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.
Engine, Aug 26, 2026
My lifter failed in my Chevy Silverado 1500 on the highway, causing severe shaking while driving and an array of dash lights. After taking it to a local. Chevy dealer, they confirmed a lifter collapse and possible damage to my cam shaft. I have been up to date on all oil changes with premium synthetic oil, and there were no prior dash lights indicating a problem.
Engine, Aug 24, 2026
Lifters are failing. Engine is making horrible engine noise. Mechanics said it was lifters.
Structure, Aug 24, 2026
Paint delaminating from front fenders. No outside influence to cause it.
Engine, Aug 21, 2026
Engine failure from bearings and lower rod from lifters. This is the second engine failure in vehicle for the same exact reason per dealership report. Entire engine replacement both times and all lights on dash were on.
Power train, Aug 21, 2026
Transmission shudder/rumble strip vibration when accelerating
Power train, Aug 20, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Power train, Wheels, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 19, 2026
While driving at highway speed, my vehicle developed a serious transmission problem. At approximately 75 mph, it suddenly lost the ability to maintain speed and dropped to about 55 mph despite throttle input. Engine RPM increased significantly and the vehicle had greatly reduced propulsion. Normal operation temporarily returned after the vehicle was shut off and restarted. The vehicle has also experienced harsh shifting, vibration, limp-mode behavior, a check-engine light, and I reported a momentary wheel-lock event. These symptoms create a safety concern because an unexpected loss of propulsion or abnormal transmission behavior at freeway speeds can increase the risk of a collision. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Chevrolet dealer. The dealer documented transmission-related diagnostic codes including P0700, P0970, P0968, and P0711. The dealer's repair order specifically referenced GM program N242454441-03, described transmission control-valve wear and pressure loss, and recommended replacement of the valve body. A separate repair estimate included the valve-body assembly and related transmission service parts. Despite the dealer recommending valve-body replacement, GM/dealer coverage was denied primarily because P0747 was not present at the time of diagnosis. I am reporting this because I am concerned that transmission control-valve/valve-body deterioration may cause harsh shifting, reduced propulsion, limp mode, or other safety-related symptoms before or without P0747 being stored. I am asking NHTSA to review whether vehicles with the same underlying valve-body failure may remain on the road because the specific qualifying diagnostic code is not present during a dealer scan. The vehicle and transmission are available for further inspection if requested.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 19, 2026
The wiring harness failed causing erratic and unpredictable behavior at 65 MPH on this 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 77,500 miles on the odometer. General Motors no longer makes the wiring harness and there are none available in the market. This otherwise flawless truck (for which I paid $40,000 at a reseller in 2024) is essentially now totaled (undrivable) and GM will not take any responsibility or provide any other remedy beside $750 toward the purchase of a brand new truck.
Engine, Aug 17, 2026
The check engine light indicate P0016 crankshaft camshaft position. It has been diagnosed by a mechanic that the timing belt is stretched. Chevrolet has redesigned these parts due to the premature failure but has not issued a recall to install the redesigned parts.
Engine, Aug 15, 2026
Dfn failure Cylinder 6 140,000 MI oil changes done at 20% using nothing but mobile one full synthetic 0w 20
Power train, Aug 13, 2026
On the transmission for the 8-speed I'm wondering why mine hasn't been recalled when all the others have been recalled were made the same basically time. And I'm having the same issues as those other transmissions
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was running rough and the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the transmission made an abnormal sound while starting the vehicle and while driving, and the torque converter was shuddering. The contact and his father diagnosed the vehicle as having a cylinder misfire and performed a compression test on the engine. The contact replaced the lifter and push rods, deactivated and removed the Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), modified the engine, replaced transmission fluid, and used Lube Gard Instant Shudder Fixx for the torque converter shudder. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 11, 2026
Unknown which system failed. While driving on the freeway, truck lost power for a few seconds. Dash lights turned off and back on. Our safety and the safety of others on the freeway were at risk as we had no control of the vehicle. Have not had the truck checked for the problem. Scared to drive it. No warnings appeared.
