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: power train
227 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Oct 6, 2025
Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: I am filing this formal complaint regarding General Motors' failure to provide a timely remedy for safety recall XXX and GM's inadequate response to a catastrophic transmission defect that has affected my vehicle twice, resulting in complete transmission lockup while driving at highway speeds. *SAFETY INCIDENT HISTORY My 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has experienced the transmission control valve defect described in recall XXX on two separate occasions, both while driving at approximately 65 mph on the highway. Each incident resulted in complete rear wheel lockup, creating an immediate life-threatening situation. Following the second failure, I had the vehicle towed to Huffines Chevrolet Plano [XXX] ) on August 18, 2025. UNREASONABLE DELAY IN RECALL REMEDY As of today, October 6, 2025, my vehicle has remained at the dealership for 49 days with absolutely zero action taken toward repair. The vehicle has not been evaluated, diagnosed, or repaired. The dealer states they have only one transmission technician to handle the massive volume of recalled Silverado trucks affected by this defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Sep 18, 2025
10 speed 10l80E transmission Whining noise from trans fluid pump gears and bearing known problem in the silverados pleease see link below [XXX] this involves taking the gearbox out and replacing the gears very expensive. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Sep 14, 2025
Several times my transmission has began to shift hard miss gears while hitting the brakes. Lose of power/hard shifts/ not shifting when it’s supposed to/jerking and or harsh shifting slipping delay in shifting slams into gear check engine light comes on after check engine light is on it continues until codes r deleted and or battery power is disconnected. This is a problem with codes like 0700/0716/0796 for the tranny control system sticking malfunctioning happens several times in the last year about every 3-4 months
Power train, Sep 11, 2025
VIN: [XXX] Component: Powertrain / Transmission / Recall Remedy Description of the Problem: Recall remedy applied in June 2025 failed. Transmission subsequently failed. On August 25, 2025, a Mangino Chevrolet technician confirmed in writing that the failure was “related to the recall that was previously performed.” My truck was previously in GM’s care at Van Bortel Chevy (Nov–Dec 2024), after the recall officially opened on 10/24/2024, but the remedy was not applied at that time. I was forced to continue driving thousands of miles with the defect still present. Despite the written admission that the failure is recall-related, GM Customer Care has only offered a 50/50 split on the transmission replacement (my portion ≈ $3,950.34 + tax) and is now attempting to reframe the issue as a maintenance problem. Transmission fluid service intervals are not the cause here — the federally mandated recall remedy failed to prevent the very failure it was supposed to address. This situation has left me without a safe, reliable vehicle. GM has acknowledged the recall remedy failed but is refusing to take full responsibility. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate GM’s handling of this recall remedy failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Sep 4, 2025
After completing a GM assisted engine rebuild the transmission oil pump is failing and transmission shifting era tic.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Sep 3, 2025
With only 70,000 miles on the truck it started to have a hard shudder and wheels locking up. During the wheel shudder it would shift hard as well. We took it to a shop and they said it was our Transmission control module and that the transmission had metal shavings and would fail soon. They also said doing any service to these transmissions can cause failure.We were informed that the dealership is aware these transmissions are all failing. The cost to replace is over $6,500. The dealership should have to do an official recall for this. After some research i found that the dealership has acknowledged the issue by replacing the TCM and uploading new software to put the transmission into a fail safe instead of putting in a new transmission. The issues that the failure causes has made thousands of people have to get new transmissions before the service is even due. A quick search on Google states that 461,000 vehicles were effected and that a recall has been issued, but it has not been officially issued. We need a new transmission and should not have to pay for it on a truck that is so new and serviced timely.
Power train, Aug 30, 2025
The transmission skips and has trouble finding gears. This causes the truck to vibrate, be slow to accelerate, or lurch occasionally. The decrease in vehicle responsiveness and unpredictable behavior make the vehicle drivable, but less safe.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 30, 2025
am writing to formally report a transmission failure in my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and to request your assistance in addressing this issue. I purchased the vehicle on September 2020from Suburu Cobband it currently has approximately 143,000 miles on the odometer. Recently, the truck began experiencing serious transmission-related issues, including total failure. These issues developed without warning and have rendered the vehicle unreliable and unsafe to operate. After inspection by ALM Chevy, I was informed that the failure likely stems from a known issue with the torque converter or transmission valve body — problems that have been widely reported in 2020 Silverado models with the 8-speed automatic transmission. I have also learned that GM issued a recall for certain 2020–2022 models due to excessive transmission valve wear, which may cause the rear wheels to lock up. I am concerned that my vehicle may fall within the scope of this recall or a related Technical Service Bulletin (such as TSB 21-NA-199). Given the seriousness of the failure, the relatively low mileage, and the widespread nature of these transmission problems, I believe this may be a defect in materials or workmanship. I respectfully request the following: Confirmation of whether my vehicle is subject to any open recalls or service bulletins relating to the transmission. A warranty or goodwill repair of the transmission or related components. If parts are unavailable, an estimated timeline for repair or alternative transportation options. I am attaching copies of my repair estimate, service records, and proof of purchase. Please advise me of the next steps and whether further documentation is needed. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to a prompt resolution so that I may safely return my Silverado to the road. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Aug 26, 2025
I am writing to bring to your attention an issue I've been experiencing with my truck's transmission. Recently, the transmission failed due to a torque converter issue, which has caused significant disruption for me. From my understanding, this is a known problem that hasn’t been adequately addressed by GM. As I'm currently in the process of getting the transmission rebuilt, I believe it is only fair that I should not have to bear the costs associated with this repair. I would appreciate it if someone from GM could reach out to discuss this matter further. Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to your prompt response.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Aug 26, 2025
Engine shut off while driving and was unable to restart.
