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.
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)
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 24, 2025
Vehicle purchased December 2020 Flashing check engine light that stays on- light did not stay on long enough for dealer to see, said they couldn't find any issues. The first time we had it towed and when they looked at it the light was no longer on. They were able to tell us what was going on with the vehicle when the light came on but said there were no problems. Flashing check engine light that turns off- "no light = no problem" dealer says. Eventually they printed pages showing engine misfires which we were initially told was no big deal. Later I was told I should get spark plugs changed, which I did. So far, flashing light has not reoccurred. Burns 3 or more quarts of oil between oil changes which I was assured by more than one rep that that was normal (on numerous occasions). Air conditioning quit working. Heater not working well and not at all on idle. The only setting I can really use to defrost and keep my feet warm is the "floor only" option. Mixed doesn't work, defrost only will freeze feet. Gas smell while vehicle at idle. Initially noticed when using auto start but have since noticed it does it with regular start as well. All issues have been brought to dealership, I will have to contact them for all the exact dates.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 23, 2025
• lifters, cam, manifold; failed. no warning, nothing just seized up • left with no power, braking system locked up. • yes; occurred January 2024. everything replaced. received back in March 2024, 10k miles later transmission begins shuttering. January 2025 lifters failed again. • yes it has been evaluated by dealership. they just throw their hands up. • no warning lights prior, driving in winter 30-40degrees weather. brakes seized, truck haulted and upon attempting to accelerate the motor was knocking and done for. January 13th. 11:51AM 2024
Engine, Jan 23, 2025
I bought this truck with 72,000 miles on it I put about 3,000 miles on it and the engine seized. I had my mechanic inspect it and he confirmed the motor is seized. There was absolutely no warning is just stopped running and left me on the side of the road
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 22, 2025
Vehicle has been in and out of service for the past 5 months with multiple alerts including "Brake system failure 43mph top speed," "service esc," "service brake assist." On major interstate car would not accelerate past 43mph putting myself, infant, toddler, and wife in danger. Multiple attempts have been made to repair the vehicle and nothing has been successful. Lifters, CAM, torque converter, EBCM, master cylinder, calipers, and the list goes on. When this happens the brake is extremely hard to press making it difficult to stop the vehicle. Issue has been reproduced by dealer and attempts have been made under warranty to repair. Car only has 36k miles on it and the issue began prior to that. GM ongoing solution is to bleed the brakes, which clearly has not resolved the issue. Still hear ticking and noises from engine. Something needs to be done to remedy this issue. This is a safety hazard for myself, my family, and everyone driving around me.
Power train, Jan 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and experienced hard shifting before returning to normal functionality. The vehicle had returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Service brakes, Jan 21, 2025
Upon entering a roadway from a parking lot I noticed my vehicle struggling to gain speed. I lifted my foot from the gas pedal and the truck rapidly reduced speed, dropping from 25 mph to less than 5mph in a couple of seconds. I then reapplied the gas pedal to attemp to avoid the vehicle approaching from the rear. The truck struggled again to gain speed. I went about 150 yards toward an intersection. I applied the brake and pushed it to the floor as the truck barely slowed to a stop. Had there been any vehicle stopped in front of me I would have hit it and pushed it into the intersection. The dashboard lit up with warning lights and rotating messages such as, Brake system failure 62 mph top speed, Service trailer break.when the traffic light turned green I drove it across the intersection into a parking lot, going about 5 mph for 50 yards. Putting my foot back on the brake as hard as I could. It finally came to a stop about twenty feet farther than it should have. I had it towed to a Chevrolet dealership. They did a diagnostic test and checked all braking components. They found a service bulletin for recalibration of brake system control module. They preformed the calibration and cleared the codes. After reading the many reports of this happening on the NHTSA site and the absolute possibility of injuries and deaths, I find it hard to believe that with knowing this problem exists and it’s disastrous potential, that there has not been a recall after 5 years of complaints.
Engine, Jan 20, 2025
Vehicle would not start, had it towed to a shop and they said the engine locked up. After tearing motor down the main bearing was scored and there were metal scratches.
Power train, Engine, Jan 20, 2025
Truck has been burning oil since it was purchased new in 2020. The truck has needed 6 quarts added between every oil change. It has been to the dealer and they insist nothing is wrong. GM customer service has been no help. Motor has a ticking noise. Finally 2 weeks ago check engine lights came on and loud noises came from motor. Brought it into the dealership and they said full lifter failure and engine scoring and has been like this for awhile now. This is something I brought up to them AND GM support over the last 4 years of owning the vehicle and they always told me there was nothing wrong with it. Private extended warranty is going to cover a new engine, but is on national backorder due to all the issues with the 6.2L engine and others having issues GM won’t acknowledge.
