2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Transmission & Power Train Problems
NHTSA component category: POWER TRAIN · data through 07/12/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How power train ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 293 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 overview page.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced shifting while shifting into a…”NHTSA complaint 11452425 — filed 02/17/2022
“During down shifting in lower gears while reducing speed , transmission makes a loud noise followed by vehicle hard lounging forward . Occurance is intermittent…”NHTSA complaint 11443947 — filed 12/15/2021
“VEHICLE VIOLENTLY SHAKES AT ALL SPEEDS. DEALER BLAMED TIRES, I HAD NEW TIRES INSTALLED, STILL SHAKING. DEALER SAYS "NO PROBLEM FOUND, OPERATING AS DESIGNED" TRUCK…”NHTSA complaint 11443874 — filed 12/15/2021
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Power Train complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 have transmission & power train problems?
Power Train is the most-reported problem area on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500: 123 of 293 complaints on file (42%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 have in total?
293 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 10 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, 5 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's power train category include?
NHTSA groups complaints about the transmission (automatic or manual), driveline, axles, transfer case and related parts under a single component category called POWER TRAIN. This page reports that category as NHTSA defines it.