Electrical system, Aug 5, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The contact stated that at the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 54,753. The current mileage was approximately 56,000. As per a Carfax report, the contact discovered the vehicle was reported stolen on May 2nd, 2025, with the vehicle mileage at 102,610. The contact was concerned that the odometer was altered prior to the purchase.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 27, 2026
Description of Problem: While driving, the engine intermittently revs on its own without any input from the accelerator pedal. During these episodes, the vehicle also shakes/vibrates noticeably. This has occurred [once / multiple times — specify frequency, e.g., “several times over the past X weeks”]. The engine revving is not consistent with normal acceleration and appears unrelated to throttle position. The shaking is felt throughout the cabin and is most noticeable [at idle / at speed / when the revving occurs — specify if known]. Safety Concern: This creates a risk of sudden, unintended changes in vehicle speed or loss of control, particularly if it occurs in traffic, while merging, or at highway speed.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 20, 2026
The Electronic Parking Brake System on my 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 continuously malfunctions. Chevy/ GM Customer Support has been made aware of this issue and continues to disregard it entirely. The Electronic Parking Brake, which is an automatic function that cannot be turned off or bypassed, fails to fully disengage when the vehicle is taken out of Park. The Electronic Parking Brake remains very slightly engaged, producing a slight noise while driving and causing excessively premature wear on the vehicles pads and rotors. My vehicle has about 64,000 miles on it, and I have had to replace my rear brakes twice now already, due to this issue. The majority of those 64,000 miles are from uninterrupted highway driving. Each time the rear brakes were replaced, I had the dealership inspect the braking system. The dealership was not able to definitively confirm for some reason but was able to speculate that the aforementioned is likely what is going on. I find that any malfunction of such a critical part of the vehicle and the safety of it's operators and passengers poses a major safety risk.
Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2026
Key will not fully turn back and release, keeping the accessories running. After many start, shift, move a little and waiting for a period of time it eventually turns to normal to remove. I’ve seen articles on if it says “shift to park” on the dash lights and it does not. Bought used with 70,000 10/24 and continues to get worse.
Power train, Jul 15, 2026
While driving my transmission has a shutter. The shutter started about yr and half ago and I have just maintained with shutter stop. I know there is a recall on manufactured parts for other Chevrolet trucks in the same yr
Engine, Jul 10, 2026
While driving my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the 5.3L V8 engine and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), the engine developed an internal valvetrain failure resulting in misfires, rough running, and reduced engine performance. The vehicle was diagnosed by a Chevrolet dealership as having failed lifters associated with the DFM system, requiring major engine repairs and replacement of internal engine components. The failure occurred at approximately 81,000 miles and resulted in the vehicle entering a reduced performance condition, creating a potential safety concern when merging, accelerating, or operating in traffic due to the inability to maintain normal vehicle speed and power. The vehicle was inspected and repaired by an authorized Chevrolet dealer. Research shows numerous similar reports from owners of GM 5.3L and 6.2L engines equipped with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) systems involving lifter and valvetrain failures.
Engine, Jul 10, 2026
Dear Sir or Madam, I am submitting this complaint to request that the Federal Trade Commission investigate General Motors (Chevrolet) regarding what appears to be a known engine defect affecting the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado and the company's handling of this issue. I own a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. In September 2025, when my truck had only 45,494 miles, I experienced an engine misfire consistent with a defect that has been widely reported by other owners. Through my research, I discovered that General Motors was aware of this issue and, rather than correcting the underlying mechanical defect, reportedly issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) instructing dealerships to reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) to reduce or mask the symptoms instead of permanently repairing the root cause. Now, less than one year later, my truck is experiencing the same engine problems again. Although my vehicle has relatively low mileage, it is no longer covered under the factory warranty because of its age rather than its mileage. When I contacted Chevrolet Customer Assistance, I was advised to work with my local dealership to determine whether I might qualify for a "goodwill" repair. I do not believe it is fair for consumers to rely on discretionary goodwill assistance when the manufacturer was allegedly aware of a design defect before or during the time these vehicles were sold. Based on my research, properly repairing the underlying cause of this engine failure can cost as much as $15,000. Consumers should not be expected to bear the financial burden of repairing a defect that the manufacturer allegedly knew existed but failed to adequately correct. I respectfully request that the FTC investigate whether General Motors engaged in unfair or deceptive business practices by: Continuing to market and sell vehicles with a known engine defect. Addressing customer complaints with software reprogramming rather than permanently correcting the underlying mechanical issue. Failing
Power train, Jul 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and downshifted independently. No warning lights illuminated. Additionally, an OBD2 diagnostic scan retrieved diagnostic trouble codes: U0146, U0101, and U0100. A local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the VIN was not included in any recall. Additionally, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH, the engine started knocking, and the sound grew louder while making a turn. The Electronic Stability Control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where one diagnostic trouble code was displayed, but the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a second local dealer, who retrieved a code for fuel injector number eight and diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a third dealership, Knapp Chevrolet, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained unrepaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 3, 2026
I have a Trial Boss and it wont shut off when the key is off, KEEPS RUNNING. Did some research and it gave a couple of thing to check.
Engine, Jun 24, 2026
while driving pulling a trailer with my kid in the car engine began knocking and lost power. upon investigation it was a failed lifter causing bent pushrod
Electrical system, Jun 22, 2026
The rear camera view is skewed resulting in inaccurate reference angles of the vehicle. When used to assist in reversing results in improper placement of vehicle and can cause collision of vehicle with objects.