Peaking at almost 21 recalls and over 710 complaints, the 4th generation of GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab trucks have not had one of the best starts by any means. Now, almost 4 model years and a facelift later, the conditions have got drastically better that it positions itself as one of the most reliable trucks out there currently, even bettering the top-sellers, clocking just 3 recalls and 112 complaints for the 2018 model year. Even though its sister truck the Chevy Silverado Regular Cab holds the bigger bite of the market share, we just can ignore that this GMC is equally as impressive in every regard apart from maybe the slightly higher starting prices. So does all this mean the Sierra is now a better truck than the Ford F-150 Regular Cab and the RAM 1500 Classic Regular Cab? Should you be spending $28,705 on the GMC over the competition? Well, this article should give you a rough idea of what common problems to expect if you decide to go with one.
2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine- Coolant leakage and engine overheating are two common issues brought out by users on the 2018 GMC Sierra Regular Cab. The leak is mainly spotted from the radiator and needed to be replaced to fix the issue. Some owners also complain about degraded coolant hoses that need a replacement along with the radiator. The average failure mileage is approximately 45,000- miles.
- Transmission- Faults with the transmission have been pretty common on the 2018 GMC Sierra Regular Cab. Issues noted include occasional shuddering, jerking at low speeds, hesitation to upshift, hard shifting, and an audible clunk when shifting between certain cogs. These issues have been noted on trucks with mileage as low as 5,000-miles. Even though some of the owners did receive solenoid and sensor replacements, most of them were left with no plausible fix as the problems could not be replicated at the dealer's end.
- Service brakes- Loss of braking for or difficulty in pressing the brake pedal with increased mileage has been another common issue noticed by many owners. The issue was later found to be with a faulty brake vacuum pump which was inspected for repair or replacement through two separate recalls (IDs-20V603000, 19V645000) in the following years. At least 3 crashes have been recorded by the NHTSA on brake issues against the 2018 GMC Sierra.
Electric System complaints
- Trailer brakes- “Service trailer brake system” warning occasionally flashes on the dashboard when driving. Though the fault was thought to be with the wiring harness, owners still complain about the issue recurring even after the units have been replaced. The automaker has been informed about this issue but no statements have been released yet. The chassis control module is also suspected to be the issue as per some owners.
Structural Complaints
- Steering- Loss of power steering has been a rather common occurrence on the 2018 GMC Sierra Regular Cab. Owners complain about the loss of complete steering assist while driving coupled with a steering assist failure warning. Some users also complain about the steering locking up when this happens. GMC had a recall on steering issues the previous years, but no updates for this model year have been released.
- Tires- A few owners have complained about the truck being delivered with faulty tires. The faulty tires are said to cause vibration at higher speeds, have reduced traction on braking, and have noticed tread separation. Although the dealers are aware of this issue, warranty replacement of tires has been denied for many owners.
2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
1st October 2020 |
20V603000 |
The vacuum pump may decrease power brake assist. |
The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began on November 11, 2020. |
|
2 |
24th October 2019 |
19V761000 |
A software error may cause unintended braking. |
If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling or in automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system, which will cause unintended braking on the wheel opposite to the failed sensor, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2019. |
|
3 |
6th September 2019 |
19V645000 |
The vacuum pump may decrease power brake assist. |
The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began on October 8, 2019 |
Should you buy a used 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab?
Ever since the introduction of the fourth generation of GMC Sierra 1500 trucks, the automaker hasn’t found it hard to keep the sales number comfortably above the 200,000 mark. Even though the sales have not been nearly as close to its sibling or the competition, it definitely does come out to be one of the most reliable trucks out there currently. Issues do pop up now and then and whatever comes up, it shares with its platform twin, the highly popular Chevy Silverado silencing most questions on reliability. So if you like the way this truck looks and are willing to spend a slight more premium, the GMC Sierra is every bit as good as its top-selling alternative and definitely should be on your top lists.
