2018 Chevrolet Silverado engine problems
moderate 54 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Owners have filed 54 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
2018 Silverado 1500 owners report a pattern of major engine failures, most centered on lifter collapse tied to the AFM/DFM cylinder deactivation system. The failure happens with no warning lights beforehand—owners hear ticking or knocking, the check engine light turns on, and the engine either loses power, seizes, or requires full replacement. Costs range from $5,400 to over $7,300 for partial repair; full engine replacement costs much more. Damage cascades to pushrods, camshaft, connecting rod bearings, and pistons.
Water pump failures add another layer of trouble: one variant (4-groove pulley, part 12685259) is discontinued and unavailable nationwide, leaving vehicles parked indefinitely while dealers wait for parts that will never arrive.
Owners also report radiator leaks (some linked to thermostat overcycling per TSB PI1513F), oil gasket failures requiring engine removal to fix, electrical fuse box failures causing stalling during turns, transmission jerking and dark fluid full of metal shavings, and one spontaneous engine fire. Cold-start hesitation and rough idle are common but dealerships cannot diagnose them.
GM issued recall 24V266 for 2021–2024 models with similar bearing defects, but 2018 owners are excluded despite experiencing identical failures. No recall covers the 2018 model year for lifter problems, though TSBs and partial warranty programs exist for newer years. Owners consistently report that dealers dismiss problems until catastrophic failure occurs, then deny warranty coverage or refer owners to NHTSA.
Same Chevrolet Silverado engine reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Lifter/Camshaft Collapse with Engine Failure
Hydraulic lifters on one or both banks collapse, causing misfire, metal debris, and catastrophic internal engine damage (bent pushrods, damaged rods/pistons, camshaft damage). AFM/DFM cylinder deactivation implicated. Owners report sudden loud knocking or ticking, loss of power, and smoke from exhaust. Damage cascades to connecting rod bearings and requires full engine replacement in many cases.
When: Variable mileage (14k–170k); some incidents at 60k–85k miles shortly after warranty expiration or extended warranty lapse
Symptoms owners cite: Audible ticking or knocking at idle, cold start, or during driving; Check engine light illuminated; Sudden loss of power and acceleration failure; Smoke/heavy smoke from exhaust; Vehicle shaking, shuddering, or rough idle; Misfire in one or more cylinders (frequently cylinder 6); No advance warning lights before collapse
Codes mentioned: P0301, Misfire codes in cylinders 6, 7, or 8, Check engine light (specific codes not always documented)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement or extensive internal repair (lifters, pushrods, camshaft, valve train). Costs range $5,468–$7,320 for partial repair; full engine replacement considerably higher. Owners report parts shortages and extended repair waits (up to 1 year).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V266 (2021–2024 models with 6.2L, bearing defects); Some TSBs and 'upgraded' valve train parts offered; Extended warranty programs mentioned for newer model years (2019–2024); No recall for 2018 models; Partial cost-sharing or warranty refusal reported
Water Pump Failure with Unavailable Parts
Water pump fails (often 4-groove pulley variant unique to some 2018 models), causing overheating and coolant leaks. Part number 12685259 (4-groove) is discontinued and unavailable from dealers or aftermarket suppliers nationwide. Owners stranded with non-functional vehicles for months while waiting for parts that do not exist.
When: Variable mileage; one instance at ~119k miles; another vehicle had clanking sound and failed suddenly
Symptoms owners cite: Clanking or unusual noise from engine; Vehicle overheating; Coolant leak; Check engine light (in some cases); No warning lights in one documented case
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement (part 12685259 4-groove pulley) is impossible due to manufacturer discontinuation. Vehicle remains parked. One case: 5 months out of service. Another case: 3 months parked at dealer with part on national backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed part is on national backorder; Notified parts stores part is discontinued with no availability date; Declined vehicle repurchase; No remedy offered
Stalling/Engine Shutdown While Turning
Engine dies or stalls unexpectedly during turns (especially right turns), independent of speed, acceleration, or turn sharpness. Vehicle dashboard goes black except for mileage display (similar to remote-start mode). Occurs both with manual and remote start. Dealer replaced fuse box, but problem persists.
