2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 171about this part
- Share
- 33%of 523 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 171 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 33% of the 523 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Service stabilatract comes on before I start the truck still since the day I bought it the dealership does not know what's wrong. And since I bought the truck the tranny really bangs and clunks a lot it's annoying when trying to drive in stop and go traffic it gear chases way to much. It can't be good for the tranny life.”
NHTSA complaint #11316685, filed 2020-03, 31,469 miles“When I drive I get a hard shift/slipping when taking off and I get a hard downshift when slowing down or coming to a stop. I have taken it to the dealer and they say they fix it, return it, and same problem. When I come to a stop and am sitting for a while the vehicle begins to shake out of nowhere.”
NHTSA complaint #11394298, filed 2021-02, 3,000 miles“Parked and shut off, disconnected trailer. Truck rolled back while in park. I jumped out of way and tried to open door to stop. Door knocked me down and continued backwards dragging me. Final stop over edge of pond against tree stump. Had towed to dealer for inspection by chevy engineer. 2 weeks no communication.”
NHTSA complaint #11120124, filed 2018-08, 950 miles“My vehicle is having hard downshifting issues. Mainly from 2 to 1 and occasionally from 3 to 2. I notice there isnt a recall listed but it definitely seems like a serious issue. That could possible cause damage later on. I've read online that it seems to be a pretty common issue with the silverado 2014-2019. I would like and explanation and fix please. Chevrolet has checked and said it doesn't read as an issue on computer reading. Thanks”
NHTSA complaint #11350965, filed 2020-08, 62,000 miles“This trucks transmission shifts whenever it wants to... I was driving 45mph and coasting to a red light when it downshifts hard but when the light turned green again and I pressed the accelerator I had no torque, like I was in 5th gear and should have been in 2nd. I pressed a bit harder and it downshifted hard again and was at 5k rpms! I thought it had an 8 speed transmission, but it sure doesnt seem like it. My truck was new and only has 5k miles on it. Unacceptable”
NHTSA complaint #11217651, filed 2019-06, 5,300 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11014622Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014621Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014353Feb 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
- 11014044Feb 3, 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11011436Oct 10, 2024This Preliminary information communicates for Technicians installing a Service Replacement Transmission Assembly to contact Technical Assistance to make sure unit is not suspect…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 20% |
| 2025 | 21 | 19% |
| 2024 | 96 | 30% |
| 2023 | 108 | 28% |
| 2022 | 190 | 29% |
| 2021 | 243 | 28% |
| 2020 | 235 | 31% |
| 2019 | 330 | 30% |
| 2018 | 171 | 33% |
| 2017 | 191 | 27% |
| 2016 | 194 | 24% |
| 2015 | 138 | 12% |
| 2014 | 154 | 11% |
| 2013 | 13 | 4% |
| 2012 | 10 | 5% |
| 2011 | 18 | 3% |
| 2010 | 24 | 7% |
| 2009 | 12 | 3% |
| 2008 | 25 | 3% |
| 2007 | 35 | 4% |
| 2006 | 28 | 8% |
| 2005 | 36 | 7% |
| 2004 | 27 | 3% |
| 2003 | 26 | 3% |
| 2002 | 26 | 5% |
| 2001 | 19 | 4% |
| 2000 | 16 | 3% |
| 1999 | 26 | 4% |
| 1998 | 26 | 7% |
| 1997 | 57 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
104 complaintsEngine
103 complaintsBrakes
99 complaintsOther or unknown
60 complaintsSteering
42 complaintsSuspension
32 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsElectronic stability control
16 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsForward collision avoidance
11 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology