2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 731 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 19 Silverado 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 13 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 12 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmission, control module, softwareFeb 12, 2026
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 12, 2026.
Campaign 26V083000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module, softwareOct 24, 2024
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
Campaign 24V797000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, temporary/emergency spare tireDec 16, 2021
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 vehicles equipped with certain accessory road tires and a 17" spare tire. The 17" spare tire provided with the vehicle is not compatible for use with the accessory wheels, which can cause the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to not function properly under certain conditions.
An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will provide a new 17" spare tire and wheel assembly that is compatible with the accessory wheels, free of charge. Dealers will also apply a new spare tire information label, and provide owners with an owner's manual insert clarifying which spare tire to use with the accessory road tires and with the 17" original tires. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212346510.
Campaign 21V985000 on NHTSA.gov
TiresFeb 25, 2021
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
Campaign 21V115000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsDec 17, 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
Campaign 20V792000 on NHTSA.gov
TiresNov 5, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202319030.
Campaign 20V684000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftOct 22, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 and 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 trucks. One of the driveshaft joints may not have been properly welded, causing the driveshaft to separate while the vehicle is moving.
If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202314870.
Campaign 20V650000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorJul 30, 2020
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 and Traverse and GMC Acadia and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The diffuser component of the Roof-Rail Air Bag (RRAB) inflator may not have been properly crimped to the inflator and could separate from the inflator during air bag deployment.
If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect RRAB modules, free of charge. The recall began September 3, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N202305380.
Campaign 20V446000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, disc, caliperFeb 27, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The bolts used to attach the front and/or rear brake calipers may have not been heat treated and may break under load.
Broken caliper bolts can reduce brake performance or interfere with wheel rotation and increase the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake caliper bolts, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-866-522-9559. GM's number for this recall is N202294420.
Campaign 20V116000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, 12v/24v/48v battery, cablesDec 12, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. The battery positive (B+) cable rings may have been manufactured with excessive glue, potentially causing an intermittent electrical connection between the B+ cable and alternator.
An intermittent electrical connection between the B+ battery cable and the alternator could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The intermittent connection could also lead to electrical arcing, which could generate sufficient heat to damage surrounding material, increasing the risk of a fire.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect for the presence of glue or other contamination at the B+ cable attachment to the alternator and clean the connection and reattach the B+ cable connection, as necessary. If arcing has damaged the cable, nut, or alternator, the dealer will replace the damaged components. All services will be performed free of charge. GM issued owners an interim notification on February 4, 2020. GM issued second notice and the recall began March 9, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192273510.
Campaign 19V888000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpNov 21, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.
Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192283991.
Campaign 19V837000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, pretensionerNov 14, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2020 Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles equipped with carpet floor covering. When the front seat belt pretensioners deploy, hot gas may vent through an opening in the pretensioner bracket, possibly igniting the carpet.
A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will close off the opening in the pretensioner bracket, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192270600.
Campaign 19V814000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
731 reports, newest first.
Power train, Jun 16, 2023
Everytime I trun the car off, all the lights, Nav, radio stays on as the car display a message "Shift to Park". This message stays on for sometimes 2 minutes, sometimes 10 minutes. Untill the message gone the car still thinks is on. In 2 occasions I had to jump the car as the battery depelted. This is a major safety issue if my son who drive the car to Detroit and had to stay wait for the car to turn off. GM need to fix this issue ASAP. I called the dealership & they said there is no recall or any fix. I see many many ppl complaining about the same thing with different Chevy models.
Tires, Jun 12, 2023
I had just left RV Park in Kingman, AZ. I had cruise control set at 59MPH when My truck began a violent shacking and a lot of banging. I pulled over on the shoulder of I-40, Got out to find tread had come off of the tire and was now wedge between brake backing plate and leaf spring. It had not lost air. Just tread came off. When tow truck driver showed up several hours later, tire was still holding air. He jacked up the axle, but deflated tire before he would remove it from truck and put on my spare. I always check my tires when I leave rv parks or after stopping at rest stops. Saw nothing wrong with tire or air pressure that morning. I had only been driving 45 Minutes, outside temp was low 80's.