When: July 2022 through January 2023 initially (12 incidents in 6 months), then 8 additional incidents; increasing frequency (4 times in 3 weeks at one point)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls/dies while turning left or right (mostly right); Dashboard/console goes black except mileage display; Vehicle restarts manually or in neutral; No correlation to speed or turn type
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse box replaced by dealer without resolving issue. No other permanent repair documented. Owner references recall PIT5405C (2017 models) describing identical failure plus engine revving after restart.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall PIT5405C exists for 2017 models with same symptoms; No corresponding recall for 2018 model; Fuse box replacement attempted
Radiator Leaks and Coolant System Failures
Radiators develop slow leaks, coolant seeps from cooling lines, and metal lock rings rust. One bulletin (PI1513F) describes radiator leaks due to thermostat overcycling in Silverados. Coolant loss can lead to overheating and engine damage. One owner reports coolant mixing with engine oil, risking engine lockup.
When: Early in ownership (2 years into vehicle life for one case); 38k–84k miles; one case at ~2 years old
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant reservoir level dropping gradually; Visible fluid leaks under truck; Coolant mixed with engine oil; No warning lights in some cases; Overheating at highway speeds (55–60 mph)
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement needed; cooling line repair; fuel pump and fuel pump sensor replacement (in one complex case). One owner faced 5+ month wait for water pump replacement part. Costs vary; one case cited owner was told repair not covered by extended warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB PI1513F issued but applies to limited model years; Extended warranty often does not cover; Dealer initially dismisses as 'small leak'; Manufacturer declines responsibility; No recall issued
Engine Oil Leaks and Low Oil Warnings
Gasket or seal deterioration causes oil to leak, triggering low oil warnings. One case involved engine and transmission removal required to replace the faulty gasket. Owners report fast oil consumption, excessive change frequency, and underhood oil leaks.
When: Variable; one case at 84k miles; owners notice fast oil consumption over time
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil warning light illuminated; Oil leak under vehicle; Engine oil level drops quickly between changes; Gasket deterioration or fractured seal visible
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Gasket or seal replacement requires engine and transmission removal. Estimated cost not covered under warranty beyond 84k miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty does not cover repair beyond certain mileage; Manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA Hotline
Electrical Failures: Fuse Box, Battery Cables, and Starting Issues
Fuse box, battery cables, and ground wiring overheat or fail. Vehicle loses power unexpectedly (especially over dips/bumps), cannot start with ignition key, but can be started with a screwdriver. Starter fails and requires replacement. Several warning lights illuminate sporadically.
When: At ~167k miles; also linked to turning-stall complaints (fuse box replaced without full resolution)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while driving (over bumps or dips); Battery cables abnormally hot; Vehicle fails to start with key; Multiple unknown warning lights; Vehicle can be started with screwdriver (bypass)
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse box, battery cables, and ground wiring replacement needed. Starter replacement performed. One owner did not pursue repair due to cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented; repairs not pursued by owner due to expense
Connecting Rod Bearing Failure
Connecting rod bearing fails on one or more cylinders (cylinders 7 and 8 documented), causing engine to seize/lock up suddenly. Initial symptom is a 'tick' at idle. May occur after lifter failure repair, resulting in cascade failure.
When: After previous lifter/camshaft repair; no advance warning
Symptoms owners cite: Engine tick at idle and while driving; Bent pushrod (found on inspection); Sudden engine seizure without warning; No warning lights before seizure
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Pushrod, camshaft, and lifter replacement performed, but bearing failure occurred afterward. Full engine disassembly and bearing repair required. Owner reports parts available for inspection at mechanic's shop.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Fuel System: Vent Valve Solenoid and Fuel Pump Failures
Check engine light cycles on and off; vent valve solenoid fails, then fuel filler neck leaks, then metal lock ring rusts, requiring fuel pump and fuel pump sensor replacement. Multiple repeat failures after each repair.
