2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: reliability, problems and cost to own
Smart buyAbove average
It scores 76 out of 100 for reliability compared with other half-ton pickups. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $19,389 to own, including $4,758 in repairs.
These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.
Where repair money is likely to go
Transmission & drivetrain$2,191
Engine & cooling$1,763
Electrical system$202
Steering$180
Brakes$140
Driver-assist & stability$118
Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.
Recalls
Air BagsMay 21, 2026 · campaign 26V325000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles. The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Air BagsMar 19, 2026 · campaign 26V166000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 Crew Cab vehicles. The left or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Air BagsJun 26, 2025 · campaign 25V432000
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Sierra 2500, 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab vehicles. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › VacuumOct 1, 2020 · campaign 20V603000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (E
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › VacuumSep 6, 2019 · campaign 19V645000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a year to avoid?
No. It scores 76 out of 100, one of the more reliable half-ton pickups of 2015–2024.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?
It scores 76 out of 100 against other half-ton pickups from 2015 to 2024, which is above average. Based on 523 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $4,758 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
How much does a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 cost to own?
About $19,389 over 5 years: $4,431 in lost value, $4,758 in repairs and $10,200 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $21,990 today.
What are the best years of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
Of the years we rate, the 2016 scores best (86/100) and the 2024 worst (14/100).
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?