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2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering retractor and engine. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Recall repairs delayed due to unavailable parts.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

Campaign #17V567000 · Sep 14, 2017

Issue: 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: The seat belt retractors may not perform as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

ENGINE

Campaign #19V328000 · Apr 25, 2019

Issue: 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 the block heater may short circuit and fail.

Risk: A short-circuit may damage the engine components and increase the risk of fire.

Fix: 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.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

Campaign #21V496000 · Jan 7, 2021

Issue: 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 heater.

Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Campaign #23V047000 · Feb 2, 2023

Issue: 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: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Campaign #24V756000 · Oct 10, 2024

Issue: 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: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500.

Reported to NHTSA

Recall repairs delayed due to unavailable parts

ENGINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2022-04

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V328000 (ENGINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11308569
“GM REMOVED MY ENGINE BLOCK HEATER IN JULY. IT IS NOW DECEMBER AND THE FORECASTS CALL FOR SINGLE DIGIT TEMPERATURES. CONTACTED GM AND THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHEN I WILL GET THE NEW ENGINE BLOCK HEATER INSTALLED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11287658
“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V496000 (Equipment) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11447167

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread separation and steering wheel shake

TIRES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-06 → 2021-11

“While driving my vehicle I began to notice a severe shake. Upon pulling over I found the driver rear tire tread had separated and bulged to were the inner part of tread bulged about 12 inches long and approximately 2-3 inches higher than the rest of the tread”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11438920
“Goodyear Wrangler SR-A (LT265/60R-20) Experienced sudden and hard steering wheel shake at 35mph. Belt separated in tires causing bulging on the outside half of the tread on Driver Side Rear Tire. Cupping apparent prior to separation on all 4 tires”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11425264
“VIBRATIONS AT 65-85 MPH. TRUCK SHAKES SO BAD IT'S UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11329776

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission and torque converter failure

POWER TRAIN

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2025-05

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11659330
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A TEXT MESSAGE STATING THAT THERE WAS TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD DOWNSHIFT INDEPENDENTLY AND NOT EXCEED 35 MPH. ALSO, THE ENGINE RPMS REVVED AT A DANGEROUS LEVEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11208187
“BOUGHT THIS TRUCK BRAND NEW IN SEPTEMBER 2018 AND HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER SINCE THE DAY WE BOUGHT IT. IT HAS FREQUENT MODERATED SHUDDERING AND OR LURCHING AT THE ACCELERATION SPEED OF ABOUT 30 MPH. ALMOST EVERYDAY AND SEVERAL TIMES PER DAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11205552

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Trailer brake system warning messages while towing

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-04 → 2024-06

“keep getting message SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM. over and over going down the road,”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11596520
“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and towing a Coleman 250 TQ toy hauler, the service trailer brake system warning message initially appeared on the instrument panel and then changed to service stabilitrak”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11478177
“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a trailer brake control default message displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11462611

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of engine power and stalling from fuel system failures

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2026-05

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11740738
“2 low pressure fuel pumps have failed. truck stalls in traffic. currently in show with extremely large bill for repair”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11667478
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11663890

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical short circuits causing smoke and fire risk

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2026-02

“DIESEL L5P 2017-CURRENT. WHEN HAVING THE ENGINE BLOCK HEATER PLUGGED IN, I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE TRUCKS BURN DOWN FROM HAVING A SHORT SOMEWHERE. I HAVE ALSO SEEN THE CORD FOR THE ENGINE BLOCK HEATER RUB AGAINST THE WIRING HARNESS AND RUB THE INSULATION OFF EXPOSING THE BARE WIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11065989
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11715028
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11625662

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag deployment without a collision

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2024-08 → 2026-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749702
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11746441
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11609374

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

184 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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