GMC SIERRA 2500 · model year

2018 GMC SIERRA 2500

43 NHTSA complaints, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2018GMCSIERRA 2500 carries 43 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 3/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2018 SIERRA 2500 is engine with 7 filings, followed by electrical system (6) and unknown or other (5). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2018 SIERRA 2500. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

43
Complaints
0
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
2018 GMC SIERRA 2500 - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2018 GMC SIERRA 2500. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 3.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

43 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 - Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 3/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING4
EQUIPMENT4
POWER TRAIN2
TIRES2
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
TIRES:SIDEWALL1
SEAT BELTS1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
STEERING1
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS1
WHEELS1

Recalls (5)

19V32800025/04/2019

ENGINE

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 heat

17V56700014/09/2017

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

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

24V75600010/10/2024

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

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 m

23V04700002/02/2023

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

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.

21V49600001/07/2021

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

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

Recent Complaints

20250310VISIBILITY/WIPER

The component that failed is the rear glass. Yes, it is available for inspection. The rear glass defogger stopped working and melted the tabs off of the glass and burned the tabs cover. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership and i was advised there is already a recall for this but apparently my vin does not fall under the recall.

20241110ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Service Trailer Brake System Warning From time to time, this warning goes off in the vehicle and when it does, it does it constantly. When the warning is dismissed, it does it again seconds later. If it is not dismissed, it does it again seconds later. It is a persistent three ding double chiming that is not only constant, the vehicle is doing it without a trailer connected to it. The GM dealerships we have been to regarding this issue do not know how to fix it since the warning is as intermittent as it is persistent. Once one of the dealerships was finally able to observe the warning themselves, we were told because it does not cause the check engine light to come on, they are not given a code, therefore, they do not know how to address the issue. The Service Engine Brake System warning is not only a persistent auditory nuisance. The warning chime overrides any other audio capability of the vehicle and it will be the only thing the control panel shows. If the warning is dismissed,

20241009FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the fuel pump control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Mileage: 48,000

20231107FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Metal in the fuel filter and throughout the fuel system, 38 codes on the computer just in 2 weeks after a full service again at the dealer. All service has been preformed at A GMC Dealer since truck was serviced. 1. P026D - Fuel injection Quantity “A” Higher then expected 2. P06CC - cylinder 8 incorrect 3. P133F - cylinder 8 glow plug offset exceeding learning limits None stop this is happening since [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20231107ENGINE

Metal in the fuel filter and throughout the fuel system, 38 codes on the computer just in 2 weeks after a full service again at the dealer. All service has been preformed at A GMC Dealer since truck was serviced. 1. P026D - Fuel injection Quantity “A” Higher then expected 2. P06CC - cylinder 8 incorrect 3. P133F - cylinder 8 glow plug offset exceeding learning limits None stop this is happening since [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20231102FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Constant issues with glow plug failures, fuel rail failure, fuel pressure failure. Truck has been in the Gmc service regarding these issues constantly for the last year with a total of five repairs and replacement of glow plugs with releaning learning new plugs and now the 6th return to the shop they’re tearing down the fuel system. Malfunction and engine light consistently come on with the same occurring problems generating from the fuel system and glow plugs. Fuel mileage is absolutely terrible and lose of power hazardous to safety!!! Gmc has issued an extended warranty for 15 years and 150,000 miles, but cant and hasn’t found a repair for vehicle and just replaces the glow plugs just so they can fail again and again!!! They need to replace everything that needs to be done and if no fix they need LEMON Law The vehicle. This is ridiculous going back to the shop every two weeks I have my truck in the shop for a month to get it back, to put it back in the shop two weeks later, to ha

20231102ENGINE

Constant issues with glow plug failures, fuel rail failure, fuel pressure failure. Truck has been in the Gmc service regarding these issues constantly for the last year with a total of five repairs and replacement of glow plugs with releaning learning new plugs and now the 6th return to the shop they’re tearing down the fuel system. Malfunction and engine light consistently come on with the same occurring problems generating from the fuel system and glow plugs. Fuel mileage is absolutely terrible and lose of power hazardous to safety!!! Gmc has issued an extended warranty for 15 years and 150,000 miles, but cant and hasn’t found a repair for vehicle and just replaces the glow plugs just so they can fail again and again!!! They need to replace everything that needs to be done and if no fix they need LEMON Law The vehicle. This is ridiculous going back to the shop every two weeks I have my truck in the shop for a month to get it back, to put it back in the shop two weeks later, to ha

20230912WHEELS

driving at 70mph, thread from tire blew.. That was in July, I went and purchased another tire from Bob King GMC Wilmington, NC. The first tire that blew was now discontinued so I purchased another Good Year . On Friday I noticed that another tire on my truck had a bubble along the threads again. It was also getting ready to blow like the first tire. I went to the dealer and they told me the tire I purchased (Good Year) was also discontinued... Please look into this matter.. They have faulty tires and this matter could have turned out with a death.. It isn't the dealers fault it is Good Year .... I have also read on line this isn't the first time people are complaining about the threads coming apart....

