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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2023
The tucks are high so a backup camera is now more important than ever. During the day the image very grainy but useful. At night or in a dark garage it completely useless. I took my truck in to be checked and they agreed it was terrible but nothing could be dome until a recall was issued. I've done research and this seems to be a huge problem with the 2020 Silverado. I reached out to Chevy and the lady I chatted with said I should file this here with you. There are multiple chats and message boards about this issue and Chevy lack of being willing to fix it.
Trailer hitches, Service brakes, Jan 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the trailer disconnected from the tow hitch. Additionally, the trailer brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and brake switch was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to GM PIT: 5948A. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 17, 2023
The contact's son owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the "Service Brakes System" message displayed. The contact stated that the failure recurred and that the vehicle was unable to accelerate over 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,500.
Engine, Jan 17, 2023
I have 75,000 miles on my vehicle and in the last 15,000 miles my check engine oil keeps going off. I change my oil every 5000 miles, I am having to add 1 quart of oil about every 1000 miles. I do not see any leaks or old oil on or around engine.
Power train, Jan 16, 2023
Truck was purchased new in 2020. The transmission has worked fine until recently. Since this summer there is a distinctive whine coming from the engine department. Very hard to isolate. The transmission this winter has been terrible. The cold functionality of the transmission now is even worse than when new. It hesitates to shift to second and to third gear when cold. The transmission now also exhibits a failure to up shift when the vehicle is moving. It will hang with elevated rpms 2300 to 3000 for a second or two before upshifting and lowering the rpms. The truck now also has random clunking when shifting into reverse from dead stop. The transmission does not shutter but there is definite loss of power and that can be contributed to a bad torque convertor. If it is not locking up correctly when in gear power will suffer to the convertor failing to engage the transmission correctly. The shifting issue have persisted and gotten worse. Dealer said he put a computer on it and said there were no codes. The dealer mechanic did not even try to road test the truck That is just ridiculous. I will be taking the truck in again
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and coming to a stop, the check engine warning light and traction control warning light illuminated. Additionally, a message indicating that the brakes had failed, and the vehicle could only drive at 40 MPH was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the brake master cylinder was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred while driving and coming to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the same repair was completed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent the parts to the dealer for repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Steering, Power train, Service brakes, Jan 9, 2023
I drove approximately 8 miles to lunch and parked the truck. It sat about an hour and when I started the truck to leave I had a message to service esc and power steering reduced. The tuck had no power steering. Returns to work and the truck sat about ten minutes. Then everything started normal and is fine.
Air bags, Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Jan 2, 2023
At approximately 42k miles my 2020 Silverado started flashing a very frequent “service safety restraint system” warning light and beeping (either constant or every 10-15 minutes). Immediately contacted a Chevrolet dealer to have it corrected. They have assured me that the repair is simple, will cost me $602 to replace a few steering wheel component parts to get the clock spring working correctly. They assured me they knew the issue would be resolved since their tech has “seen this a lot” but it took them all day to diagnose, and said since I was just past my bumper to bumper warranty it was not covered. That I could pay the diagnosis fee and take it home if I wanted. Since when is a faulty safety restraint system “fine” to drive? Of course I immediately authorized the out of pocket repair to be safe, but I am surprised and alarmed that Chevy would allow them to return an unsafe vehicle to a customer and tell them it’s “fine” rather than put them in a loaner vehicle or report the issue, since there are thousands of similar complaints for these Silverado’s. Truck is currently in the shop, on my dime and I am terrified that this will end up costing me more than $602.
Power train, Dec 26, 2022
Shaking an jerking in transmission in all gears.could be a serious issue if it locks up or stops pulling at speed or in heavy traffic
Engine, Dec 21, 2022
Lifter failure caused several different warning lights and misfiring and chugging. Vehicle never died, but might have if it had continued to be driven.
Power train, Dec 21, 2022
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado has a known issue with the torque converters and they are currently on back order and our service manager told us we are able to drive with it messed up and that it would not cause anymore damage but it causes transmission lockup and engine lockup which results in loss of control.
Service brakes, Dec 8, 2022
Brake system failure. While driving vehicle, brake system and traction control stopped working. Vehicle was then limited to 62 MPH. Almost no braking available and pedal needed to be pushed very hardly to the floor.
Steering, Dec 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and attempting to drive out of a parking spot, the power steering failed to function as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the wiring harness for the power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,624.
Air bags, Dec 4, 2022, crash
I hit a concrete light pole at 10-15mph on the right side and zero air bags went off, I hit my face and arm and chest on steering wheel, broken my nose, messed left arm up and brushed left lung it’s got fluid on it and ribs are bruised it’s hard to breathe and move after a week happened on 2022 thanksgiving around 1030 pm cops showed up truck was undrivable, had X-rays and Ct scans and have a heart scan this week,
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 21, 2022
I keep getting battery saver activated. I go to start my truck and it will not start. On dash says battery saver activated. I have had in the dealer 4 times and it keep happening. I also have had the power steering go out while driving. This has only happened once and after a couple hours it started working again but seems very dangerous.
Steering, Nov 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The ESC warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle and the steering wheel returned to normal operation. There was no warning light illuminated; however, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Exterior lighting, Nov 15, 2022
This is a huge vehicle. Side indicators were required back in 1968, and yet this monster truck doesn’t have any definitive side markers. Also, the standard package does not have any turn indicators on its side mirrors. Even compact cars have this safety item.
Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 31, 2022, crash
I was involved in a 3 car accident where I was stopped and rear ended into another vehicle in front of me. My car experienced severe damage which led to multiple minor injuries and a concussion because the airbags were not deployed. Because they were not deployed, I aggressively hit my head on the steering wheel and dash area of my vehicle. I had my seatbelt own but because of the airbag not deploying, I experienced multiple injuries. The vehicle that rear ended me was going 40-50 mph when they collided and pushed me into the truck stopped in front of me. I did receive an alert right when this happened from my application on my phone stating “Issue with Airbag system. Schedule Service Now” meaning that the airbag was not able to deploy when it was supposed to do so. The police, ambulance staff and witnesses all did not understand why the airbags did not deploy considering how hard the collision was. As a result of the airbag not deploying both my wife and I have injuries to our head and neck and and multiple areas of our body.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 24, 2022
Vehicle exhibited sudden loss of power at highway speed while in West Texas. Without warning, the vehicle displayed an "engine power reduced" message and the vehicle immediately slowed from highway speed to a maximum speed of 25mph. This sudden reduction in power required the drive to take emergency action to leave lanes of travel for the shoulder. On a road with insufficient shoulder-area, this could have resulted in a collision. Prior to the loss of power, a check engine light illuminated followed by a "Service Emissions System Soon" warning on the driver information display. The elapsed time between the messages and the loss of power was less than 5 minutes. The vehicle did not exhibit any erratic behavior at the time of the warning lights or prior to the loss of power. The vehicle is currently at Bill Estes Ford in Indianapolis, IN. Diagnosis is underway. Indications are that this is related to issues with the emissions control system. The vehicle was up to date on all service at the time of the incident.
Power train, Oct 19, 2022
Sunset jerking of vehicle, hesitation of vehicle when accelerator is hit at random times, when taking off from a traffic light or while cruising. If simmering need to get out of the way this could lead to vehicle hesitation and safety issues that could cause a crash. No errors were given in computer when dealership looked at it.
Power train, Oct 15, 2022
Torque converter faulty and told vehicle unsafe to drive. Only about 12,000 miles on vehicle. It was skipping gears while driving. It appeared initially very small and almost unnoticeable, but got worse over time going back a few weeks at least. The dealer has had the vehicle for over 30 days and cannot get the part shipped to them. They told me it MAY be shipped on October 22, while I dropped the car the first week of September.. Being told it is unsafe to drive, it definitely put us in danger driving it. Service Bulletin so they know about the problem: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10184489-9999.pdf
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 11, 2022
Truck mileage approx 26000 miles. 2 wiring harness locations rubbed wires enough to cause wire to wire contact resulting in 1 location, burnt wires, according to service tech and the other resulted in truck malfunction. Threw numerous codes, transmission repeatedly went P, D, P, D....unable to put in park for sometime and then finally was able to. Additionally, when serviced out of state, was recommended to have service done for leaky oil pan. Upon returning to home state, truck went in for oil leak, was returned due to parts ordered because it's leaking at the rear main seal and not the oil pan. Waiting on this service to occur.
Service brakes, Oct 9, 2022
First I I’d notice my pedal kick every once in a while then pulling into driveway all warnings kicked on and truck was hard to stop almost hitting garage. I got engine light, traction control light, and brake light ,service ecs,brake system failure 43mph max speed , service brake assist
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 3, 2022
Vehicle didn't start; got stranded. Tried to jump start with another vehicle. It turned, but didn't turn on. Had it towed to mechanic (closed on Sunday). Was lucky to be in an area I was familiar with during the day and not traveling over 250 miles the following day with family at night. Mechanic called Monday and stated fuel pump has to be replaced after a diagnostic test. 2020 Chevrolet Silverado @ 50,000 miles
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Oct 3, 2022
Purchased the truck through CARMAX and two weeks later received the “Service Brake Assist” and “Brake System Failure” message on the Console. This has happened twice in in one month.