Visibility, Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that there was condensation leaking from the rear window third pane. The contact observed discoloration near the condensation. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear window needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, May 30, 2023
Electrical acutated tailgate will not come down. The truck came with a soft bed cover that locks. If my child was to hide in the bed somehow it would pose an immediate risk to life and health as the tailgate will not come down and does not have any type of manual override. The interior controls do not work to lower the tailgate, the key fob controls do not work to lower the tailgate.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 30, 2023
2020 Silverado 1500 LTZ, Turn signals on mirror do not work
Electrical system, May 30, 2023
dash gauge cluster - ALL gauges drop to "zero" while driving speed, oil pressure, engine temp, fuel, etc., a/c compressor stops working but blower still works
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, May 30, 2023
While driving down the interstate hi-way, I heard a pop and my truck started to swerve into the adjoining lane. I turned the steering wheel in the opposite direction and the truck started making a rubbing sound and very hard to steer. I finally got it to the side of the hi-way and seen my passenger side front wheel leaning in. The upper balljoint/control arm broke. Luckily no-one was in the lane next to me or it would have caused a serious crash.
Steering, Exterior lighting, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 27, 2023, crash
Brake system light failure. Some system lights came on. I had no breaks car didn’t stop fast enough before hitting a pole
Service brakes, Apr 26, 2023
Was riding down the road and my front left caliber locked up had break fluid running down from the upper reservoir the truck only has 46,000 miles. the truck was immobile had to have it towed and had to get a new caliber and took the shop almost a week to get air out the system breaks are still not 100 percent also rear breaks are having a problem fully releasing as well. Leaves me worried the rear breaks will seize up as well cost me 1000 dollars for the repairs
Power train, Engine, Apr 26, 2023
I purchased this truck new and it's now been back 8 times for a engine hesitation, misfire, and check-engine light. On this 8th visit, they replaced the "right bank" of lifters on this 5.3L V8. Previous visits have replaced fuel injectors, spark plugs, spark plug wires, and flashed the ECM. I'm not sure why GM didn't replace the left bank of lifters if it's a known bad part (or replaced the engine entirely). Now I'm just waiting for the problem to come back for a 9th time for yet another part to replaced on an obviously poor engine design.
Engine, Apr 24, 2023
On a 3 year old vehicle, I had a dash full of warning lights come on along with the engine light. Upon checking the code for the engine, it shows a misfire on cylinder 5. Looking online, chevy has a tsb # pip5776c regarding lifter failure. It appears this is an ongoing issue with many of the vehicles as verified by an engine repair shop. They stated then engine may need replacement as they have found in the past. For a 3 year old vehicle with more year of payments this is not right. They know of an issue and after speaking with a dealer, they said its on me because I am over the mileage warranty. I do not have the repair done yet--it is not cheap
Power train, Engine, Apr 20, 2023
Component? Multiple: lifters from bank 2 which caused multiple other components to be replaced consistent with GM protocols such as bent rods. Safety: The vehicle jerked causing it difficulty to safely operate the vehicle which ultimately left stranded. This was also unsafe for other motorist as it was difficult to operate while trying to safely get to the side of the road. The dealer repaired the vehicle after confirming failures. No one other than the dealer inspected the vehicle to date. Warning lamps only appeared after vehicle violently shook.
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 18, 2023
VEHICLE WILL SEND MESSAGE TO MESSAGE CENTER TO SHIFT VEHICLE IN TO PARK WHEN IT IS ALREADY IN PARK. HAVE TO TRICK VEHICLE SYSTEM TO MAKE IT BELEIVE IT IS IN PARK TO TOTALLY SHUT DOWN VEHICLE
Other or unspecified, Apr 9, 2023
Rear window seal leaking.
Power train, Apr 4, 2023
My transmission went out
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 3, 2023
Vehicle is at 67,xxx miles. Vehicle is losing power, check engine light, service 4wd, service esc, service power steering, service parking brake..... the gas pedal has locked on me already with my 3 small children in the truck at highway speeds. GM says it's fine. I have all the work orders where 2 different dealerships have "corrected" these issues under warranty. Go retrieve the vehicle and within a week Vehicle is back acting up. This truck is unsafe to drive on the roadway. I have not been offered a courtesy vehicle to drive while "warranty" work is being done. I am appalled and in fear for my children and my own life with this truck.
