The rack and pinion is not working on the power steering - Chevy wont cover because the truck has been lifted. The truck was lifted the day truck was purchased and it only has 5196 miles on it. Took it to 3 lift shops and all said nothing is wrong with the lift and their own lift person said the lift was done perfect.
2018 Chevrolet Silverado suspension problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado have filed 28 NHTSA complaints about the suspension, typically surfacing around 20,010 miles at roughly $900 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See suspension across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
| Model year | suspension complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Silverado | 44 |
| 2015 Silverado | 20 |
| 2016 Silverado | 22 |
| 2017 Silverado | 14 |
| 2018 Silverado (this page) | 28 |
| 2019 Silverado | 20 |
| 2020 Silverado | 13 |
| 2021 Silverado | 11 |
| 2022 Silverado | 4 |
When does it fail?
Of the 28 suspension complaints filed for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 28 suspension 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.
No new NHTSA suspension complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Over 26 complaints, 2018 Silverado 1500 owners describe early and recurring suspension failures. Rear leaf springs loosen repeatedly despite dealer re-torquing and lubrication; u-bolts shift under load, risking axle misalignment. Springs themselves crack or shatter by 15,000 miles. Front-end upper control arms break at ball-joint welds at 25,000 miles with no impact history—cracks visible in the metal suggest manufacturing defect. Pressed ball-joint fittings separate from control arms. Owners report loud clunking, grinding, and squeaking from the undercarriage at all speeds, sometimes from day of delivery.
High-speed vibration and shaking plague many trucks, present from low mileage, unresolved by tire balance or alignment. Some describe a washboard bounce in the front suspension on flat roads. One owner had a passenger-side upper control arm break during highway approach; another swerved uncontrollably while towing.
Frame corrosion is confirmed by a licensed Maine inspection station and Chevrolet dealership at 41,000 miles—so severe the truck failed state safety inspection. An internal GM Technical Service Bulletin acknowledges defective wax coating from the frame supplier but no recall exists; GM refused goodwill repair.
Transmission hard shifts (1-2, 2-3, 3-4) appear within weeks of purchase and worsen over time; dealers claim behavior is normal, refuse diagnostics, or offer only fluid flushes. One owner's class-action claim over the 8L90 transmission was denied. Separately, one owner's power-steering rack failed at 5,196 miles despite correct lift installation. OEM Continental tires shred at low mileage. All told, owners report dealers consistently deflecting responsibility, refusing component replacement, and resisting investigation.
Same Chevrolet Silverado suspension reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Frame corrosion and structural failure
Premature rust-through of frame steel, severe enough to fail state safety inspection. Root cause identified in GM Technical Service Bulletin 19-NA-255: improper application of wax coating by third-party frame supplier allowing bare steel exposure. Poses risk of frame failure, suspension separation, or structural collapse, especially at highway speeds or under load.
When: 41,000 miles (identified at inspection); defect consistent with 2011-2024 model years per TSB
Symptoms owners cite: Frame corrosion visible during inspection; Structural frame failure confirmed by licensed inspection station and Chevrolet dealership; Vehicle failed Maine state safety inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Chevrolet dealership confirmed rust required cutting out corroded sections and welding; no recall issued; GM Customer Assistance refused goodwill repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Technical Service Bulletin 19-NA-255 acknowledges defect but no recall issued; dealerships not consistently performing repair; GM refused goodwill request
Rear leaf spring looseness and clunking
Loose suspension components, primarily rear leaf springs and fasteners (u-bolts, bolts, shackles), causing persistent clunking, grinding, and flexing noises under vehicle. Described as 'known problem in Chevrolet trucks' by dealers. Repeated lubrication and re-torquing fails to resolve; springs move under u-bolts when rocked, risking axle misalignment, steering issues, and excessive tire wear.
When: Low mileage (2-3K reported; also 20,010 miles); some present from day of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking from undercarriage at all speeds; Grinding/flexing metal sounds from rear suspension; Noises over bumps and rough roads; Noises during backing, turning, and stationary rocking; Squeaking from leaf shackles
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repair: lubricate rear leaf springs, re-torque u-bolts and bolts to spec; replacement leaf springs quoted at $1,100 by private shop; one owner had dealer replace passenger-side leaf spring but replacement had same gap issue; squeaking stopped only after 2-month wait for replacement shackle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim 'known problem' and issue Tech Bulletin instructing u-bolt checks at service; no recall; dealers refuse to replace springs, offer only torque/lubrication
Cracked and failed leaf springs
Leaf springs cracking under normal use at low mileage. Cracks not always visible while springs mounted on vehicle. One report of springs having excessive gap between leaves, increasing breakage risk under load.
When: 15,000 to 25,000 miles; one case from day of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking noise worsening over time; Noise when driving and when stationary (pushing rear bumper); Cracking noise sounds; Internal cracks not visible while installed
Repairs/costs cited: Leaf springs cracked and visible upon removal; one owner requested $1,000 allowance to fabricate custom springs with tighter leaf spacing
High-speed vibration and shaking
Persistent vibration or shaking at highway speeds (60 mph and above), present from delivery or early ownership. Does not improve with tire balancing or alignment. May intensify at 80 mph, varying in intensity (rumble-strip sensation). Unrelated to driveline, as neutral does not eliminate it. Geometry or structural issue suspected.
When: From day of delivery or very early ownership; reported at 50 miles, 200 miles, and continuing
Symptoms owners cite: Constant vibration/shake above 60-65 mph; Steering wheel and driver seat vibration; Vibration fades in and out; intermittent extreme shaking (rumble-strip sensation); Vibration unchanged when shifting to neutral; Vibration slightly worse at lower speeds, slightly better at higher speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Tires replaced and road-force balanced; alignment performed; transmission fluid changed; no root cause identified by dealers; cause of failure undetermined
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified by some owners; no remedy offered
Front-end bounce and washboard-like vibration
Intermittent bouncing or rapid oscillation in front suspension on flat roads, resembling washboard texture. Appears within first 17,000 miles on new vehicles.
When: 17,000 miles (or early ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: Odd bounce/vibration in front suspension; Both tires intermittently bouncing on flat roads; Suspension bouncing extremely fast; Washboard-like sensation on highway
Upper control arm failures (fracture at ball joint welds)
Stamped upper control arms breaking at or near the ball joint weld on both driver and passenger sides. Presented as existing internal cracks from manufacturing, visible rust at fracture site indicating age of crack. Critical safety issue occurring at low mileage with no known impact damage.
When: 25,000 miles; some reported twice within months
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking noise in front end, especially backing; Handling anomaly on road (wonky handling); Sudden break occurring while approaching highway
Repairs/costs cited: Both upper control arms have broken off at ball joints; weld broke around top of ball joint; parts are stamped and pressed fittings
Front-end ball joint failure (pressed fitting)
Pressed ball joint fitting separating from front passenger-side upper control arm at low mileage, with no reported impact or accident.
When: 25,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking noise in front end, most noticeable backing
Repairs/costs cited: Pressed fitting came apart
Hard transmission shifts (1-2, 2-3, 3-4)
Transmission shifting hard or jerking between gears, especially 1-2 and reverse. May be worsened in 2WD mode. Issue occurs with new vehicles and persists or worsens over time. One owner enrolled in class-action lawsuit against GM over 8L90 transmission defect but claim was denied. Dealer assertions of 'normal' behavior contradicted by deteriorating performance and safety concerns.
