2018 Chevrolet Silverado

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Chevrolet Silverado
Pictured: 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD High Country, Front Left, 11-21-2021. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Body styles
1500 Crew Cab M/Box 2WD, 1500 Crew Cab M/Box 4X4, 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD, 1500 Crew Cab S/Box 4X4
Engines
5.3L 8-cyl, 4.3L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, FFV, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
20 combined · 18 city / 24 hwy
Length
225.6–235.4 in
Curb weight
5,002–5,359 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
12 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints596 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 100 for similar models — most often about the power train.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado is a standard pickup truck offered with 3 engines (5.3L 8-cyl, 4.3L 6-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 235 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 153-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,161 lb (1500 Crew Cab M/Box 2WD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 24 highway), 4% better than the 2018 standard pickup truck average of 19.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 12 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 596 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2018

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Silverado — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Silverado →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–5.3L 8-cyl
Engine–6.6L turbo 8-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

LTLTZ

Built in: Silao, Mexico · Fort Wayne, Indiana · Flint, Michigan

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Silverado configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
1500 Crew Cab M/Box 2WD235.4 in79.9 in73.6 in153.1 in68.9 / 67.7 in5,161 lb57/43
1500 Crew Cab M/Box 4X4235.4 in79.9 in74 in153.1 in68.9 / 67.7 in5,359 lb59/41
1500 Crew Cab S/Box 2WD225.6 in79.9 in74 in143.7 in68.9 / 67.7 in5,073 lb56/44
1500 Crew Cab S/Box 4X4225.6 in79.9 in74 in143.7 in68.9 / 67.7 in5,278 lb58/42
1500 Double Cab M/Box 2WD225.6 in79.9 in74 in143.7 in68.9 / 67.7 in5,002 lb58/42
1500 Double Cab M/Box 4X4225.6 in79.9 in74 in143.7 in68.9 / 67.7 in5,216 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD Hybrid5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20+4%$3,350447
Silverado C15 2WD FFV4.3L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20+4%$3,350448
Silverado K15 4WD FFV4.3L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19+4%$3,550473
Silverado C15 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19-2%$3,550476
Silverado C15 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19-2%$3,550475
Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD Hybrid5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18-1%$3,700490
Silverado C15 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-7%$3,700495
Silverado K15 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-1%$3,700491
Silverado K15 4WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-1%$3,700489
Silverado C15 2WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-12%$4,850522
Silverado K15 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-7%$4,850524
Silverado K15 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-7%$3,950522
Silverado C15 Cab Chassis 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-18%$3,950523
Silverado K15 Cab Chassis 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 19 / 170%$3,950523
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.3 MPG2018 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/EC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.9%
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/EC RWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.4%
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid PU/CC RWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.9%
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/CC 4WD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.4%
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/CC RWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.9%
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/RC RWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/EC 4WD
Frontal crash test — 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/EC 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/EC 4WD
Side crash test — 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/EC 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 standard pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Chevrolet Silverado (this car)20 MPG★★★★★12
2018 Toyota Tundra16 MPG★★★★★8
2018 Nissan Titan18 MPG★★★★★4
2018 Ram 150023 MPG★★★★★15
2018 GMC Sierra20 MPGNot rated12
2018 Roush Performance F15012 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (12)

Air Bags · May 21, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V325000 · 4,315 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles. The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Risk
A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace both RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262557310. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 21, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 26V166.
Air Bags · Mar 19, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V166000 · 2,819 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 Crew Cab vehicles. The left or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Risk
A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the left and right-side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262549710. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.
Air Bags · Jun 26, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V432000 · 1,658 vehicles

Problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Sierra 2500, 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab vehicles. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Risk
A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increases the risk of injury or crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2025. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252513060.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain › Inflator · Oct 10, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V756000 · 2,061 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2018-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 Crew Cab trucks. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Risk
A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC Customer Service at 888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N242474500.
Fuel System, Diesel › Storage › Tank Assembly · Feb 2, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V047000 · 22,132 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual fuel tank option. The rear fuel tank may collapse and prevent the fuel pump from transferring fuel to the front tank, resulting in an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and fuel pump module, replacing them as necessary. Dealers will also add a vent hose to the rear tank assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on March 15, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 21, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222368030.
Equipment › Electrical › Engine Block Heater · Jul 1, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V496000 · 338,020 vehicles

Problem
General 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 diesel 6.6 liter engine and an optional engine-block heater cord. An electrical short-circuit may occur in the engine-block heater cable or in the terminals that connect the heater cable to the block heater.
Risk
An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will replace engine block heaters and heater cords. Vehicles that have this feature disabled as a remedy to the safety condition will be contacted and offered replacement block heaters and heater cords under a separate customer satisfaction program, free of charge. GM will provide free replacement block heaters and cords under a separate customer satisfaction campaign. For vehicles previously included in recall 19V-328, the heater cord will be replaced and rerouted, free of charge. Interim owner notifications were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 4, 2022. Customers may call GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 212329840.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Oct 1, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V603000 · 14,620 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.
Risk
A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-522-9559, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N202300860.
Service Brakes · Oct 24, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V761000 · 652,967 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Risk
Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Sep 6, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V645000 · 3,456,719 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Risk
As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Engine · Apr 25, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V328000 · 318,374 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500 vehicles and 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with Duramax 6.6 liter diesel engines and an optional engine-block heater. The engine block heater cord or the terminals that connect the heater cord to the block heater may short circuit and fail.
Risk
A short-circuit may damage the engine components and increase the risk of fire.
Fix
GM will contact owners, dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Additionally, in Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles, dealers will install a new rerouted heater cord. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N182206310.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · Feb 7, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V088000 · 18,574 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 GMC Sierra 3500 and Chevrolet Silverado 3500 trucks equipped with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks. The fuel-level sensor in the front tank may stick in a low-level position, allowing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.
Risk
If the front tank overfills, the excess pressure may cause the front tank to expand and contact the driveshaft, possibly resulting in a hole in the tank. The hole will leak fuel, which in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear-tank fuel-pump module, inspect the front tank and, if necessary, replace the front tank, free of charge. The recall began July 30, 2019. GM's number for this recall is N182204190.
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor · Sep 14, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V567000 · 38,048 vehicles

Problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 trucks. The front seat belt retractor assemblies were built with the incorrect torsion bar. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Risk
The seat belt retractors may not perform as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front seat belt retractor assemblies, free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's numbers for this recall are 17368, 17375, and 17376.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Chevrolet Silverado is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

596Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
12Involved a crash
6Involved a fire
14Injuries reported
35,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train179
Engine122
Electrical System109
Service Brakes86
Unknown Or Other67
Steering46
Suspension33
Fuel/Propulsion System28
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 424/12: 825/01: 825/02: 425/03: 925/04: 1025/05: 2225/06: 1125/07: 925/08: 725/09: 625/10: 425/11: 425/12: 526/01: 1026/02: 926/03: 626/04: 726/05: 526/06: 326/07: 526/08: 726/09: 626/10: 124/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 22

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Chevrolet Silverado buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 179 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Engine — 122 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 109 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 35,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Silverado years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Silverado25241.3 inNot rated7143
2025 Silverado26233.1 inNot rated4164
2024 Silverado26229.5 inNot rated12541
2023 Silverado26229.5 inNot rated5457
2022 Silverado26241.3 inNot rated9777
2021 Silverado27241.3 inNot rated12983
2020 Silverado27241.3 in★★★★★18900
2019 Silverado21241.3 in★★★★★201,195
2017 Silverado20235.4 in★★★★★12906
2016 Silverado20235.4 inNot rated15979
2015 Silverado20235.4 inNot rated241,417
2014 Silverado20235.4 inNot rated221,501

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →