2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 731 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 19 Silverado 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 13 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 12 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmission, control module, softwareFeb 12, 2026
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 12, 2026.
Campaign 26V083000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module, softwareOct 24, 2024
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
Campaign 24V797000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, temporary/emergency spare tireDec 16, 2021
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 vehicles equipped with certain accessory road tires and a 17" spare tire. The 17" spare tire provided with the vehicle is not compatible for use with the accessory wheels, which can cause the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to not function properly under certain conditions.
An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will provide a new 17" spare tire and wheel assembly that is compatible with the accessory wheels, free of charge. Dealers will also apply a new spare tire information label, and provide owners with an owner's manual insert clarifying which spare tire to use with the accessory road tires and with the 17" original tires. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212346510.
Campaign 21V985000 on NHTSA.gov
TiresFeb 25, 2021
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
Campaign 21V115000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsDec 17, 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
Campaign 20V792000 on NHTSA.gov
TiresNov 5, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202319030.
Campaign 20V684000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftOct 22, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 and 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 trucks. One of the driveshaft joints may not have been properly welded, causing the driveshaft to separate while the vehicle is moving.
If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202314870.
Campaign 20V650000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorJul 30, 2020
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 and Traverse and GMC Acadia and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The diffuser component of the Roof-Rail Air Bag (RRAB) inflator may not have been properly crimped to the inflator and could separate from the inflator during air bag deployment.
If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect RRAB modules, free of charge. The recall began September 3, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N202305380.
Campaign 20V446000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, disc, caliperFeb 27, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The bolts used to attach the front and/or rear brake calipers may have not been heat treated and may break under load.
Broken caliper bolts can reduce brake performance or interfere with wheel rotation and increase the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake caliper bolts, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-866-522-9559. GM's number for this recall is N202294420.
Campaign 20V116000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, 12v/24v/48v battery, cablesDec 12, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. The battery positive (B+) cable rings may have been manufactured with excessive glue, potentially causing an intermittent electrical connection between the B+ cable and alternator.
An intermittent electrical connection between the B+ battery cable and the alternator could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The intermittent connection could also lead to electrical arcing, which could generate sufficient heat to damage surrounding material, increasing the risk of a fire.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect for the presence of glue or other contamination at the B+ cable attachment to the alternator and clean the connection and reattach the B+ cable connection, as necessary. If arcing has damaged the cable, nut, or alternator, the dealer will replace the damaged components. All services will be performed free of charge. GM issued owners an interim notification on February 4, 2020. GM issued second notice and the recall began March 9, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192273510.
Campaign 19V888000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpNov 21, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.
Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192283991.
Campaign 19V837000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, pretensionerNov 14, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2020 Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles equipped with carpet floor covering. When the front seat belt pretensioners deploy, hot gas may vent through an opening in the pretensioner bracket, possibly igniting the carpet.
A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will close off the opening in the pretensioner bracket, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192270600.
Campaign 19V814000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
265 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 10, 2023
Already paid for transmission repair and now paying for engine wiring harness. Service update was sent out to dealer in May of 2020 to fix issues before selling vehicle. That was not done.
Engine, Jun 29, 2023
Lifters are failing. This is an ongoing problem with GM engines. They used faulty parts and engines are failing and nothing is being done about it.
Engine, Jun 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, the engine started shuddering. The message "Reduced Power" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart. The contact pushed the vehicle to the side of the road with assistance. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after a while. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft intake actuator screws had detached, and the engine and turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 77,200.
Power train, Engine, Apr 26, 2023
I purchased this truck new and it's now been back 8 times for a engine hesitation, misfire, and check-engine light. On this 8th visit, they replaced the "right bank" of lifters on this 5.3L V8. Previous visits have replaced fuel injectors, spark plugs, spark plug wires, and flashed the ECM. I'm not sure why GM didn't replace the left bank of lifters if it's a known bad part (or replaced the engine entirely). Now I'm just waiting for the problem to come back for a 9th time for yet another part to replaced on an obviously poor engine design.
Engine, Apr 24, 2023
On a 3 year old vehicle, I had a dash full of warning lights come on along with the engine light. Upon checking the code for the engine, it shows a misfire on cylinder 5. Looking online, chevy has a tsb # pip5776c regarding lifter failure. It appears this is an ongoing issue with many of the vehicles as verified by an engine repair shop. They stated then engine may need replacement as they have found in the past. For a 3 year old vehicle with more year of payments this is not right. They know of an issue and after speaking with a dealer, they said its on me because I am over the mileage warranty. I do not have the repair done yet--it is not cheap
Power train, Engine, Apr 20, 2023
Component? Multiple: lifters from bank 2 which caused multiple other components to be replaced consistent with GM protocols such as bent rods. Safety: The vehicle jerked causing it difficulty to safely operate the vehicle which ultimately left stranded. This was also unsafe for other motorist as it was difficult to operate while trying to safely get to the side of the road. The dealer repaired the vehicle after confirming failures. No one other than the dealer inspected the vehicle to date. Warning lamps only appeared after vehicle violently shook.