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 31, 2023
Power Train Transmission Torque Converter “Chevy Shake” Multiple symptoms. - Shuttering , “ buffeting” , slipping sensation. Continuous almost like “strong wind gust” or “head wind” - Humming, if you have ever heard a “high pressure” hydraulic equipment. - RPM bounces 300 to 500, but transmission does not “down shift” (while driving) - Vibration, of the truck can be noticed, felt at various speeds, 40mph to 60mph(shutter) almost like it struggling to get up to speed (unless heavy on the gas pedal) 70mph and above to say 80mph, then shaking, vibrations worse when coasting back to 70 mph Vibration will “not stop” until truck speed is drastically slowed or come to a stop. - Steering wheel “shakes” , “vibrates” also can happen at 60mph to 70mph and above to say 80mph, then worse when coasting back to 70 mph - “Clunk” when stopped and shifting into “reverse” (new development symptom) Vehicle is in for inspection. It keeps reading service break system. Service ESC
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, there was an abnormal squealing sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the front brake pads. While test driving the vehicle, the front driver’s side brake caliper failed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V116000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 37,000.
Suspension, Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds there was a loud noise present coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who discovered that the front driver’s side axle was fractured. The front driver’s side axle was replaced but the contact stated that a slight noise was still present coming from the front end while driving. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact also indicated that while his wife was driving, the odor of fuel was present inside the vehicle. Upon inspection, his wife discovered fuel leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the plastic fuel line had cracked causing fuel to leak from the vehicle. The plastic fuel line was replaced, and the failure was fixed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 28, 2023
Power steering failure upon starting truck. Wheel did not turn. Dash message said Esc and power steering malfunction . Restart car multiple times with same issue. Wait a few hours and start car - no warnings or power steering issues. Went to Chevrolet dealership and was told no codes had been triggered and to bring back when issue arises again.
Structure, Mar 25, 2023
The frame of the truck is excessively rusty and the manufacture undercoating has flaked off. All components of the frame and underbody have significant rust for the age of the vehicle. This was just addressed with the dealership who stated there was no warranty to cover it. There has been no service done to the frame and all preventative maintenance and service checks have been done at the dealership on time. It was just recently noticed to be so rusty. This poses a problem with the safety of the frame of the vehicle which can lead to cracks, broken welds, holes, etc.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 22, 2023
The contact's husband owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 40 MPH. The contact stated that the failure recurred on various occasions and that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The failure reoccurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that two brake calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to Classic Chevy Sugar Land (Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478), where it was diagnosed that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced again. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V116000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Feb 28, 2023
Power Train Transmission Torque Converter “Chevy Shake” Multiple symptoms. - Shuttering , “ buffeting” , slipping sensation. Continuous almost like “strong wind gust” or “head wind” - Humming, if you have ever heard a “high pressure” hydraulic equipment. - RPM bounces 300 to 500, but transmission does not “down shift” (while driving) - Vibration, of the truck can be noticed, felt at various speeds, 40mph to 60mph(shutter) almost like it struggling to get up to speed (unless heavy on the gas pedal) 70mph and above to say 80mph, then shaking, vibrations worse when coasting back to 70 mph Vibration will “not stop” until truck speed is drastically slowed or come to a stop. - Steering wheel “shakes” , “vibrates” also can happen at 60mph to 70mph and above to say 80mph, then worse when coasting back to 70 mph - “Clunk” when stopped and shifting into “reverse” (new development symptom) Vehicle is in for inspection .
Power train, Feb 22, 2023
Transmission will hard shift from 2-3. It jerks the truck and causes power loss when in traffic. The RPM's will go up to 3500-4000 and then the truck barley keeps a speed of 45 mph. The engines sounds like it is going to explode! This has happen several times with 32000 miles on the truck.
Service brakes, Feb 9, 2023
Trailer brake controls not working. Safety at risk due to electric trailer brakes not working. Other lights and functions work when trailer plugged in.