2018 GMC Sierra 2500 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 20%of 35 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 28,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500, 20% of the 35 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 28,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“While the truck was unattended, smoke was observed by a passer-by who called the local fire department. Fire dept broke a window for access, extinguished fire. Hauled vehicle away for safekeeping. Happened while we were at a condo complex, vehicle parked for the evening. Heat intensity and melted plastic indicated that fire occurred in console area. Vehicle was off, we were asleep, nobody had access to interior of vehicle. A phone charger was plugged in, possibly another charger as well.we contacted GM to file a warranty claim. …”
NHTSA complaint #11119531, filed 2018-08, 12,000 miles“GM Duramax L5P diesel engine electrical connector for #4 fuel injector. This failure caused the Diesel exhaust brake, which controls downhill speed, to disengage, extreme shaking of the vehicle, emissions system warning and speed limiting. This occurred while descending a steep grade while towing a 34 feet long, 10,000 pound trailer. This is a known issue with this diesel engine and documented in GM Technical Service Bulletin 23-NA-027. …”
NHTSA complaint #11736800, filed 2026-05“While braking ( after being on the highway) all dash gauges turn black, radio shuts off, AC shuts off. Service Stabilitrak light comes on when dash flashes back on. While driving AC turns off, Radio turns off same stabilitrak warning flashes, speedometer turns off. Power steer control went out while trying to turn. Truck put itself in 4 wheel drive when I turned on the trailer assist. Parking assist periodically turns itself off.”
NHTSA complaint #11539836, filed 2023-08“Service Trailer Brake System Warning From time to time, this warning goes off in the vehicle and when it does, it does it constantly. When the warning is dismissed, it does it again seconds later. If it is not dismissed, it does it again seconds later. It is a persistent three ding double chiming that is not only constant, the vehicle is doing it without a trailer connected to it. The GM dealerships we have been to regarding this issue do not know how to fix it since the warning is as intermittent as it is persistent. …”
NHTSA complaint #11624405, filed 2024-11“Water leak, known in other years of the same model vehicle, caused the rear defrost to fail and smoke when in operation nearly causing a fire in the vehicle as it was being operated.”
NHTSA complaint #11491986, filed 2022-11Related recalls
- 21V496000Jul 1, 2021General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500 and 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with a Duramax…Covers: GMC Sierra 2500 2017–2019, Sierra 3500 2017–2019, Chevrolet Silverado 3500 2017–2019 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11017595Apr 3, 2025This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
- 11017244Mar 31, 2025The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other…
- 11017207Mar 21, 2025This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414…
- 11017031Mar 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11013149Jan 17, 2025This service bulletin provides information to the customer about the rear camera guidelines not being present at times due to the VBM taking over the rear camera option.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11012929Jan 7, 2025This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11012027Dec 18, 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that are found to have a back-up alarm inoperative during the Pre-Delivery…
- 11011805Dec 6, 2024This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 38% |
| 2025 | 1 | 4% |
| 2024 | 33 | 31% |
| 2023 | 6 | 18% |
| 2022 | 12 | 27% |
| 2021 | 6 | 12% |
| 2020 | 13 | 16% |
| 2019 | 9 | 28% |
| 2018 | 7 | 20% |
| 2017 | 6 | 16% |
| 2016 | 9 | 15% |
| 2015 | 11 | 12% |
| 2014 | 4 | 13% |
| 2013 | 3 | 7% |
| 2012 | 4 | 13% |
| 2011 | 9 | 14% |
| 2009 | 7 | 23% |
| 2008 | 3 | 5% |
| 2007 | 5 | 6% |
| 2006 | 4 | 6% |
| 2005 | 42 | 37% |
| 2004 | 48 | 34% |
| 2003 | 36 | 23% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
| 2000 | 3 | 6% |
| 1999 | 2 | 6% |
| 1998 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsTires
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 GMC Sierra 2500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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