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Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)Part report

2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
2%of 305 total for the year
Median mileage
50,724miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the visibility of the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 2% of the 305 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,724 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

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

“I am 6'8 and have notice a serious increase in the blind spot behind the rear view mirror. On approaches to intersection, vehicles are hidden and I have had 3 bear miss collisions in the the same number of months. This is my 3rd Gmc sierra and the issues appears to be related to elevated seat which can not be lowered to a safe level.”

NHTSA complaint #11128654, filed 2018-09, 2,250 miles

“When operating my truck two days ago, I smelled something burning. I then noticed a small plume of white smoke coming from the rear driver's side window area. I then noticed my rear defroster was on, which I shut of right of way. About 30 seconds later, I heard a loud pop and I noticed the rear driver's side portion of the window was shattered. I brought my truck to the dealership and they said they could not figure out what happened. I believe it is tied to a prior recall, but they said my truck was found not to have any issues at that time. …”

NHTSA complaint #11447782, filed 2022-01

“The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH with the rear window defroster activated, there was a burning rubber odor inside the cabin of the vehicle and there was smoke coming from the rear window area. While inspecting the rear window the contact discovered that the rear window connector cover had melted, and the wire connections were a burning amber color, but no flames were present. After disconnecting the electrical connections, approximately 30 seconds later the rear glass panel on the passenger side suddenly shattered. …”

NHTSA complaint #11639603, filed 2025-01, 60,952 miles

“The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air conditioning system became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the air conditioning system failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the air conditioning condenser had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …”

NHTSA complaint #11705563, filed 2025-12

Related service bulletins

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202611%
202576%
2024103%
202371%
202210%
202171%
2020153%
201981%
201862%
2017123%
2016144%
2015264%
2014213%
201311%
201211%
201131%
201021%
200931%
200831%
200752%
200621%
200532%
200452%
200342%
200011%
19981119%
19971417%
19941077%

Other parts of the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500

Transmission and drivetrain
131 complaints
Engine
67 complaints
Brakes
44 complaints
Electrical system
43 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

← 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