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, 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,
Structure, Jul 27, 2024
While driving hauling trailer, tailgate randomly flew down, could have been very very bad had someone been behind me when wheel barrow flew out of the back. It severely damaged my tailgate when it flew down, and then got wedged between top of trailor.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 19, 2024
Total engine replacement at 62k. The junk lifter system government regulation has compromised our Vehicles. Active fuel management systems are used expensive trash changes to our American motors that generate extreme hardship for single vehicle owners.
Engine, Jul 18, 2024
Vehicle is burning oil. I drove 300 miles and had a low oil message pop up. Vehicle still had 50% oil life left.
Engine, Jul 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer and was repaired. The contact was concerned that the serpentine belt had failed twice. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,500.
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?
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 25, 2024
I took my truck in for an oil change on 5/25 and 12 miles after words, my truck was thrown into reduced engine power mode, which dropped my speed unexpectedly as I was driving. Luckily, I was in a residential area so that did not affect my safety, but there is potential that someone could have this code come up on the highway and have their vehicle unexpectedly throttled in regards to speed. The reduced engine power mode was the result of a code related to an electrical issue that ended up being the coolant control valve for the engine. I took it to a Chevrolet dealership that did the oil change, and they inspected it and determined that that part was faulty And would need to be repaired. The problem comes intermittently because The dealership drove my truck some and the issue would occasionally go away. As the part needed is on a seven month back order, the vehicle is available for inspection if needed.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 19, 2024
Problem started while driving on the highway, I was speeding up from the ramp to merge into the highway. As I got to 62 mph the dashboard started blinking that i could only go up to 62 mph max. Cruise control was not on. I drove to my destination at that speed with the message on the dashboard. I arrived at my destination, parked, turned it off, a couple of hours later turned it on to drive again. At this point, the dashboard message was that I could only drive it max speed 42 mph and "service tire monitor system" I towed to my mechanic given i could not drive at that speed on the highway back home. The mechanic said it was time for a brake change and that might be the issue. He changed all the brake pads and rotors and the truck drove fine again for less than a week. As i was getting on the highway, the truck started to jerk like it wanted to stop as i was speeding up, i was going 45 mph. There was a clanking sound coming from the engine. Then multiple things started flashing on the dashboard; check engine, traction control, messages reading "service parking brake" and "service ESC" I turned the truck off for a couple of minutes on the highway shoulder. Turned it back on, the same messages were still on the dash. I again could only drive it max in the 40's mph. The faster I tried to go, the more heavy and forced the truck felt. I had to park it over night in a parking lot. The next day i scheduled an appointment with a mechanic in town who checked it and said i would be needing a new engine, that he had seen this same problem a couple of weeks ago on a same truck. He quoted me $9K.I towed the truck back home and had another mechanic come take a look at it, he was getting the codes 0P50D and P0304.He exchanged the 4 cylinder for the good 1 cylinder to see if the codes would change from #4 to #1 and it did not. He said the issue was internal at that point and suggested I go take it to the dealership under the warranty. Its not under warranty, it ended at 60K miles and I have 80K now.
Engine, Jun 12, 2024
I have a 3.0 LTRe Dura Max issue is if the (Timing Belt ) or actually the oil pump drive belt breaks the engine will lose power if this happens in the middle of an intersection or major highway you will loose total power
Structure, Jun 10, 2024
The tailgate opens up while vehicle is in drive. No warning lights come on, the only way I knew is that people driving beside us flagged us down. The pickup bed was full of our luggage… luckily, nothing fell out. This has happened at least 3-4 times. The last time, we were towing our travel trailer, the tailgate opened up while we were driving and got caught on our tongue jack and propane tanks…damaging the tailgate and propane tanks.
Service brakes, Jun 10, 2024
While driving on the interstate, my entire display panel/information queue lit up and my information display issued crazy and bizarre warnings. When this happened (I was traveling around 60 mph) immediately pulled off on an exit only to find that my brakes were out/nonexistent and my emergency break button not responding. Luckily and by the grace of God, there were no other vehicles or pedestrians in my line of travel on this exit, the exit fortunately happened to be on an uphill incline/climb which aided in slowing my truck to slow down to a complete stop, and neither I or any other person or vehicles were harmed during this incident. Was told by the Jim Ellis Chevrolet of Atlanta Chevrolet Service Manager (who by the way was a great help and resource through all of this) informed that there was a software “glitch” that had caused all this to happen. I never was told of or was informed of any software “updates” nor had any Chevrolet Dealer Service Department updated this software “glitch” when my truck was given to them for all GM mileage-tiered full service recommendations.
