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.
Electrical system, Jul 20, 2025
There is an issue with the wiring harness that causes vehicle to lose power. Dealership says manufacturer defect because designed with harness cover is too thin and is to close to engine so burns wires. Many other users have complained of this issue and is frequent in this model.
Power train, Jul 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while at a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission was shifting hard. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a vehicle safety complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Power train, Jul 16, 2025
Tranmission rebuild at 70000 miles
Engine, Jul 16, 2025
About 3 months after the 5 year 100000 mi warranty with only 70000 miles on the duramax diesel engine the exhaust brake part of the engine emissions/exhaust split along the weld. Have seen a number of these reported on the internet as well. Sounds like a manufacturing problem. The vehicle's check engine light came on and it's now at the dealership getting a new exhaust brake housing and bracket replaced. If this was in California or the 12 states listed would be covered for 8yrs/100000 miles.
Engine, Jul 15, 2025
Engine seized my truck has been at the Chevorlet Tempe dealership I filed a claim with GM still no response.
Power train, Jul 11, 2025
I had the lifters and camshaft fail in my truck as a result of the faulty fuel management system GM put in these trucks during these years of manufacturing. I was driving my kids to an appointment when they failed in the middle of the highway, leaving the truck unable to run. I have reported the problem to the dealer as well as reported to GM directly. I have spoken with 3 different garages, all of which have made it a point to tell me this is a common issue in these trucks. Prior to this happening, there were no lights on to warn me of this problem. The repair cost is $12,000 and that is to put the same parts in the failed the first time. I don’t know many consumers that can afford the costs of these repairs when GM knows this is an issue but refuses to do anything about it.
Power train, Jul 10, 2025
Having transmission problems but include in recalls like other silverados
Power train, Jul 10, 2025
Having transmission issues like other silvardos but not included in recall
Engine, Jul 9, 2025
My 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine has experienced three separate failures of the coolant control valve over a span of less than two years. Each failure resulted in the vehicle entering reduced engine power mode, which drastically limits acceleration and the ability to maintain safe driving speeds — particularly dangerous on highways or in heavy traffic. Chronology of Failures: October 2023: First coolant control valve failure. Part was backordered. Repair took ~6 weeks. June 2024: Second failure of the same part. Another 6-week delay in repair due to part availability. June 2025: Third failure of the same part. Vehicle is currently inoperable and unsafe to drive. Each time, the failure triggered a check engine light and immediately placed the truck into reduced power mode. This issue significantly compromises driver safety, especially in high-speed or congested environments, where limited acceleration can increase the risk of collisions. Safety Concerns: Loss of acceleration power at critical times (merging, overtaking, etc.) Unpredictable vehicle behavior Extended unavailability of parts leads to prolonged periods without a functional vehicle Possible underlying design flaw or recurring part defect Given the recurrence, safety risks, and the number of similar complaints I have seen from other owners, I believe this is a widespread and systemic defect that deserves NHTSA investigation. Requested Action: I urge the NHTSA to investigate the frequency and root cause of coolant control valve failures on the 3.0L Duramax engine in the 2020–2022 Silverado models. This is not an isolated incident, and repeated failures of a critical engine cooling component warrant a safety recall or technical service bulletin (TSB) requiring redesign or replacement with a permanent fix.
Power train, Jul 7, 2025
Transmission is sputtering when trying to shift. Mostly at low speeds it's extremely jerky like it doesn't want to go. Had Transmission fluid and filter changed, but it did not help.
Engine, Jul 6, 2025
Lifter failure and miss fire
Power train, Engine, Jul 5, 2025
I was driving and came to a stop at a red light. When accelerating on green the transmission would not go into gear, stalling my vehicle. Nearly causing the vehicle behind me to rear end me. The vehicle eventually went into gear and started to slowly accelerate with shuttering of the transmission.
Engine, Jul 3, 2025
While driving my truck the engine completely shut down. All the dash lights came on initially but then only the check engine light stayed on. My truck never would start back up after that. It was towed to GM dealership who diagnosed catastrophic engine failure.