Engine, Jan 17, 2023
I have 75,000 miles on my vehicle and in the last 15,000 miles my check engine oil keeps going off. I change my oil every 5000 miles, I am having to add 1 quart of oil about every 1000 miles. I do not see any leaks or old oil on or around engine.
Engine, Dec 21, 2022
Lifter failure caused several different warning lights and misfiring and chugging. Vehicle never died, but might have if it had continued to be driven.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 24, 2022
Vehicle exhibited sudden loss of power at highway speed while in West Texas. Without warning, the vehicle displayed an "engine power reduced" message and the vehicle immediately slowed from highway speed to a maximum speed of 25mph. This sudden reduction in power required the drive to take emergency action to leave lanes of travel for the shoulder. On a road with insufficient shoulder-area, this could have resulted in a collision. Prior to the loss of power, a check engine light illuminated followed by a "Service Emissions System Soon" warning on the driver information display. The elapsed time between the messages and the loss of power was less than 5 minutes. The vehicle did not exhibit any erratic behavior at the time of the warning lights or prior to the loss of power. The vehicle is currently at Bill Estes Ford in Indianapolis, IN. Diagnosis is underway. Indications are that this is related to issues with the emissions control system. The vehicle was up to date on all service at the time of the incident.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 29, 2022
Locks will go up and down by themselves tranmission will downshift randomly broke down on highway service light service esc service parking brake and traction control vehicle only has 32,500 miles been complaining nothing getting done just want something else.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 5, 2022
While driving, the service emission system light activated indicating the truck would be reduced to 65mph. This was due to a faulty EGR wiring harness that controlled the EGR sensor.
Engine, Jul 1, 2022
I am a volunteer firefighter. On Friday, June 24th 2022, I was responding to an emergency call around 1am. There was an active rainstorm and standing water on parts of the street. While driving through roughly 5-6" of water on the way to the fire station, my truck's engine suddenly shut off and I came to a stop. While stalled, I watched multiple cars travel through the same intersection with no issues. My fellow firefighters helped me get my truck to a nearby parking lot to sit and dry out. The following day my truck still would not start so I had it towed to the dealership where I leased the truck which was still under a full bumper-to-bumper warranty. After initial diagnostics, I was told there was water in my intake and I had to get my insurance company involved for the dealership to continue with the repairs. With no other choice, I opened up a claim and was given an estimate of over $9,500 for the repairs due to the engine being "Hydro-locked". I called GM and filed a complaint. They called the dealership and called me back stating the dealership told them I drove through a flooded road and damaged my engine. I did some brief research online and found several examples from multiple sources with the exact same issue. I feel that this is a design flaw and that this needs to be investigated further as I was stranded by myself, in a heavy rainstorm, in the middle of a roadway at 1am. There is no reason that a 2020 Chevy Trail Boss should not be able to travel through the amount of water that stalled my engine. There was nothing negligent about my actions and at no point was I worried about traveling through the water that I drove through. I feel like I am being treated unfairly in this situation and I would like someone to look through the databases to see how many similar consumer reports there have been regarding this design flaw. This is a major safety issue!
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, May 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle shutoff without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the computer module was faulty. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, while driving, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle revved and there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure after performing a test drive. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
Engine, Apr 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced reduced engine power. The reduced engine power warning message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear main seal needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the rear main seal; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the rear main seal a second time; however, the failure recurred with engine oil leaking onto the ground. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 11,340.
Power train, Engine, Mar 10, 2022
I was driving down I27 10 miles south of Lubbock when my 2020 Silverado 1500 3.0 Diesel engine stopped accelerating. I was going 75 miles per hour and the truck just stopped causing trauma for me and my family we were lucky enough to get to the side of the road. I ended up calling gm roadside assistance and they sent a tow truck to pick us and the truck up. The truck wouldn't engage into drive nor reverse. Once towed to the dealership, Gene Messer Chevrolet, in Lubbock, Texas, a service tech mentioned that a ton of the lifters bending push rods are going out on the late 2019, 2020 model silverado due to cheaper lifters added to the vehicles due to Covid shortage supplies. In essence, they wanted to get these models out with no regard to safety of the consumer. I'm not pleased with the craftsmanship GM has lined out on these trucks, this could've ended way worst. They jeopardized my families safety for profits. Right now the truck is still awaiting diagnostics still won't drive nor reverse per dealer service tech. It's just a terrible situation, the truck is new only has 25,500 miles on it, this needs to be recalled.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 2, 2022
Upon starting the vehicle for the second time one day, when placing the automatic transmission into 'D' - Drive, it began to roll backwards as if it was in Neutral on a slight decline and the brakes had to be applied to avoid rolling downhill backwards. After attempting to place it back into 'P' - Park and back into 'D' - Drive and attempting to try 'R' Reverse to try to get it to move forward properly, it would not go forward. After several tries and restarting the vehicle completely, it finally attempted to move forward but would only do so at a reduced speed and would not respond to the accelerator pedal beyond a certain amount. After trying again, it appeared to move forward a bit better, but then upon stopping at a stoplight and attempting to pull out for a left turn onto the road, the speed again was reduced and I had to immediately place it into 'R' - Reverse to avoid an accident due to oncoming traffic. Finally I was able to get it to move forward a bit better and was heading directly for the dealership but since the power just was not getting to the wheels (transmission?) I pulled over and shut off the truck for a few minutes. Upon starting the truck again, it seemed to move forward better after that but had the 'check engine light' illuminated. The truck is at the dealership now, they have had it nearly a week and said they will not begin to look at it for another week at least since they only have 2 technicians who can look at it.
Engine, Nov 4, 2021
Vehicle has approximately 15789 miles. Loud taking sound coming from engine began November 2, 2021 as I was on Highway. Dealer advises all 8 lifters and cam need replacement. My investigation reveals that this is a persistent problem with this type of vehicle and many reports have been made about this same issue throughout the USA. My service advisor advised me that they have already repaired several of the same vehicles for the same problem. Engine is defective and requesting a recall to release entire engine now that this engine will need major overhaul.
Power train, Engine, Oct 12, 2021
Whine sound possible torque converter does not go away. Surging or delay in switching into second gear upon first start up and put in drive.
Engine, Jun 21, 2021
Service ESC and Parking Brake error. Drove to work with no issues. Started up to drive home and I kept hearing a "Ping" noise like hail hitting my roof. Then I thought my transmission was going out while driving. It is almost like it is firing out of order. Dealership ordered multiple parts: Misfire in cylinder 4 plus issue with the heads and push rod. GM decided that the issue it to be repaired rather than a new engine be put in.
Engine, Jun 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 10 mph, the vehicle drove through a puddle of water, shuddered and jerked then loss motive power. The contact was not able to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the failure as water entering the engine, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 21,400.
Engine, Jun 1, 2021
Service ESC and Service Parking Brake error. This was followed by loud pinging noises from the engine. Sounds like a misfire and knocking heads or valves.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, May 28, 2021
Driving 50mph and the truck starts bucking, backfiring, and missing. Code appeared on the dash stating service ESC. Lack of Power steering and braking I parked the truck.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 5, 2021
THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON 3 TIMES WITH A TRUCK WITH ONLY 9000 MILES ON IT I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO GAVE ME A CODE OF P12A6 THEY TOLD ME CHEVROLET IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT HAS NOT COME UP WITH SOLUTION YET OR EVEN WROTE A PROGRAM TO REFLASH THE COMPUTER. NOW I HAVE A PAPER WEIGHT IN MY DRIVEWAY AND BEING THAT I LIVE IN A DUAL TOWN TRYING TO FIND A DEALERSHIP THAT WILL FIX IT AND PROVIDE RENTAL CAR OR TRUCK. THIS DEFECT CAN BE MULTIPLE REASONS WITH THE ENGINE HARNESS WIRES CHAFFING OR TORQUE CONVERTER OR TRANSMISSION PLUS THE WHOLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NOT CRANKING OVER THE TRUCK FROM WHAT I WAS TOLD LAST TIME. NOW I'M WAITING TILL 730 TO CALL A DEALERSHIP SEE IF THEY HAVE A ROLL TRUCK TO PICK IT UP AND GET IT TO A DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY CAN TRY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 20, 2021
BATTERY KEEPS DISCHARGING. MAKING SURE NO LIGHTS LEFT ON IN VEHICLE. TOTALLY DRAINED BATTERY IN JUST 3-4 DAYS WITHOUT CRANKING OR MOVING. AFTER RECHARGE CRANKED NORMALLY
Engine, Mar 7, 2021
ONE OF THE COOLANT HOSES RUBS UP AGAINST THE CRANKSHAFT CAUSING HOSE TO BUST AND LEAK REDUCED ENGINE POWER LIGHT COMES ON AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CHEVY HAD TO USE A DIFFERENT HOES TO NOT RUB AGAINST THE CRANKSHAFT