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, Suspension, Jan 19, 2025
Upper control arm ball joint separated.
Steering, Jan 7, 2025
While driving down the highway, the ball joints on the front passenger side prematurely failed, causing loss of vehicle control, significant damage to steering and braking components and body damage. Diagnosis is being confirmed by an independent service center. No symptoms of premature wear or imminent failure were noted.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 16, 2024
Driving at the speed limit 65-70 miles ph my truck started to slow in speed the tire sensor came on then the truck began to smoke and the brakes locked up at a high speed, lucky for me there was no one behind me. I was able to limp to a safe spot and park the truck would not MOVE at all..After an hour I tried to move it again it would not go into drive. Had to tow it to the dealership..$$$$ later they say well we can't recreate the problem so it's drivable. I drive 2 blocks and it stops in traffic almost causing a collision. Had it towed home and for 3 moths now it has sat while I have to continue paying payments on a NON running 2020 with only 102 thousand miles on it this is CRIMINAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! was told possible $62k to repair but no guarantee it would stay fixed!!!!!!!!!! Criminal and should not be on me I am paying still. But if something is not done I will let it get repo..I am [XXX] old this was to be my last newer vehicle I have had to borrow money again and bought an older 03 silverado that is running great. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Nov 15, 2024
I have already sent in one complaint about my vehicle and a recall came out but my vehicle isn't on the list and I know there is something wrong. My steering wheel will lock while driving my transmission sticks sometimes I can steering because my steering wheel acts as if it does not work. I have had horrible vibration since day one I have to get an alignment 2 to 3 times a year
Steering, Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and driving over a speed bump, the contact noticed that the power steering became inoperable with the Electronic Stability control warning light illuminated and the message that the “Power Steering was Disabled” was displayed. The contact stated the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with power steering control module (PSCM) failure. The contact was informed that the PSCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Steering, Oct 18, 2024
ESC error code come on with a traction control off symbol and the drive Steering Assist Reduced Drive with care. I lost my power steering out of now here when driving on roads that are not very smooth or if I turn my wheel all the way to one side. I was able to muscle the truck home safely.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Oct 6, 2024
I'm not sure what to call most of this but my truck has been vibrating when getting up to about 50 mph. When putting in gear it shows you put it in the gear wanted put doesn't register sometimes and perks you and clicks. The entire front end grinds,pops and clicks when turning forward or backwards. When doing the steering wheel will get stuck and want turn for a split second in turn causing steering To be misaligned causing you to basically steer the wheel in an unnatural position until you stop put it in park then proceed to drive again. I have had these issues since we bought the vehicle brand new. We have to get an alignment and balance rotation like every 6 months for it to only help for a about a month to not be as bad.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2024
While driving on the freeway the right control arm broke.
Steering, Service brakes, Sep 19, 2024
The Electronic Steering assist stopped working while I was driving to work. Was leaving a stop sign and steering wheel became stuff and notifications on dash appeared. Was able to get to side of the road and turned vehicle off for 20-30 mins and started back up and steering was normal. Notifications on the dash were: Service Power Steering and Service Trailer Braking System. Search online showed this is a known issue that has happened with these vehicles for years and clearly hasnt been addressed. This is very dangerous. Vehicle has 42k miles on it. I had the "Service Trailer Braking System" notification come on a couple times previously and steering felt "sloppy" but immediately went away. And Ive never used the trailer braking system so I didnt think anything of it.
Steering, Aug 26, 2024
“Service power steering soon” message appeared and I took it to a Chevrolet dealership and I was informed I needed to replace the power steering module for a total of $2300 for parts a labor. Now the power steering will randomly stop, making it almost impossible to drive. There are hundreds of threads online of this model having the same issue and this should be a recall because someone is going to get injured.
Steering, Aug 4, 2024
SERVICE POWER STERING AND SERVICE ESC WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, LOST POWER STERRING. AFTER 30 MINUTES RESTRATED THE TRUCK AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. TOOK TO CHEVEROLET DEALER, THEY FOUND NO CODES AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE, HAD NO SOLUTION FOR HELP, TOLD TO BRING BACK WHILE ITS DOING IT, YOU CAN NOT DRIVE IN THAT CONDITION. VEHICLE HAD 16,880.00 MILES ON IT WHEN PROBLEM OCCCURED,
Steering, Jul 11, 2024
Power steering stopped working while making a left hand turn. Pulled to the side of the road, turned off engine. Looked in Owners Manual, no mention of electric power steering, or where to put steering fluid. Restarted engine and steering worked. Went online and found possible chassis/frame ground issue. Ground cable on RH side behind front tire was corroded badly. Went to the dealer for a new ground strap, the dealer had 1 right under the counter. new strap appears to be plated, is this a known issue?
Steering, Exterior lighting, Dec 22, 2023
Voltage will drop and effects steering, dash lights, radio, headlights
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 18, 2023
Loss of power steering, on 2 occasions. Started the vehicle and got a caution notice saying drive with care power steering disabled. Sure enough no power steering. Stopped vehicle waited, re-started vehicle, problem persisted. Made other transportation arrangement plans, restarted vehicle after a bit a problem seem to be gone. Stored codes we're 121, 131, and 140. BCM Communication loss, Power brake communication Loss and Steering Control communication failure.
Steering, Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The "Loss of Power Steering - Drive with Care” message was displayed. The driver pulled over, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering module and steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Steering, Aug 15, 2023
The key will get stuck in the ignition cilinder when I try to turn off the truck. This happens several times, I got to turn it on and off several times to get the key out of the ignition barrel. The truck was taken to the dealer to be repaired, they replaced the cylinder (part #13528553) and the housing (part# 84990323) AMD it didn't fix the problem
Steering, Aug 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated when she started the vehicle and attempted to shift into reverse(R) there was an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was locked. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The contact stated that the loss of power steering had occurred once. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, May 30, 2023
While driving down the interstate hi-way, I heard a pop and my truck started to swerve into the adjoining lane. I turned the steering wheel in the opposite direction and the truck started making a rubbing sound and very hard to steer. I finally got it to the side of the hi-way and seen my passenger side front wheel leaning in. The upper balljoint/control arm broke. Luckily no-one was in the lane next to me or it would have caused a serious crash.
Steering, Exterior lighting, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 27, 2023, crash
Brake system light failure. Some system lights came on. I had no breaks car didn’t stop fast enough before hitting a pole
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 28, 2023
Power steering failure upon starting truck. Wheel did not turn. Dash message said Esc and power steering malfunction . Restart car multiple times with same issue. Wait a few hours and start car - no warnings or power steering issues. Went to Chevrolet dealership and was told no codes had been triggered and to bring back when issue arises again.
Steering, Power train, Service brakes, Jan 9, 2023
I drove approximately 8 miles to lunch and parked the truck. It sat about an hour and when I started the truck to leave I had a message to service esc and power steering reduced. The tuck had no power steering. Returns to work and the truck sat about ten minutes. Then everything started normal and is fine.
Steering, Dec 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and attempting to drive out of a parking spot, the power steering failed to function as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the wiring harness for the power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,624.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 21, 2022
I keep getting battery saver activated. I go to start my truck and it will not start. On dash says battery saver activated. I have had in the dealer 4 times and it keep happening. I also have had the power steering go out while driving. This has only happened once and after a couple hours it started working again but seems very dangerous.
Steering, Nov 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The ESC warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle and the steering wheel returned to normal operation. There was no warning light illuminated; however, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Steering, Aug 26, 2022
Popping and/or Clunking Type Noise Heard During Hard Turns at slow speeds and backing up. Seems to be a problem with the control arm