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: steering
74 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 15, 2026
While driving I lost the power steering on the vehicle. I took my truck to a chevy dealership and scheduled an appointment for the following day. I research the problem and found that there was a Customer Satisfaction Program bulletin (N252515590) issued covering this specific issue for my trucks model year but it did not cover my specific VIN. I contacted Chevrolet Customer Assistance and they told me to file a complaint with NHTSA.
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 8, 2026
Body to frame ground cables corroded in half two different times within about 6 months. First time engine wouldn’t start had to have it towed to dealer for repair, over 30 codes were shown when this happened. Next incident some of my lights were working intermittently and my steering was rendered inoperable for 20 to 30 seconds at a time making it impossible to steer the vehicle, several codes were found when this happened, I drove the truck to a Chevrolet dealer for repair. Both repairs were deemed to be corroded ground cables. Chevrolet has a “customer appreciation program” covering 2019-2024 Silverado trucks but for some reason my VIN number doesn’t land in the program even though it has the same issues that are covered for the other silverados.
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 28, 2026
On July 22, 2026 took truck to dealership for oil change and reported getting random (trailer brake, power steering) service alarms. Was told it might be a ground strap issue and was sent on my way. After investigating, there is a GM service bulletin (#23-NA-201) on the issue but does not cover my truck. After a week of vacation, began driving truck again and alarms became more frequent, including loss of power steering and jerking of steering wheel while driving. Arranged with dealership to replace the ground strap (at my expense). By the time they could schedule, the alarms were constant and the truck had completely lost power steering. One of the power steering failures nearly resulted in an accident while turning.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Mar 20, 2026
Intermittent issue where info says brake failure/steering assist not working/limited speed to 43 mph. Very dangerous if you’re on the interstate. Becomes hard to steer, brakes don’t work, brakes start burning up. Have to carry tools with me to reset ecm. Very common problem with Silverado with 5.3 gas engine. Chevy needs to fix this issue before someone gets killed. I would give them my truck back if I could.
Steering, Feb 19, 2026
In several situations, I have lost partial or complete power steering ability. Once, while driving, I recieved a SERVICE ESC message and steering became quite difficult. Another time, power steering was completely gone, making steering impossible, although every other aspect of the vehicle operated normally. In both instances, there was no clear issue and after some time with the vehicle parked and off, it would return to normal. Possible loss of power steering unexpectedly is a serious concern at this point.
Steering, Dec 14, 2025
Intermittent and sudden loss of power steering. The only message displayed briefly then went out was “service trailer brake controller”. Brought vehicle to Dealership. The grounding strap behind the front right wheel that goes to the frame (Earth Strap) was rotted. This seams to be a very common problem with this model truck and is dangerous.
Steering, Dec 9, 2025
On Sunday Nov. 16th, my steering wheel felt like it was "slipping", akin to how it feels when your serpentine belt tensioner is failing. I checked it out while wife turned the wheel, didn't see any problem, and we went on our way. Later in the day as we were leaving a parking lot, the problem occurred again but worse. And we got a warning about trailer brake controller needs repair. After reviewing similar problems on Reddit, I found it was still safe to drive, so we drove home without further incident. Monday I decided to take it to O'Reilly auto parts and have a code scan done. Except, as soon as I turned out of the driveway, my wheel completely froze up solid. I could NOT move the wheel (q2)! Since the wheel was still turned, I backed it into the driveway and we took our car to buy our own code scanner. It showed more than just one fault code for the brakes, there were 5. I called Fox Chevrolet to schedule al appointment for the next day. Fortunately, the failure occurred as the Advisor attempted to turn the wheel (q3). Long story short: problem was a rusted/rotted out ground wire (q1)! Behind the front driver side tire, encased in a boot. Tech told the Advisor he'd never seen that one before. $40 part, and $400 to install it (q4). I was happy it wasn't a power steering rack failure (electric) but the more I thought about it, felt I needed to report this. You needed a dealer scanner to catch this and trace it to a ground fault. Probably better for you to contact dealer Advisor and Tech to get a better breakdown on this (q1). Dealer was great, they could have sold me an $1800 steering rack and I'd have never known. Could this failure have happened to someone driving on the street and this pop up all of a sudden (q2)? I believe so. Glad I didn't find out firsthand. The problem went away overnight twice, and then all of a sudden your wheel is LOCKED. I'm curious as to if others are or have faced this, thus my submittal. Thanks for your time.
Steering, Dec 8, 2025
Sudden intermittent loss of power steering, issue confirmed by Chevy Dealership. No warning lights were displayed.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 31, 2025
While driving on a residential side street my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (81,996 miles) suddenly lost power steering and braking with no waring. Several messages appeared in the dash and the check engine light illuminated. I was able get the vehicle safely to the shoulder and put in park without power steering or brakes. At this point the engine stalled and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the nearest Chevy dealer on 10/29/2025. The technician verified the loss of power steering, brakes, and several other codes and diagnosed the issue as corroded engine grounding straps per GM bulletin #23-NA-201. The grounding straps were replaced and the codes cleared. The technician test drove the vehicle and verified normal operation after the repair. I was responsible for paying the full cost of these repairs as my vehicle was out of warranty. I feel incredibly fortunate that this happened on a residential side street with no traffic. Had this failure happened on the expressway while pulling my 4,000 lb trailer, this could have been a fatal accident if I suddenly lost power steering, brakes and had the engine stall like it did. I see multiple complaints for this issue on the NHTSA website and the GM TSB for this issue dates back to 2023. I am shocked that this is not a nationwide recall yet. It is a significant safety threat to the driver and others. I also know this is not an isolated incident, as my service advisor at the dealer suggested it was probably the grounding straps before the technician even inspected my vehicle. It was pretty clear from our conversation that I was not the first vehicle they had repaired with this issue.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 71 MPH with cruise control engaged, the vehicle experienced braking and power steering failure. The Traction Control, Brake, Parking, Antilock Braking System, Electronic Fuel Control, and Check Engine warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the Brake Assist failure, Steering failure, and Trailer Brake failure messages were displayed. The contact shifted into neutral and coasted over to the side of the road. After turning off the vehicle for approximately an hour, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove 40 MPH back to the residence. The contact stated that after the failure, the vehicle had to be shifted into neutral, and then the parking brake was activated to come to a stop. The contact stated that a diagnostic test confirmed the steering and brake failures. The contact used a diagnostic tool to retrieve DTC: C0580. An appointment was scheduled with the dealer, but the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The contact discovered information related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V116000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), but the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2025
Without warning (no warning lights or previous mechanical indications) the power steering failed making it extremely difficult to turn the steering wheel. Fortunately this happened while I was parking and not on the highway. The truck had approximately 48,000 miles on it at the time. (8/30/25) Repairs required replacing the rack and pinion steering and a heavily corroded "grounding strap". Repair cost was appx $3500
Steering, Oct 20, 2025
Just recently my power steering started cutting in and out in parking lots. I have seen that there is a ongoing investigation into steering problems with these trucks. I have not took it to a shop, because it just started and has only done it in parking situations. There are no lights or warning codes on the dash. It was about two weeks ago that it started. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I just would not like to experience it failing on the road.
Steering, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 26, 2025
Power steering locked up. Dashboard warnings "Service Power Steering Drive with Care, Service Trailer Brake System and Driver Assist Disabled"
Steering, Power train, Engine, Aug 26, 2025
Engine shut off while driving and was unable to restart.
Steering, Aug 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact stated that when the vehicle came to a stop, the steering wheel was independently reset. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed grounding strap. The contact was informed that the grounding strap needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 24,155.
Steering, Jul 29, 2025
Lost power steering in the middle of a corner..Almost but me into pole ..No warning..later on warning came on.Truck has 32000 miles on it
Steering, Jul 28, 2025
No power steering alert showed up to service power steering. Very dangerous driving and power steering goes out.
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.
Steering, Jun 18, 2025
Lost power steering! Almost impossible to make any turns. The dash has ESC fault and power steering fault. Says drive careful! How can I drive careful if I can't turn the truck? Only 79k miles! GM must recall their bad design and replace it with a design that is proven not to fail!
Steering, Jun 2, 2025
Loss of power in my power steering due to corrosion of a ground strap. Found service bulletin 23-NA-201 issued 12/23 for the exact problem. The dealership stated there was no bulletin or covered under warranty and is being replaced with cost to myself. I had intermittent low speed "jerking" occasionally a few days before up to the incident.
Steering, May 31, 2025
Randomly. The power steering has stopped working. There is a widely reported issue with the power steering in 2020 Silverados and this model now needs to be included
Steering, Suspension, May 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. The contact stated that her husband observed that the driver’s side front wheel had detached. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the control arms, rack and pinion, and ball joints had separated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,907.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the messages "Reduced Steering Assist”, "Check Engine” and "Service ESC" warning lights were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence at reduced power. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that an engine rod was causing the knocking sound. The contact stated that the dealer had not yet determined why the other warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Steering, Jan 24, 2025
We were driving on the highway when we attempted to make a turn the Steering wheel would not turn. We almost had an accident. I, [XXX], the Driver, had to swing out, and force the steering wheel to turn to get out of traffic. The service steering system with care light and the ESC Light came on. My truck is not that old and should not experiencing this type of problem. This was a very frightening experience that I don't want to go through this anymore. I call the dealership that I purchased the truck from and learned that other models had a recall on the same issue, but my 2020 had no recall on it. So therefore, they did not have to work it in to fix it. So, I'm reporting the issue so that no one else have to experience what I did. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 20, 2025
While driving home truck began to misfire and drop in RPM’s. Service ESC and Service Parking Brake popped up on my notification system. My Engine light was blinking and my Traction light was on. While i was turning into my street to get home, my engine shut off. The steering wheel and brakes became hard as the motor wasn't powering them. I was able to turn it on and get it into my drive way. Afterwards when trying to turn it on, it would turn on and shut off immediately. Chevy replaces a fuel pump module for a second time(recall), added a new starter and battery. After Three months they then told me I need a new engine because it has locked itself up. I purchased the vehicle with 32,000 miles and It currently has 49,000 miles. Chevrolet are not going to warranty me a new engine because i do my own oil changes (which were 2). Had this happened on the highway or in traffic, i would've been at a high risk of causing an accident considering power steering and brake system was not working properly.