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, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 18, 2025
When a Check engine light is on it's for a low voltage on the charge air coolant sensor, took to the chevy dealer, they replaced a connector to the sensor, at a cost of $600 never got off lot, light returned, they then said I need a new engine wiring harness at a cost of $10.000, the dealership said this is a problem with these trucks and GM knows about it but won't recall them. Now I'm struck with a 5-year-old truck that I can't use, When this light is on, I also receive an Emission system warning, and the truck deregulates and goes in limp mode. as speed is reduced it becomes dangerous to drive in traffic, as GM knows about this, they should recall these trucks and fix the problem, they even say it's because cutting corners on the wiring harness cover causes this problem. as a senior living on a fixed income there's no way my wife or I can get this repaired, so were forced to drive it in limp mode until it dies on us, hopefully not in heavy traffic.
Power train, Jun 17, 2025
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding my Chevy vehicle, which is experiencing significant engine issues. The motor is knocking, and the check engine light has illuminated with trouble codes P0011 and P0016. These codes indicate problems with the camshaft and crankshaft timing on Bank 1 (driver's side in a V6/V8 engine). Specifically, P0011 signifies that the camshaft timing is over-advanced, while P0016 points to a correlation issue between the camshaft and crankshaft positions. These issues are often related to the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system and may be caused by faulty camshaft or crankshaft sensors, timing chain problems, or solenoid issues. This situation directly correlates with a recent recall affecting similar VIN numbers for 2021-2024 models with similar engines. An independent service has confirmed that my truck requires a new engine, which aligns with the issues addressed in the aforementioned recall. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further and consider extending the recall to include my vehicle, as the problems I am experiencing are consistent with those covered by the recall.
Power train, Service brakes, Jun 9, 2025
The rear brakes of the vehicle are locking up while driving. The truck is a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are listed as included in the recall per the NHTSA Campaign # 24V797000 recall. When searching the VIN number of our vehicle, [XXX] , it states that it is not included in the recall and has no unrepaired recalls. Our vehicle is experiencing the issue as outlined in the recall notice but is not currently included in the recall when it should be. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jun 7, 2025
I had the same transmission torque converter failure shuddering jerking as the class action lawsuit as the 2015-2019 8spd that are covered but 2020 is not..it is a known issue. I had a transmission repair shop replace torque converter and service transmission to repair transmission issue. I did not have any warning or check engine light
Power train, Jun 3, 2025
This transmission has shifted terribly since day 1. It currently has 114,000 miles. It would slip gears going up an incline. I was told the fluid was too slick. Fluid change at 30k. Started to stumble on downshift again. Fluid / filter change done. Brass, metal in filter/ pan. It will downshift so hard that it feels like you are getting rear ended at a stop light. 1-2 seconds after a complete stop, bam. Been down 9 weeks.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 27, 2025
A few month ago this 2020 Silverado check engine came on in the middle of driving. It stopped shifting and almost caused an accident because it wouldn’t stop. I took it to the dealer and they found nothing wrong. Today, it is doing the same thing with faulty shifting, especially during first and second gears and when I initially accelerate. It is jumpy and worried and accident will happen if the car stops shifting like before. The check engine light is on again
Power train, May 21, 2025
Transmission shudders started around 65k miles. Shop said it was recommended to do a transmission flush. We did that. Now at 72000 miles the transmission is locking up. It has been inspected by a reputable auto shop and they stated it needs a new transmission. The engine light came on when this issue happened. I was in the middle of traffic at a stop and when I started going it stopped abruptly and threw me forward. It was so violent that I thought I was rear ended. It did it two more times.
Power train, May 21, 2025
My transmission keeps shuddering my whole vehicle after the new software was installed GM claims it’s fine and normal when in fact it’s going to cause an accident.
Power train, May 19, 2025
2020 Chevrolet Silverado with 72K miles has a bad Transmission Torque Converter. Warranty expired 2 months ago and will have to be replaced in the next 30 days. Had the truck checked out at a local transmission shop that said this is happening on every v6 Silverado that is being brought in.
Power train, May 15, 2025
8 speed transmission failure.