Engine, Jul 3, 2025
Was driving on the interstate on [XXX]. While driving, the truck suddenly slowed down and lost power. The check engine light came on and then after about a minute a message popped up on the dash saying that the truck was in reduced-power mode to prevent engine damage, or something like that. It slowed to roughly 50mph and I had to drive for maybe 5 miles to reach the next exit, narrowly avoiding collision from behind with cars driving upwards of 75. Pulled off the road to the first parking lot, then got towed to the nearest Chevy dealership in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The diagnosis was a blown connecting rod that had occurred while driving on the interstate, resulting in a necessary total engine replacement. The truck was repaired in Shawnee, Oklahoma at the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 3, 2025
2020 Chevy Silverado LTZ 6.2 V8 10 Speed. Started having issues with hesitation/shudder. Dropped off at a Chevrolet dealership for a diagnostic. The dealership pointed to a potential transmission issue. After having the truck for several days, they reported nothing wrong. Said they drove the truck, checked the transmission fluid, and couldn't find any issues. Picked up the truck and took it to a local repair shop. That shop drove it, but could not re-create the issue I was describing. I opted to have the transmission fluid flushed in hopes of fixing the shudder/hesitation I was feeling. After picking up the truck and driving it a couple hundred miles, the issue was still present. I made another appointment at the same local shop. This time, they called me saying the issue I'm feeling is the same problem that's been happening to these engines, the dreaded AFM (Active Fuel Management) system is starting to fail. I was told by the shop it's only a matter of time before the entire engine fails. The only way to fix the issue is to delete the AFM system by removing the old parts within the engine and replacing with new parts that do not use the AFM system. This would cost approximately $6,000 to complete.
Electrical system, Jul 1, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact was attempting to purchase a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to obtain a loan from the bank for the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after obtaining a Carfax report. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the initial inquiry on Facebook Marketplace, the vehicle mileage was 63,000. The contact discovered that the mileage was 203,000.
Power train, Jun 26, 2025
When accelerating the transmission shakes violently under the hood. It shakes so bad that other vehicles can hear it the vibration is intense until you take your foot off the gas and then try to accelerate again it happens a few times then it’ll stop until the next red light. Slowly accelerating makes it worse but doesn’t matter either way.
Engine, Jun 24, 2025
Was driving on highway and vehicle went into "engine power reduced" and dropped from 60mph down to 35mph and then steadily decelerated down and wouldn't go over 18mph. Per mechanic it is the engine coolant control valve and the part is not available and could be months to a year before the part is available. Online shows this is a widespread issue with GM / Chev vehicles but no recall has been ordered and parts not available anywhere. Completely unacceptable to pay $65000 for a vehicle that is just barely 5 years old and have this kind of issue and manufacturer doing nothing about it.
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.
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!
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.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 17, 2025
Vehicle started and behaved as expected when leaving my home and for a dozen lights or so between my home and place of the incident. While stopped at a red light, the auto stop function shut the truck down as normal. On re-start when getting green light, after releasing brake pressure, the start up was belabored for two turnovers before starting up. As I pulled off the stop with a green light, the dash lights illuminated and display started rolling through system failures, one of which was the brakes system and ESC. I cautiously proceeded through my turn to a thankfully quiet intersection as the brakes were completely unresponsive. I had ZERO brake function. I was able to slowly come to a rolling stop enough to get the truck in park where I turned it off and back on and the brake function returned. I cautiously drove to the local chevy dealer where I was informed that the battery drain pulls from low voltage when it needs extra power for start up. This is utterly terrifying that it is even possible for the battery to start the truck WITHOUT ANY BRAKE FUNCTION. Had this happened just two lights before or after where I was, it would have been a news headline. I could have easily been headed up and over a bridge leading to a catastrophic event at the bottom where I would have been completely unable to stop my truck by any means other than a collision. I would have preferred a dead battery at a red light. Seems a whole lot safer. I'm now stressed beyond measure at the thought of some failure in the future that could lead to another event such as this. My truck is now a nightmare wondering what electrical malfunction is going to put me and/or my wife and daughter in a life or death situation, let alone others on the road. This shouldn't even be an option for the truck to start at the expense of a critical safety function. Not to mention there is no function for the auto start stop system to be deactivated permanently by my choice. I am beside myself and scared to drive.
Engine, Jun 16, 2025
Oil pump went out. Got it repaired. Then, a few days later, while driving on the freeway at 70MPH the engine made a lot of noise then quit in middle of the freeway leaving me vulnerable to being hit. Was able to coast in neutral to the edge of the road. Has 73000 miles on it. Dealer says I need an engine replacement after just spending $5,500 for oil pump replacement. Has been at the dealer over a month and no replacement engine is available.
Engine, Jun 13, 2025
The engine seized up. Yeah, the truck is at a trusted mechanic and he told me that the engine seized. No warning signs. The truck wouldn't start and the engine light was on.
Engine, Jun 11, 2025
The lifters failed which caused the camshaft to destroy itself. I am now looking at having to replace my entire motor because of this. This is a similar problem to the current recall going on with the 2021 through 2024 trucks with the same motor. I have 146,000 mi on my truck