20230912UNKNOWN OR OTHER

driving at 70mph, thread from tire blew.. That was in July, I went and purchased another tire from Bob King GMC Wilmington, NC. The first tire that blew was now discontinued so I purchased another Good Year . On Friday I noticed that another tire on my truck had a bubble along the threads again. It was also getting ready to blow like the first tire. I went to the dealer and they told me the tire I purchased (Good Year) was also discontinued... Please look into this matter.. They have faulty tires and this matter could have turned out with a death.. It isn't the dealers fault it is Good Year .... I have also read on line this isn't the first time people are complaining about the threads coming apart....

20230821ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While braking ( after being on the highway) all dash gauges turn black, radio shuts off, AC shuts off. Service Stabilitrak light comes on when dash flashes back on. While driving AC turns off, Radio turns off same stabilitrak warning flashes, speedometer turns off. Power steer control went out while trying to turn. Truck put itself in 4 wheel drive when I turned on the trailer assist. Parking assist periodically turns itself off.

20230821STEERING

While braking ( after being on the highway) all dash gauges turn black, radio shuts off, AC shuts off. Service Stabilitrak light comes on when dash flashes back on. While driving AC turns off, Radio turns off same stabilitrak warning flashes, speedometer turns off. Power steer control went out while trying to turn. Truck put itself in 4 wheel drive when I turned on the trailer assist. Parking assist periodically turns itself off.

20230821BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

While braking ( after being on the highway) all dash gauges turn black, radio shuts off, AC shuts off. Service Stabilitrak light comes on when dash flashes back on. While driving AC turns off, Radio turns off same stabilitrak warning flashes, speedometer turns off. Power steer control went out while trying to turn. Truck put itself in 4 wheel drive when I turned on the trailer assist. Parking assist periodically turns itself off.

20230530ENGINE

Low coolant warning light came on. I was towing a travel trailer on a very busy roadway with no place to pull off while pulling a trailer. I had to pull over to the shoulder to check the coolant level and make sure I didn’t cause major damage to my engine by letting it overheat. While waiting to let the engine cool down, I researched and found that this is a very common issue with L5P Duramax Engines in GM trucks and it is specifically related to a faulty coolant level sensor. As it turns out, my coolant level was fine and there was no issue. The danger posed by me pulling over and waiting for well over an hour on the side of the busy backroad with my son in the truck was not a necessary one. It appears that this is a well known issue that is not being addressed by GM.

20230223EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I have a 2018 GMC Sierra Duramax Quad-Cab and when it is connected to either my boat, stock trailer, or cargo trailer the lights and electric trailer brakes on the trailers do not work. and the chime from the "Service Trailer Brake" indicator sounds and doesn't stop until I unplug my trailer harness from my truck making it a distraction and an unsafe situation when trying to navigate through traffic(changing lanes, stopping, and other functions needed when hauling trailers). The dealership said it was a module and specified which one and so I elected to replace it myself and it wasn't the issue. I choose to do the work myself as they quoted me a price of $700.00+ to repair the problem.

20230223ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have a 2018 GMC Sierra Duramax Quad-Cab and when it is connected to either my boat, stock trailer, or cargo trailer the lights and electric trailer brakes on the trailers do not work. and the chime from the "Service Trailer Brake" indicator sounds and doesn't stop until I unplug my trailer harness from my truck making it a distraction and an unsafe situation when trying to navigate through traffic(changing lanes, stopping, and other functions needed when hauling trailers). The dealership said it was a module and specified which one and so I elected to replace it myself and it wasn't the issue. I choose to do the work myself as they quoted me a price of $700.00+ to repair the problem.

20230223UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have a 2018 GMC Sierra Duramax Quad-Cab and when it is connected to either my boat, stock trailer, or cargo trailer the lights and electric trailer brakes on the trailers do not work. and the chime from the "Service Trailer Brake" indicator sounds and doesn't stop until I unplug my trailer harness from my truck making it a distraction and an unsafe situation when trying to navigate through traffic(changing lanes, stopping, and other functions needed when hauling trailers). The dealership said it was a module and specified which one and so I elected to replace it myself and it wasn't the issue. I choose to do the work myself as they quoted me a price of $700.00+ to repair the problem.

20221102ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Water leak, known in other years of the same model vehicle, caused the rear defrost to fail and smoke when in operation nearly causing a fire in the vehicle as it was being operated.

20221102UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Water leak, known in other years of the same model vehicle, caused the rear defrost to fail and smoke when in operation nearly causing a fire in the vehicle as it was being operated.

20220715POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

2018 GMC SIERRA 2500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE BEGAN LEAKING FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRE, WHICH COULD NOT BE DONE THE SAME DAY. THE CONSUMER WAS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE HOTEL EXPENSE, SINCE THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING OUT OF STATE WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURED.

20220415FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Faulty pigtail connector for fule injectors. Cause The vehicle to shut down even while going down the highway possibly causing injury by immediate deceleration wich could cause an accident. For me on this vehicle I’ve had this happen three times and it has cost me anywhere from $800 to 1000 per injector especially if damage is done to one of the fuel injectors.

Compare 2018GMCSIERRA 2500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2018 GMC SIERRA 2500 have?
The 2018 GMC SIERRA 2500 has 43 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 GMC SIERRA 2500?
The 2018 GMC SIERRA 2500 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 3/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 GMC SIERRA 2500?
Yes, the 2018 GMC SIERRA 2500 has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 GMC SIERRA 2500?
The most-complained component for the 2018 GMC SIERRA 2500 is ENGINE with 7 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2018 GMC SIERRA 2500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2018 GMC SIERRA 2500 has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.