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.
Steering, Suspension, Jan 19, 2025
Upper control arm ball joint separated.
Engine, Jan 19, 2025
I was driving on a wet Road with more than an inch of water on the road and all of a sudden my engine blew up I took it to the Chevrolet dealer and they told me that water got in the engine and it was my fault I feel that the engine failed and should not have
Engine, Jan 18, 2025
While driving down road at around 60mph 6.2L engine started to make loud knocking noise and shaking violently while loosing all power. Truck had 79,797 miles on it at the time with all oil changes and service done at GM dealership. After having GM dealership diagnose truck, it was determined to have a spun rod bearing, causing multiple other engine components to fail. Truck was not under factory warranty and was quoted $12,200 to replace. There were no warning lights or any known issues until this incident.
Engine, Jan 18, 2025
Had the top of the motor rebuilt twice, first the left side, then the right side. Then GM replaced the motor out of warranty. A year and a half later the rear main seal blew and the seal was all mushroomed and out of shape.
Engine, Jan 18, 2025
Excessive Oil consumption from new and lifter failure at 116,000 miles
Power train, Jan 17, 2025
Purchased not thinking there would be issues as truck was clean and well kept. Month and a half later torque converter went bad. Had it replaced under warranty, however, I have more symptoms from when it originally started. 6 speed transmission.
Electrical system, Jan 16, 2025, fire
While changing a blown fuse for the instrument cluster, my truck unexpectedly caught fire, endangering my safety and causing significant damage to the vehicle. The fire started behind the passengers side fuse box within the wiring harness (GM# 84717166). The dealership determined that the failure was due to wire harness chafing on the thread side of a tie bar bolt. Due to General Motors not responding to their request for repair information via the TAC, they concluded that the bolt needed to be shorten in order to reduce the chafing. There were no warning signs or indications that this was going to or could occur. The burnt harness is available for inspection but the vehicle has been traded in due to no longer trusting how it was manufactured.
Power train, Jan 9, 2025
Purchased a 2020 Silverado 1500, 5.3L 4x4 with 8,000 miles. Now at 66,000 miles the torque converter is bad. Shudders, hard shifting, lunges into gear, won’t go into reverse at times. MULTIPLE complaints with these engines. There’s a recall, but it stops at 2019….. WAKE UP GM!! This problem is still ongoing from 2020-2024!!! Needs to be another recall
Power train, Jan 8, 2025
Transmission shuttering when driving
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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 7, 2025
Rear window leaks water into the cab during rain, snow, car wash, etc. GM refuses to abide by comprehensive warranty to fix the issue, and my dealership wants to charge around $1,000 just to apply sealant. Water goes into and behind the rear seat (where my child sits) and goes to unknown area. Water can cause rust, mold, electrical problems, or any other number of issues. I noticed it around November of 2024 but I don’t know how long it has actually been occurring for. When researching this issue, appears to be relatively commonplace for my year and style of vehicle. Even the GM techs at my dealership acknowledged it is a recurring issue that may require MULTIPLE visits before getting a permanent solution (replacing the entire window).
Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds in inclement weather including while driving in rain or slushy snow, the tailgate inadvertently opened. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the tailgate switch needed to be replaced due to water intrusion. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
Power train, Dec 31, 2024
The rear wheels lock and most of the time its hard shifting/ or it feels like it struggling to shift to the next gear
Power train, Dec 24, 2024
First incident was when the vehicle had under 7,000 miles. Transmission module went. Vehicle wouldn't move. A few months prior, when we pulled our camping trailer, the integrated brake didn't work and the truck brakes overheated. Took vehicle to dealer, couldn't find a problem. A few months later the truck would not move, and found to be the transmission module. After a month and they finally got the part and repaired, no problems with pulling the camper. Than last week, we pulled out on the road, and we couldn't accelerate. A little over 45,000 miles on it. Had towed to dealer, they have diagnosed Transmission Valve Body. No warning lights. Maybe the transmission was hesitating some before it went. Waiting for the part, which no clue how long it will take.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 22, 2024
2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 8L90 transmission failure at 40,000 miles and I am now at 90,000 miles with the same issue. I have been working on this truck tirelessly tried to fix the transmission. I’ve had 3 transmission fluid replacements and a full torque converter replacement. General Motors knowingly sold these models to consumers when the transmission was faulty and underperforming. It shudders, shakes, and slips while driving. It’s almost caused me to get into a few accidents. I just want compensation and to be a part of the class action lawsuit they are being filed upon. My phone number is [XXX] And my email is [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)