Other or unspecified, Jun 10, 2024
The rear third brake light spoiler leaks causing damage to my headliner and vehicle. I have researched this and it appears to be a known issue to GM. However, GM is saying that my vehicle is not affected as of yet. I had an estimate completed on the vehicle by a local body shop. They believe the issue involves the spoiler assembly nuts not being properly tightened and sealed by the manufacturer. A repair will cost approximately $593.63.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 5, 2024
While driving brakes failed and codes came on saying brake system failure 43 mph, this problem apparently is a programming issue that will cost over 600 dollars because “reprogramming” isn’t covered. Brake pads were over 50% life and it is a very dangerous error.
Engine, Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering, made an abnormal clunking sound, and lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the nearest independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had experienced an internal failure. The mechanic determined that the crankshaft, the lifters, an unknown valve, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Engine, Jun 3, 2024
PIP5921 Bulletin.
Other or unspecified, May 19, 2024
Unknown
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, May 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the “ESC Unavailable”, 'ABS Failure', and “Do Not drive over 62 MPH”, “Please Drive with Care” messages were displayed. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake pedal remained on the floorboard. The contact stated that the braking distance was extended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,699.
Latches/locks/linkages, May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the rear tailgate door erroneously opened. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on 4 separate occasions and items had fallen from the vehicle while in motion. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Service brakes, Engine, May 1, 2024
Around 35k miles had an engine lifter fail and needed to be replaced, covered under warranty. 07/2023 - Had front pads/rotors replaced by Chevy dealer and had loud squeaking ever since. Contacted dealer and was told they are new pads so will just need time to break in. Contacted the dealer again in Sept.Oct. 2023 and brought vehicle in for service for noise concern. They informed me the noise is coming from the rear brakes that was reported as 60% life two months prior. They replaced the rear rotors/pads and noise persisted. Brought vehicle back to dealer in December, they performed a serviced but was ineffective. In March 24 started getting some vibrations when stopping. Brought vehicle for servicing, stated there are rust spots on rotors but everything is wearing fine so this will not be covered under warranty. Also that they do not warranty sounds due to pads can have more metallics then others and they cannot determine which ones do not. I looked under forums and GM Pads seem to be a common issue with noise. My truck was perfectly fine before these brake products were installed and I would like GM to be held accountable for there inferior products leading to loud break noises and violent vibrations while braking !
Tires, Apr 12, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 8, 2024
Check engine light came on, I plugged my code reader in and was given P0498 ERROR CODE. Upon doing research and calling around to 3 different Chevrolet service centers I was told that it is a know issue with the fuel pump control module on all gm trucks. I am part of a truck group of over 150 and 85 of us has had this issue and all are currently waiting for the part to come in which is back ordered over months. Why has there been no recall and service bulletins yet if all 3 of the service managers agreed of the known issue.
Power train, Structure, Engine, Apr 4, 2024
I purchased my vehicle from Southern Pines NC and at the time it had 12k miles on it. At about 40K I started having transmission problems. It would hard shift in 1st and 2nd gears. It also would not go into reverse. Hendrix Chevy had my vehicle multiple times attempting to fix things. Telling me it was not the transmission etc etc. My power train warranty expired at 60K. I have asked for my complete service records multiple times. I have paid out a lot of money due to it "not being the transmission". The last time it was there the manager Matt took it home and said the changed the transmission fluid which was very dirty. Almost trying to say I had done something to make it that way however in the service history they had it almost the entire month due to issues. I got it back and my brakes went out while driving. I was able to cost to a stop. I was at my limit. I called Matt and said come and get this vehicle. I want Chevy to take it back. They kept the vehicle for almost 2 weeks. Matt said he personally drove it home and it was fixed. I picked it up and I have not had any issues for about 8 months or. Now my power train warranty is expired and my vehicle is again doing the same things it was when I took it in at 40k. It now has 85k. It is hard shifting in 1st and 2nd. It is rolling when in drive. I also have had many body parts that have come off etc. I called Chevy today to again get my service records. I stil have not gotten them. I just want a reliable vehicle. I feel like I have not had a reliable vehicle from day one. I want them to take this vehicle back and I want a Toyota hat is comparable in cost of my truck in its new form. Can you help me?
Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2024
Water leak above the rear sliding window has soaked into carpet & upper roof inner lining panel.
Electrical system, Apr 2, 2024, fire
A/C blower motor over heated and caught the electrical wires on fire under the dash. I had just left my house for work about 1 mile from home and the dash started smoking then a fire started under the passenger side glovebox parked the car in the middle of the street and I was able to exit the vehicle and put the fire out with a half bottle of water I had in the car. I then called 911 and I believe it was EAST Pierce fire department. They shortly arrived and confirmed it was an electrical fire and that there was no more heat coming from it. The fire department then gave me A ride home. The vehicle has been towed to Sunset Chevrolet in Sumner Washington where the Vehicle was purchased New in 2020.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor of raw fuel in the cabin of the vehicle. There was no sign of a fuel leak. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had to roll the windows down while driving. The child in the vehicle experienced a headache but medical attention was not provided. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that there was no recall on the vehicle for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V837000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 67,500.