Problems · by component

2018 GMC Sierra 1500 electrical system problems

43 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 cite electrical system, 14% of all 305 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
43
14% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“There was a mass recall on 2018 GMC Sierras to due to a faulty break pump vaccum. We are experiencing the same problems but for some reason were not included in the recall. We were told to reach out on here as others have to see what can be done as this is a saftety hazard.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 26, 2026Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11759679
“1. Electronic power steering modular issue. My 2018 GMC SEIRRA 1500 CREW CAB JUST LOST ALL POWER STEERING. THEN WHEN I PARK IT. Assist notifications come on, ABS notices, BRAKE light stays on, trailer/tow notifications, trailer assist, parking brake, etc SUDDENLY A LOUD thump & feels like the whole truck just drops like 5” inches, settling. I cannot afford an inspection (ID theft in 2025, compromised all accts & all credit cards) BUT. It IS available as long as cost is covered by YOU !! 2. Lucky it happened in a grocery store parking lot. However not expecting power steering to go out, almost hit a pedestrian. 3. No it has not Ben inspected yet I can’t afford the bill 4. No it has not been reported what for I didn’t hit anybody and the cops in this area they could give her rats ass they don’t make a report the question you like you’re like a criminal. 5. No warnings or anything until it happened that day leaving the grocery store. There is absolutely no notification it was gonna happen. It ran fine when I parked it to grocery shop Come back out & I could barely back out to leave. I can lift up my had fatboy if needed so I’m sure turning a steering wheel…. lol…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 3, 2026Steering, Suspension, Electrical systemODI 11721830
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 72,000. It was later discovered later that the mileage was 241,556.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 3, 2025Electrical systemODI 11691158
“The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced three times since 2018. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. In addition, the contact stated that the first battery was replaced a month after the vehicle was purchased, and the second battery was replaced three weeks after the first replacement. The contact stated that the third battery was replaced a day after the second battery replacement. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 5, 2025Electrical systemODI 11678591
“I've had the vehicle service twice for the same incident power steering shut off in the middle of drive Vehicle shuts down almost smashed into a freeway wall. This has been to the dealership numerous times to fix it and they have not. We are in the tens of thousands of dollars in repair and still nothing is fixed I've had this vehicle for 5 years it's been In the shop for at least 3 I bought it with 30000 miles it only has 61000 on it right now The last repair lasted 10000 miles this repair only lasted 4000 I almost died and was left Is petrified.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 29, 2025Steering, Electrical system, EngineODI 11670041
“Engine lifters failed. Heard ticking noise first day truck was purchased that gradually got louder but was told by gmc service shop it was normal to hear the ticking noise. Also when cruise control is on and you are decending a hill the rpms raise and you lose engine compression this will cause your speed to drop to around 20 mph and has happened nunerous times.. as well when making a turn sometimes or just driving the vehicle turns off while in motion and you have to coast to the side of the road and turn the key off and back on to start driving agsin.. the loss of power is a complete blackout no dash.. no engine nothing. As result of the lifter issue the engine also hard shifts in and out of slow gears.. I have not driven my truck in about a year and still owe 22k on it. The issues with this vehicle are the same as the recalled 6.3 v8 engines.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 5, 2025Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11665102

Showing 6 of 43 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.