When: Noted 1-2 weeks after purchase; as early as 1,000 miles; present through 21,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hard shifts from 1-2, 2-3, 3-4; Jerking and hard downshifting; Harsh shifts at takeoff and coming to a stop; Loud clunk when shifting into Drive with forward lurch; Cold-start bucking and sudden stopping; Hard shifts worsened in 2WD, less in 4WD or towing; Transmission hangs up shifting to higher gear; worsens at stop
Codes mentioned: 8L90
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership response: transmission fluid flush with updated Mobil 1 HP LV fluid (temporary relief); torque converter replacement (did not resolve); transmission rebuild declined by shop citing complexity; dealers refuse to investigate or repair, claiming behavior is 'normal'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM class-action lawsuit filed for 8L90 transmission defect; owner's claim was denied; dealers refuse proper diagnosis
Rear-end clunking from axle and u-bolts
Loud thumping or clunking from rear axle area, caused by loose u-bolts holding axle to leaf springs. Repeated tightening and lubrication fails; axle can move under u-bolts during rocking, risking misalignment, steering issues, and tire wear.
When: 20,010 miles reported; ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Loud thumping/clunking from rear axle; Noises at all speeds and on bumps; Axle shifts under u-bolts when rocked side to side
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer re-torque u-bolts; private shop quoted $1,100 to replace both leaf springs and u-bolts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claims 'normal' and cites Tech Bulletin instructing u-bolt checks at service; no actual repair solution offered
Steering/rack-and-pinion power steering malfunction
Rack-and-pinion power steering not functioning properly. Reported in lifted truck; dealership refused warranty coverage citing lift modification, though multiple lift shops confirmed lift installation was correct and not responsible for steering failure.
When: 5,196 miles (day truck was lifted, which was day of purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering not working
Repairs/costs cited: Lift shops inspected and confirmed lift not at fault
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet refused warranty coverage due to lift modification
Uncontrolled swerving while towing
Vehicle swerves uncontrollably when hauling a trailer, experienced multiple times. Cause not identified despite inspection by multiple dealers.
When: 41,300 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle starts to swerve uncontrollably while towing; Occurs multiple times during towing
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to several dealers; failure could not be located or cause identified; not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not contacted
Tire wear and shredding (Continental CrossContact LX20)
OEM tires (Continental CrossContact LX20 P275/55 R20) chopping and shredding at low mileage. Dealer confirmed tire issue but claimed any recall would come from manufacturer, declining to investigate. Safety hazard of tire shred causing accident or death.
When: First appeared 6/30/22; confirmed again 7/7/22; prior issue noted 4/28/22 at tire rotation
Symptoms owners cite: Tires chopping and shredding; Safety and hazard issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed tires having issue but claimed any recall would be issued by General Motors to owner
Low engine oil pressure (6.2L engine)
Engine oil pressure abnormally low at idle (12-15 psi) and does not exceed 32-35 psi under normal driving conditions with or without load. Issue persists after multiple oil changes, filter replacements, and oil pressure sensor replacements. Owner notes truck has 6.2L engine with prior complaints.
When: 42,450 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure at 12-15 psi at idle; Oil pressure will not exceed 32-35 psi under normal or load conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Changed oil filter and oil pressure sensor multiple times without resolution
Engine compartment noise (chirp/tick)
Chirp or ticking noise from passenger side of engine compartment, possibly from engine internals or air conditioning compressor. Owner narrowing down source.
When: 42,450 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Chirp/tick sound from passenger side engine compartment
Synthesized from 28 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Squeaking noise under box. Dealer took 2 months to get a replacement leaf shackle for left side. It did stop the noise. My transmission has a hard shift in gears when taking off and coming to a stop. Transmission seems to hang up shifting from low gear t a higher gear and does the same when coming to a stop. Seems to be getting worse. New truck, now has 21,000 miles but worst investment I have…
Had suspension trouble with your 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the suspension problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 28 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $900 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most suspension failures cluster between 15,000 and 41,300 miles, with the median around 20,010. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,000; a quarter make it past 41,300. 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 $900 for suspension 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 suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Chevrolet/Silverado.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.