Power train, May 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. Additionally, the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and attempting to shift into gear, the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to Razorback Transmission Services, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was contacted for reimbursement assistance and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
Power train, May 12, 2025
The transmission has been slipping and shuttering which shouldn’t be an issue at 119,000 miles. This opposed a huge safety risk for me and my girlfriend on the highway. I was driving and it shuttered so bad i had thought the wheel was loose and coming off. I had to pull over on the highway to check the lugs and came to find out it’s the transmission, because it shuttered numerous times after. On top of that the entire trip was the transmission shuddering slightly making the wheels cut the the left and right. But throughout the trip, it had a slight shutter the entire time and a couple of big shutters, and one very large shutter that had my girlfriend think I ran over a bunch of wood in the road resulting in me pulling over being in danger and possibly wrecking from the shaking, and having to exit my truck on the side of the highway with 18 wheelers and other vehicles flying at 80+ miles an hour. Besides the safety issue, there should be no reason for these transmission going out like this at 60k miles and 100k miles it’s extremely cheap of GM and a huge hazard to many families.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, May 11, 2025
Transmission is changing out very hard in each gear. On tonight while I was driving, I lost speed on the interstate and when I push the accelerator, It was like back wheels were locked up. I left it at the next exit gas station and came back and towed it home. Lucky I was able to put hazard lights on and get off the side of the road but it was very slow speed. Yes I have had it look at certified dealer under Cheverolet. It was no warning light. I was going 65 and in a split second the rpm went up high and I was doing like 25. Once I finally made it to the gas station and got out the truck smell like a burning smell
Power train, May 8, 2025
The oil coolant cooler is leaking oil into my antifreeze reservoir, but nothing is in the oil pan, which could cause damage to the engine a very expensive fix, and this should be covered under drivetrain by all means
Power train, May 6, 2025
Employee was driving company car on backroad, started to rev high im assuming from trying to accelerate. Car started to slow and was pulled into a parking lot and towed to dealer. Upon inspection it was shown transmission cooler lines broke at crimps and quoted 2K to fix just the lines
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Engine, May 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated after an independent mechanic had performed an oil change on the vehicle, the vehicle was moved and parked. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The mechanic diagnosed that the engine had seized and there were metal shavings in the oil. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had denied coverage because the vehicle was previously serviced by an independent mechanic. The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). Additionally, the contact stated while idling and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal whining sound. The vehicle was taken to Bomnin Chevrolet Dadeland (8455 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33143), where it was diagnosed that the transmission was failing and there were metal shavings found in the transmission. The dealer replaced the transmission. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Power train, May 2, 2025
My truck rpm goes idle while driving also a loud knocking sound when accelerating
Power train, Engine, May 2, 2025
The vehicle was being used in a normal daily driving routine. I was stopped(fortunately) at a traffic light. The light turned green and I went to proceed and began to press the gas pedal and the engine made a loud pop noise and began to barely stay running. I brought the vehicle to the shop(GM dealership) for diagnosis and repair. The motor had to be rebuilt new camshaft, lifters, etc. The vehicle is also having transmission issues, heavy vibration, hard shifts and constant fluctuations in the rpms while maintaining a set speed. The transmission issue still has not been resolved.
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 1, 2025
chevy Silverado shakes at 20, 40,65 and 70 mph chevy shake
Power train, Apr 30, 2025
Transmission slips, jerks, delayed shifting symptoms consistent with technical service bulletins and known recalls on later models. Add that it was purchased new and is still financed
Power train, Engine, Apr 30, 2025
I just saw a recall for 2021-2024 vehicles for connecting rod/crankshaft engine components. I am not 100% sure that i have the same problem but my warning signs are the same. For example, there is a knocking sound in engin, it shifts abnormally and it hesitates and has reduced propulsion. I talked to several other Trail boss owners that had to have their Lifters repaired so maybe it is that? These problems are happening to everyone prior to even hitting 70k miles. I cannot afford to fix this if it is a problem that shouldnt be happening in the first place, due to crappy manufacturing.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 29, 2025
On Feb 10, 2025 while in busy mid-day traffic on the highway going 55mph my vehicle without any warning signs or warning messages on dash, or dash indicator lights suddenly went into limp mode , began making a loud knocking from the engine, and started shutting down. I stopped the vehicle as soon as I safely could do so and had it towed back to the selling dealer for them to diagnose the issue. The dealer then informed me that i had a bent lifter on the left bank but they did this based on codes and not any tear down. They referred me to another local dealer. I had my vehicle towed there where they also stated lifter. Once they began to replace the lifters on the left bank scarring was found on my #3 cylinder wall and at that point I was told that my truck had catastrophic engine failure and the engine would have to be replaced. They also told me that my truck had no oil in it and the issue was caused from carbon build up. I have had every maintenance service performed on time and at the selling dealer and have all service records. I was not overdue on maintenance. I have never been told about any oil leaks or any other issues that needed to be resolved on my vehicle. I had driven the truck the night before with no issues.. There was no oil on the ground or under the vehicle for them to say there was no oil in the vehicle. I was never told that i needed spark plugs due to carbon. I believe that this has to due with the AFM issue that GM is well aware of. I had to purchase another vehicle due to the damage that was found on this required an engine replacement
Power train, Apr 14, 2025
Rear tires repeatedly locked up at highway speeds. Causing engine damage.
Power train, Apr 14, 2025
Vehicle transmission locked up. I see safety recalls for 2019 and newer but mine is not on the list. I’d like to get the GM 1-year/1500,000 mile warranty they have issued.
Power train, Engine, Apr 10, 2025
At approximately 68K miles, the torque converter failed. Luckily it started going out and we could feel it. It would surge/shudder while driving on the road. We had to have the torque converter replaced at $5k. A dealer replaced the parts. At approximately 90K miles, the lifters started making a loud pinging noise. It turns out the lifters had issues which lead to them being replaced along with the camshaft. It could have failed on the road and left us stranded. The sound of the lifters alerted us. A local shop fixed the issue at a cost of $9K.