According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Reduced Vacuum Assist Can Increase Brake-Pedal Effort (Recall 19V-645). DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, nHTSA recall 19V-645 covers certain 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trucks with the affected engine-mounted mechanical vacuum-pump design. Pump output can decrease over time as debris such as oil sludge restricts oil flow through the pump filter screen, reducing vacuum brake assist. Drivers can experience a hard pedal and increased stopping distance, particularly during low-speed soft braking, even though the foundation brakes remain functional.
Common Symptoms
Increased brake-pedal effort or hard pedal
Pedal vibration or ticking from the engine compartment
Service Brake Assist message after vacuum drops
Longer stopping distance, especially during low-speed braking
How to Fix
Check the VIN and campaign-completion status for recall 19V-645 (GM N192268490). The recall remedy is dealer reprogramming of the Electronic Brake Control Module so the secondary hydraulic brake boost is used more effectively when vacuum assist is depleted. A vacuum-pump replacement may be separately diagnosed or covered under other programs, but it is not the stated 19V-645 recall remedy.
On the 2015-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 5.3L L83, 6.2L L86 or 6.0L L8B, gM bulletin 18-NA-355 covers 2015-2018 Chevrolet Silverado models equipped with an L83, L86 or L8B engine and M5U or M5X 8-speed automatic transmission. Customers may describe a shake or rumble-strip-like shudder during steady light-throttle acceleration between 25 and 80 mph when the transmission is not actively shifting. GM states that the condition may be torque-converter-clutch shudder but warns that similar sensations can have other causes.
Common Symptoms
Shake or shudder at steady light throttle between 25 and 80 mph
Rumble-strip or rough-expansion-joint sensation
Shudder occurs while the transmission is not actively shifting
How to Fix
Confirm the model year, engine, transmission RPO, production breakpoint and driving condition before applying bulletin 18-NA-355. For an eligible pre-breakpoint vehicle presented with TCC shudder, GM specifies the published one-time fluid-exchange procedure using the correct blue-label Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP and service tools. If the vehicle returns or does not match the described condition, use normal GM diagnostics; do not assume that a torque converter, valve body or additive is required.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks manufactured January 29, 2013, to January 21, 2015. While entering the vehicle, the seat belt tensioner cable may be positioned such that the driver slides over it. This movement may result in the fatigue and separation of the cable.
Campaign #16V20900012/04/2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Genera Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, Malibu, Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles. The radio may intermittently fail to provide an audio warning when the key has been left in the ignition and the door is opened or when the driver does not fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection", and/or 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Campaign #16V08400011/02/2016
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pick up trucks manufactured October 13, 2015, to October 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the mounting stud used to secure the air bag sensing and diagnostic Module (SDM) may be incorrectly positioned, and as a result, the SDM housing could fracture.
Campaign #15V83000010/12/2015
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles manufactured November 24, 2014, to November 25, 2014. Due to an improper heat-treatment, the rear axle shaft may fracture while the vehicle is being driven.
Campaign #14V81900024/12/2014
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, and Yukon XL vehicles, equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Due to a problem with the EPS module, the affected vehicles may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist during vehicle operation.
What are the most common Chevrolet Silverado problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Reduced Vacuum Assist Can Increase Brake-Pedal Effort (Recall 19V-645), 8-Speed Torque-Converter-Clutch Shudder at Light Throttle (Bulletin 18-NA-355). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Reduced Vacuum Assist Can Increase Brake-Pedal Effort (Recall 19V-645). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What is the 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado Reduced Vacuum Assist Can Increase Brake-Pedal Effort (Recall 19V-645)?
NHTSA recall 19V-645 covers certain 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trucks with the affected engine-mounted mechanical vacuum-pump design. Pump output can decrease over time as debris such as oil sludge restricts oil flow through the pump filter screen, reducing vacuum brake a… Severity: high.
What is the 2015-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 8-Speed Torque-Converter-Clutch Shudder at Light Throttle (Bulletin 18-NA-355)?
GM bulletin 18-NA-355 covers 2015-2018 Chevrolet Silverado models equipped with an L83, L86 or L8B engine and M5U or M5X 8-speed automatic transmission. Customers may describe a shake or rumble-strip-like shudder during steady light-throttle acceleration between 25 and 80 mph whe… Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.