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
731 reports, newest first.
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.
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.
Engine, Aug 10, 2025
My problem is the same as many others with the 3.0 Duramax engine. I h e the P0016 code indicating the the timing chain that can cost up to $10k and sudden engine failure if not repaired. My vehicle is only 5 years old and has 98K miles at the moment.
Engine, Aug 9, 2025
I was on a trip to Iowa and noticed a loud ticking noise starting in my engine. There was no warning lights on the dash to indicate any problems. I checked the oil and notice it was not registering on the dip stick. I added over a quart of oil and the noise continued. My truck was just at a dealer 2 weeks prior for an oil change and they noted that everything was good and in proper working order. No leaks or no other issues. I set up an appointment at a chevy dealer at the destination which I was traveling to for a check up. About 60 miles from the dealership, my check engine light went on. I immediately stopped and checked all my fluids which were showing normal ranges. I dropped my truck off for inspection and they advised me that my lifters need to be replaced. I authorized the repair and after the new ones where installed, they tested my truck and noticed that there was still a ticking noise coming from the engine and was not holding any oil pressure. They advised me that the motor needed to be replaced at a cost of almost $15,000. I will request all pictures and videos taken by the dealership for further inspection if needed.
Engine, Aug 8, 2025
Had sudden engine failure at 82k and have been told I need a new engine. Can't afford it, GM says there's nothing they can do to help cover the repairs. I have a new engine on backorder, nobody knows when it will be in, they told me they have other customers who have been waiting for new engines for months.
Engine, Aug 8, 2025
While driving in Southern Utah my truck gave me a Service ESC (Electronic Stability Control) Warning, Service Parking Brake Warning, and check engine light that was for code P0303. I had the vehicle towed to the local Chevrolet dealership and it was diagnosed with lifter failure and camshaft damage because of the lifter failure. Safety was compromised because of the failure of the ESC and the loss of power and stability of the engine. I didn't receive warnings prior to the failure. This appears to be a well-known issue with several service bulletins issued for the vehicle.
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
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Aug 6, 2025
I noticed that the carpet behind the seat was wet and moldy in the truck so I started looking and noticed the rear window was leaking in two areas. This has obviously been going on for a while as it explains why the kids have been complaining about the smell back there. Since Florida is sub-tropical mold and mildew is a problem and a health issue. I investigated and found hundreds of complaints regarding this issue with failed sealant and cracks. I also discovered a service bulletin that describes the issue but GM refuses to fix it since they say it's not a safety or mechanical issue. Well, I happen to disagree with that since the leak causes the window to fog up and an unsafe environment for people to breath in mold spores in a small space. So, my visibility is impaired and I have to suffer with respiratory issues? This seems to be reason enough for them to perform a permanent repair at their expense, not mine and they can take it out of the designers pay, not mine. Can you help with this?
Engine, Aug 5, 2025
After three oil leak repairs in my LM2 3.0 diesel engine in my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado RST, you would think that would be enough to repair the manufacturer's defects, but it wasn't. I think the saying is fourth time is the charm? The third repair which was a second oil pan lasted a whopping 48 hours before leaking. This time it ended up being the timing chain cover that was leaking. Again, the service advisor mentioned that these are known to leak too due to a defect from the manufacturer. I even got a call from the service manager, and he said that anything area that could and does leak oil on these LM2 engines has been replaced and/or repaired, so I should be good for the future. I called into GM as per their instructions to update them on the fourth oil leak, and where the repairs were taking place. Fast forward to nearly two months later, and no one from GM attempted to contact me, and Jill stated that the case was closed and wouldn't disclose why. The only thing she could do was open another case. I declined since GM couldn't be bothered to address the issues they know they have in the LM2. The dealership the work was done in, the service advisors, the service techs, and the service manager all discussed in great detail the issues Chevrolet is having with the 3.0 diesel engine. GM knows this and refuses to address this. At this point, my vehicle spent 37 days in 2.5 months at the dealership fixing oil leaks that at any time could have caused engine failure and resulted in a crash. This truck is our dedicated family vehicle as my wife and I each daily Subaru WRX's. GM has done nothing and will do nothing. Someone needs to issue recalls to address the oil leak issues with the LM2 before it results in someone's death. I wish I wouldn't have wasted time contacting GM. I should have filed these complaints and got legal representation for the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. **NO loaner vehicle was given during the entire 37-day repair duration.**
Engine, Aug 5, 2025
The second oil leak repair and the first repair for the oil pan failed within one week of the previous repair. This is the third oil leak that occurred in the LM2 engine in the 2020 Silverado. It was identified as an additional leak in the oil pan which had already been repaired the week prior. This is a failure within seven days from the previous repair. I lost 1/2 quart of oil during a 650-mile drive back from vacation. I took pictures of the oil level before leaving and driving home. During our drive, we passed through an area called Yermo where it was 107 degrees at 11am. The two closest Chevrolet dealerships are either 45 minutes or 1.5 hours one-way. I was incredibly frustrated since imagine being stranded in 107-degree weather with your family on the side of the road unable to run AC. It is a serious life, health, and safety issue at this point. I called GM and opened a case expecting them to assist me with the issues with the truck. Fast forward to today, I spoke with Jill at GM, they closed the case without even reaching out to me. This was the third of four oil repairs that have been conducted on my vehicle and the LM2 engine. It isn't a safe engine to have. **No loaner vehicle was given during the repair.**
Engine, Aug 5, 2025
This is for the second oil leak that occurred in the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado with the 3.0 diesel engine. It was identified as a leak in the oil pan. The previous repair was for the lower crankcase seal. The service advisor at the dealership stated this is another problem area with the Chevrolet 3.0 diesel engine, and a defect from the manufacturer. He also mentioned it is a common repair they complete on these LM2 engine. It is worth noting, the initial repair didn't last 60 days before another oil leak presented itself. This is the second of four repairs that were done on this vehicle. **No loaner vehicle was given during the repair.**
Engine, Aug 5, 2025
There was a significant oil leak that was diagnosed during a routine oil change in March of 2025. The dealership that identified the leak attempted to pass it off as something that was out of warranty even though the vehicle had an additional six months and 45,000 miles of warranty (3.0 diesel). The leak was significant enough that loss of oil could cause the engine to fail and result in a crash. Subsequently, another dealership identified the leak and repaired the seal around the lower crankcase. It did not repair the oil leak- there are three additional reports/complaints to file.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 4, 2025
Lose of power at the pedal again not even 15 mins later. Still no code. Just extremely frustrating
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 4, 2025
When it gets hot it'll lose power at the pedal and it will randomly come back causing the drive train to jerk back and forth throwing full related codes that go away once the truck has cooled off. Took it to a shop and they couldn't get it to throw a code. This will be the third time it has happened. This time it doesn't throw a code
Engine, Aug 3, 2025
Motor suddenly loss power and load knocking noise. After taking it to the dealer they said that number 3 cyl.connecting rod had an issue . This sounds like the same recall for the 2021 to 2024 6.2 engines. They gave me a quote for a new engine ( 20000) that was not available for 4 to 5 weeks if not more. I was on vacation at the time and ended up buying a new truck from them. I was not happy.
Service brakes, Aug 2, 2025
Rear brake inner pads completely worn while outer pads look brand new at 35,000 miles. This appears to be due to the electronic parking brake not releasing quick enough but this condition almost disables the rear brakes and could cause an accident.
Air bags, Structure, Aug 2, 2025
Rear window is leaking onto the carpet beneath it creating mold and could allow water to enter the SRS module. Currently i have a tray blocking that water but without that the SRS system could be affected by the water entering the cabin through the rear window.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 1, 2025
Shop has had the truck over two months and cannot figure out the problem will not go stuck in limp mode.
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
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, Jul 28, 2025
No power steering alert showed up to service power steering. Very dangerous driving and power steering goes out.
Structure, Jul 28, 2025
The Rear Window leaks when it rains on the truck. I brought it back to the GM Chevy dealer and they applied a sealant. it immediately leaked right after. the truck now smells musty and im assuming there is mold growth. it has been at the dealership for the past two weeks while they try to figure it 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.
Engine, Jul 21, 2025
Having failure with the engine coolant control valve. Have taken my truck to the dealership for overheating and they always come and say that they can’t find an issue. They also informed me that I need to bring it back when my motor blows a head gasket which is complete bull.
Engine, Jul 21, 2025
Lifter failure on the 5.3L L84 engine. Due to Dynamic fuel management that come with the trucks.