2015 Sierra 1500 | 95 | 13% |
| 2014 Sierra 1500 | 68 | 9% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.