Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has numerous complaints and several recalls, primarily concerning airbag issues and braking systems. While it offers reliable performance, prospective buyers should be aware of potential costly repairs. Despite multiple recalls, the evidence on this model's issues is somewhat limited, so general caution is advised when inspecting used trucks.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 522 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 7 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V325000 Roof Rail Air Bag Inflator Endcap May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V166000 Roof Rail Air Bag Inflator Endcap May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V432000 Roof Rail Air Bag Inflator Endcap May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V756000 Roof Rail Air Bag Inflator End Cap May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V603000 Vacuum Pump May Decrease Power Brake Assist NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V761000 Software Error May Cause Unintended Braking NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V645000 Vacuum Pump May Decrease Power Brake Assist NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 170 complaints
- Electrical System 104 complaints
- Engine 103 complaints
- Service Brakes 85 complaints
- Unknown or Other 58 complaints
- Steering 42 complaints
Of the 522 complaints on file, 10 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 522 complaints, owners report 11 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag rupture risk
How to check: Ensure airbag recalls have been addressed through VIN lookup.
Vacuum brake assist failure
How to check: Test brakes for any unusual feel or response delay.
Wheel speed sensor failure
How to check: Check for error codes or fluctuating speed readings.
Power train complaints reported
How to check: Listen for unusual noises or rough shifts.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Persistent knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Any warning lights stay on
- 03
City driving
What to check: Feel brake response and power assist.
Red flag: Spongy or delayed braking action
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Notice power delivery and smooth shifting.
Red flag: Jerky shifts or hesitation
- 05
Turning at low speed
What to check: Evaluate steering for smoothness and noise.
Red flag: Clicks or resistance while turning
- 06
Stop-and-go traffic
What to check: Observe engine idle smoothness.
Red flag: Stalling or rough idling
- 07
Parking
What to check: Ensure no unusual noises or tilts on incline.
Red flag: Grinding noises or imbalance
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall work been completed?
- Are there any current engine issues?
- Have you experienced brake assist problems?
- Are service records available for this vehicle?
- Has the vehicle ever been in an accident?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Airbag recall completion documents
- Full service history
- Title and registration
- Accident repair records
- Emission test results
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.