When: At 51,145 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated (recurring after each repair); No drivability complaints noted
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Vent valve solenoid replacement, fuel filler neck replacement, fuel pump and sensor replacement. Each repair only delays next failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but referred owner to dealer with no further assistance; Repair not completed due to recurring issues
Active Grill Shutter Motor Failure
Active grill shutter motor becomes defective, rendering remote keyless entry inoperable and triggering check engine light at low speeds.
When: At ~48k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated while driving 10 mph; Remote keyless entry inoperable
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Motor replacement required. Owner referenced Technical Service Bulletin PIE0500.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repair not covered under warranty or service bulletin per dealer; GM engineer contact made regarding TSB PIE0500
Exhaust Manifold Bolt Failure
Exhaust manifold bolts fail or deteriorate, causing abnormal ticking sound from engine compartment at startup and under load.
When: At 100k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal ticking from engine compartment upon cold start; Check engine light illuminated
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Exhaust manifold bolt replacement needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but provided no assistance; Repair not completed
Air Conditioning/Radiator Valve Failure
Air conditioning system fails to cool vehicle during high ambient temperatures. Root cause: radiator valve leak requiring replacement.
When: At ~38,540 miles
Symptoms owners cite: AC system fails to cool during hot weather; No warning light
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator valve replacement needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Starter Failure
Starter fails prematurely, causing hard or no starts, especially in cold weather. Battery drains or is inadequate for starter draw. One case required battery upgrade and possible starter replacement.
When: One case at 56,174 miles in October 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Difficulty starting in cold weather; Starter drag when cold; Battery drained to no-start condition
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replaced or requires upgrade. One dealer replaced battery (650 CCA) but issue suggests need for 1000+ CCA battery or higher amperage alternator (200A).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer replaced battery without resolving underlying starter/electrical issue
Transmission Issues and Drivetrain Jerking
Transmission develops problems including jerking/pulling above 50 mph, screeching on acceleration, dark fluid color, metal shavings, and limp mode. Transmission may need valve replacement or rebuild.
When: At ~84k miles and other undisclosed mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks and pulls at speeds above 50 mph; Screeching sound on acceleration; Transmission fluid dark and smells burned; Excessive metal shavings in transmission fluid; Limp mode activation
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission valve replacement or full transmission rebuild. One case reported three rebuilds in one year with continued issues. Metal shavings suggest upstream engine or component wear (possibly lifter/camshaft debris entering transmission).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denied in some cases; diagnosis performed but repair costs high
Engine Misfire and Cylinder Deactivation Issues
Misfires occur in specific cylinders (frequently cylinder 6), linked to AFM/DFM cylinder deactivation system. Vehicle loses power during acceleration or highway driving. Metal debris and oil contamination noted.
When: Variable mileage; one case at 82,986 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with misfire codes (P0301, cylinder-specific); Loss of power during acceleration or highway merging; Rough running or hesitation; Metal shavings in oil; Excessive oil consumption
Codes mentioned: P0301, Cylinder-specific misfire codes
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs, coil pack, and plug wires replaced in some cases (temporary fix). Underlying issue is lifter/camshaft/bearing failure. Full engine overhaul or replacement required for permanent repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V266 for 2021–2024 models (6.2L); Earlier model-year owners report no recall or TSB coverage
Spontaneous Engine Fire
Vehicle spontaneously caught fire while parked and unoccupied, without warning or impact. Fire department extinguished blaze; vehicle destroyed.
When: At 22,000 miles (low mileage)
Symptoms owners cite: Spontaneous fire outbreak (no external cause)
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed by fire. Police report filed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was awaiting callback from owner; vehicle not diagnosed before destruction
Cold-Start Hesitation and Stutter
Engine hesitates or stutters during acceleration when starting cold (after 10+ hours parked). Symptoms dissipate after ~1 mile of driving and vehicle warms up. Dealer unable to diagnose or find fault.
When: Recurring pattern every morning after extended parked time
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stutter/hesitation during early morning acceleration; Resolves after 1 mile of driving
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose; no repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnostic inconclusive; no repair offered
Synthesized from 54 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 54 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 23 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 24,592 and 119,000 miles, with the median around 51,145. A quarter of owners report trouble before 24,592; a quarter make it past 119,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.