Power train, Aug 25, 2025
The transmission is locking up at speed causing a significant jump/ lurch in the rear end momentarily that sudden causes lane change. The dealer is telling me this is related to the transmission valve body recall however I received no warning and my truck has never gone into limp mode even though the recall remedy was supposed to provide a 10k mile warning. It would seem the determining factor is not being measured correctly or there are other contributing factors that are not being considered. This seems very dangerous and happened six times over the course of five miles before I could get the truck home and off the road.
Power train, Aug 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the transmission independently shifted to 4-WD. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to 55 MPH, and the rear wheels locked up. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, the rear wheels locked up, and the vehicle went sideways. The vehicle was almost involved in a crash. The contact’s wife, small children, and grandchildren were occupants of the vehicle during the failure. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 50 MPH while driving. The contact's wife was afraid to drive the vehicle. The OnStar system retrieved DTC: P0708 (Transmission Range Sensor Circuit High Input). Additionally, in November 2024, an unknown recall repair was performed to update the power train software. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled to be diagnosed at a later date. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Power train, Aug 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly shuddered and hesitated. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Power train, Aug 11, 2025
Rear wheels of vehicle locked up momentarily mutliple times while driving between 45 and 65 miles per hour. Originally happened multiple times while towing a travel trailer but subsequently happened again with no trailer being towed. No warning lights or other sign of a problem leading up to any of the malfunctions. After locking up for approximately a quarter to half a second, the wheels release and the truck drives normally. Sudden wheel lock up could lead to loss of control or cause a vehicle to collide with the back of affected vehicle. Issue was reproduced by dealer service department and they recommended a new transmission valve body. This seems to be related to the recall for the transmissions on the diesel models of this truck but the gas trucks were excluded from that recall.
Power train, Aug 6, 2025
Just hit 65k miles and have had a transmission issue where it shutters back and forth and was quoted 6k to repair it
Power train, Jul 29, 2025
defective 8-speed automatic transmission (RPO MQE, 8L45) in my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 4x2 (VIN: [XXX] , 102,000 miles), purchased used from CarMax Orlando (6375 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822). The vehicle required a $5,950 repair at AAMCO Winter Haven (1350 6th St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881) due to persistent transmission issues, including shuddering, jerking, or delayed shifting. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Power train, Jul 24, 2025
Initially, turbo charger issues. Dealer after 2 weeks corrected issues with the turbo charger. We were provided loaner. Dealer took 28 days, the second time, to supposedly remedy Transmission/shifting issues. First we were told it was a valve port body. Then we were told they had to remove the pan, etc., all part of the process. Then the parts were on backorder. Finally, at the 11th hour, they installed a rebuilt transmission. Without a loaner for 2 weeks. Got the truck back and within 24 hours, the truck suddenly lost power steering while driving around curve at aprox.30 to 35 mph., check engine light on, power steering light on, trailer brakes warning light on, etc. Had it towed back to dealer in the morning and told it would be a priority. Called at 5pm. Truck has not been seen. It's not a car. It's a work truck. Seems the dealership is swamped with silverado trucks with similar transmission issues waiting for valve ports. No loaner vehicles to be had the second time after 2 weeks. Not sure what they will tell us tomorrow.
Power train, Jul 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while at a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission was shifting hard. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a vehicle safety complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Power train, Jul 16, 2025
Tranmission rebuild at 70000 miles
Power train, Jul 11, 2025
I had the lifters and camshaft fail in my truck as a result of the faulty fuel management system GM put in these trucks during these years of manufacturing. I was driving my kids to an appointment when they failed in the middle of the highway, leaving the truck unable to run. I have reported the problem to the dealer as well as reported to GM directly. I have spoken with 3 different garages, all of which have made it a point to tell me this is a common issue in these trucks. Prior to this happening, there were no lights on to warn me of this problem. The repair cost is $12,000 and that is to put the same parts in the failed the first time. I don’t know many consumers that can afford the costs of these repairs when GM knows this is an issue but refuses to do anything about it.
Power train, Jul 10, 2025
Having transmission problems but include in recalls like other silverados
Power train, Jul 10, 2025
Having transmission issues like other silvardos but not included in recall
Power train, Jul 7, 2025
Transmission is sputtering when trying to shift. Mostly at low speeds it's extremely jerky like it doesn't want to go. Had Transmission fluid and filter changed, but it did not help.
Power train, Engine, Jul 5, 2025
I was driving and came to a stop at a red light. When accelerating on green the transmission would not go into gear, stalling my vehicle. Nearly causing the vehicle behind me to rear end me. The vehicle eventually went into gear and started to slowly accelerate with shuttering of the transmission.
Power train, Jun 26, 2025
When accelerating the transmission shakes violently under the hood. It shakes so bad that other vehicles can hear it the vibration is intense until you take your foot off the gas and then try to accelerate again it happens a few times then it’ll stop until the next red light. Slowly accelerating makes it worse but doesn’t matter either way.