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Electrical systemPart report

2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Electrical system Problems

Complaints
43about this part
Share
14%of 305 total for the year
Median mileage
36,000miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 14% of the 305 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“My truck locked itself with the engine running when I was parked in the driveway. Also have had the back driver side window roll itself down part ways without me initiating it. Another occasion I put the truck in gear to drive position and the brake or something had it locked preventing me from moving either direction ie; drive or reverse. Was then parked in home garage and attempting to back out.”

NHTSA complaint #11310865, filed 2020-02, 12,000 miles

“The first thing that happened was that all of the electrical systems on my truck went out and my truck would not start. It finally started but it would not move finally it would move but very slowly this happened on 11/20/2019 I have documentation through onstar for this incident. My brakes started slipping on 07/01/2020 and still do not work properly. My transmission has never shifted correctly. When I accelerate or when I slow down there is a shudder and a jerking sound. After sitting for a while when my truck is put in reverse it hesitates and then seems to jump into gear.”

NHTSA complaint #11361623, filed 2020-09, 27,000 miles

“My vehicle is hacked anytime I am driving the vehicle I am not in full control. The vehicle steers itself left or right while driving, the brakes are always on while driving sometimes braking harder but always on. The infotainment system has many glitches. This vehicle has been back to the dealership more than 15 times has been out of service over 35 days GM even flew a engineer/tech to inspect the vehicle and says they couldnt find anything. Therefore this vehicle is hacked there are so many issues and glitches and the fact that the truck only acts like this when I am driving no one else. …”

NHTSA complaint #11162966, filed 2018-12, 200 miles

“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 72,000. It was later discovered later that the mileage was 241,556.”

NHTSA complaint #11691158, filed 2025-10, 241,556 miles

“At 50,000 miles the service trailer brake system error message appears constantly due to factory defects and its very common. These trucks should be recalled everyone is in danger on the roads and its a very common problem. I have not taken it to the dealer because i should not have to pay for this very common problem, it should be recalled.”

NHTSA complaint #11446097, filed 2022-01

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20262014%
20252621%
20244311%
20236413%
20228314%
20217613%
20208117%
20199514%
20184314%
20175415%
20165416%
20159613%
201412917%
201365%
201287%
2011176%
2010106%
2009209%
2008318%
2007228%
20062014%
20056738%
20048138%
20034324%
200232%
200175%
200053%
199985%
199835%
199722%
1996120%

Other parts of the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500

Transmission and drivetrain
131 complaints
Engine
67 complaints
Brakes
44 complaints
Steering
30 complaints
Other or unknown
25 complaints
Fuel system
11 complaints
Suspension
11 complaints
Air bags
8 complaints
Wheels
7 complaints
Engine cooling
6 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
6 complaints
Body and structure
6 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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