NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The roof-rail air bag inflator's end cap may come loose or the inflator itself may crack, affecting the left or right side of the vehicle.
What the fix does
This page covers 6 recalls and 18 owner complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500.
For the 2018 Silverado 3500, engine complaints lead the field, with owners describing misfires, knocking sounds, shuddering, and the "Engine Power Reduced" message appearing while underway. The diesel fuel system draws the next-highest cluster of reports, with owners noting issues tied to fuel delivery and related components. A smaller group of structural complaints points to premature corrosion, particularly oil pan rust attributed to road salt exposure, some owners report difficulty getting warranty coverage for that damage. A separate thread runs through the electrical side: multiple owners describe cascading warning systems triggering repeatedly, with stability control, traction control, ABS, trailer brakes, and power steering alerts cycling on and off in quick succession, sometimes accompanied by burning smells or, in at least one account, a rear window failure.
18
Total Complaints
By System
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 has 6 recalls, the most serious involving fire and crash risks tied to the fuel system and engine components on trucks equipped with certain options.
Two recalls affect trucks with dual fuel tanks. On gasoline models, a sticking fuel-level sensor in the front tank can allow the rear tank to overfill it, building enough pressure to expand the front tank until it contacts the driveshaft and punches a hole in it. On diesel models with the dual tank option, the rear tank can collapse and cut off fuel transfer to the front tank, stalling the engine. Trucks with the Duramax 6.6-liter diesel and an optional engine block heater face a separate fire risk: an electrical short can develop in the heater cable or its connection terminals, raising the risk of an engine fire. On the safety equipment side, the roof-rail curtain airbags in Crew Cab models can rupture or shed an end cap during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin. There is also a seatbelt concern: front retractors built with the wrong internal torsion bar may not restrain occupants properly in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The roof-rail air bag inflator's end cap may come loose or the inflator itself may crack, affecting the left or right side of the vehicle.
What the fix does
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will replace both left and right roof-rail air bag modules at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear fuel tank may collapse, blocking the fuel pump from moving fuel to the front tank and causing the engine to stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel tank and fuel pump module as needed, and install a vent hose on the rear tank.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical short circuit can develop in the engine-block heater cable or its connection terminals, potentially causing overheating or electrical failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine-block heater and heater cord at no cost. Previously disabled heaters and those in prior recall 19V-328 will also receive replacement cords, rerouted as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater cord or its terminals may short circuit and fail, affecting certain diesel-equipped Silverado and Sierra trucks.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine block heater free of charge. On some models, they will also install a rerouted heater cord.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel-level sensor in the front tank may stick, preventing it from reading correctly. This allows fuel from the rear tank to overfill the front tank.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear-tank fuel-pump module and inspect the front tank, replacing it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat belt retractors have an incorrect torsion bar that may prevent the seat belts from working properly in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front seat belt retractor assemblies at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.