85 complaints reported

2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Power Train

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
85
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
2

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Feb 2026

I’ve gone through two transmissions on my 2018 gmc sierra 1500 both times the same issue. The gears are shot, hard shifting. Vehicle is well maintained. Both transmissions one original equipment and second bought at the dealership the truck was bought both only lasted over 80000 miles. Driving the truck loss of power or torque is noticed, then a hard shifting. Checked fluid all was good not seeing metallic shavings. Then the overheating of the transmission, faulty valve replaced with aftermarket bypass and did transmission flush. But each occasion there was an incident I would’ve driving on the interstate and vehicle would lose power and almost hard stop and cause a crash. Then vehicle would only go in reverse both times the transmission gave out. The only warning light that ever came on was a transmission overheating and nothing else. I’m currently in the process of having to get another transmission because of the same issue again. Vehicle was seen by a technician and deemed the transmission was shot again.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jun 2026
Feb 2026

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally hard. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission was failing. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The transmission was replaced two years ago. In addition, the contact stated that the original transmission had failed at 130,000 miles. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage of the second transmission was approximately 40,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Aug 2025
Feb 2026

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal vibration in the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the tires were replaced, and the wheels and bearings were inspected by an independent mechanic, but no failure was found. The independent mechanic related the failure to an undisclosed transmission recall; however, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2026
Jan 2026

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the torque converter had failed. The torque converter was replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who replaced the torque converter a second time. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Aug 2026
Dec 2025

Transmission shutting and torque converter came apart destroying the transmission.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jun 2025
Nov 2025

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission vibrated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failing torque converter. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was informed of a Manufacturer's warranty. The contact was informed of a Manufacturer's warranty for the 2018 GMC vehicle's transmission failure due to the incorrect oil being used during production of the torque converter. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the manufacturer needed to approve the repair coverage. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2025
Nov 2025

When I first bought my 2018 GMC Sierra with the 8 speed transmission it would shift hard from first to second gear. Then at around 58,000 miles my truck also started to have a vibration coming through the steering wheel around 45-55 mph. I took it to the dealership and they changed the transmission fluid and did a software update. I am now at 80,000 miles and my truck still shifts hard from first to second gear and makes a grinding sound when accelerating sometimes. I am afraid to drive my any long distances for fear of the transmission malfunctioning. I have not been back to the dealership since my truck is no longer under warranty. So the problem has not been reconfirmed by a dealer or independent service center or inspected by the manufacturer. There have been no warning lamps or messages or other symptoms. I hope that GM is held accountable for putting a faulty 8 speed transmission in my truck.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2025
Aug 2025

Transmission shutters when going over 50mph

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Aug 2025
Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed toward the residence, the accelerator pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to drive forward as intended. The vehicle started rolling backwards and the contact carefully maneuvered the vehicle while attempting to park. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Aug 2025
Jul 2025

I have a 6.2 engine that had a number 4 cylinder failure due to a engine defect of the crankshaft. They have recalled the 6.2 motors on the 2021-2024 year models. The 2018 year models with the 6.2 engine should be recalled also bc they are having the same issue. Please help

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH and attempting the pass another vehicle, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated unintendedly. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 81,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, there was an abnormal vibration coming from the steering wheel. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,326.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

Repeated transmission issues with the 8 speed transmission due to the malfunctioning valve body. This has caused major safety issues and nearly killed my family with the vehicle locked up and wouldn’t shift on the interstate. The dealership did a warranty repair on the torque converter which made the symptoms slightly better until the vehicle was no longer covered by warranty, at which time all symptoms came back. GM knows their 8 speed transmission has an issue and hasn’t provided a solution. Now, due to the faulty valve body, I have to have my entire transmission replaced for $8000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2023
Jun 2025

When driving the transmission will shift hard almost jumping forward, especially from a stopped position into 1st.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Apr 2025
May 2025

I'm experiencing constant transmission shuddering at constant speed between 25 and 40 mph. This is a know issue, General Motors known issue, with the 8 speed transmission installed in this vehicle. TSB 18-NA-355 was issued in August of 2019 for this issue, but general motors refuses to recall all affected vehicles. Something needs to be done about this!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2019
May 2025

Vehicle jumps when shifting gears. When coming to a stop it jumps Forward. Hard shifting.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Oct 2024
May 2025

Knocking, stalling, shaking, lost of power and steering problems. Serviced transmission twice and I was advised to serve every 30000 miles!!! I owned several types of vehicles but I never heard such things before. Technician told me that apparently many GMC customers reported same problems.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Sep 2024
Apr 2025

Transmission just would not go them all of a sudden it jersey really hard in second gear an start to pick up speed..cold starts it change gear really hard in second gearc often times slipping then going into gear really violently.. need fix asap dealer has service once with the issue, change fluid an stopped a while ago now issue is back an worst then before.. 44,785 vehicle should not operate this way.4×4 awd trans starts at 6500 to replace an go up to about 13200 to replace

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Apr 2025
Mar 2025

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and the transmission was repaired under warranty. The contact stated that a year after the repair was completed, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,600.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Dec 2023
Mar 2025

Shaking when accelerating. Sometimes so extreme it feels like you have been hit by another car. Random, inconsistent, and comes out of nowhere

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2024
Feb 2025

Transmission malfunctioned while driving, causing no available power to move the vehicle. Had to coast in neutral and stopped in the road. Towed the truck to the dealer and they confirmed the transmission has failed. No warning lamps present or pre-indication of failure.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2025
Jan 2025

When accelerating (at times) truck will shudder. Sometimes barely noticeable, sometimes violently. Was told by dealership that torque converter is going out and will be $4000 to replace but may not even fix issue. Looking online, appears that MANY (1,000’s) people are having same issue and that there is even a class action lawsuit about this issue. But no investigation by NHSTA yet, even though I can see many many complaints of similar issues

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2025
Dec 2024

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine temperature rose to 210 degrees and the vehicle started jerking. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while idling for a while, or while stopped at a traffic light while refueling, and before accelerating. The failure occurred once the engine temperature rose to 210 degrees. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic at a transmission shop who confirmed there was a failure with the transmission; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2024
Dec 2024 Crash Injury

Hard changes with transmission like a car has hit you from behind. It has had a hit in the transmission changing gears since 15,000 miles but it has progressively gotten worse and at 67k it’s enough to knock you to change steering direction.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2024
Nov 2024 Injury

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle began to shudder, and he decreased the speed. The contact drove to his residence. The next day the vehicle was driving as expected until it became hot and began to shudder again. The transmission was not shifting as designed. The contact checked underneath the vehicle but failed to locate an issue with the transmission. The rear differential was hot and burned his fingers, but medical attention was not provided. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2018 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2024

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Quick Summary

The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 has 85 Power Train complaints on file. 2 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.