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, Jun 20, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding a major engine failure in my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the 5.3L V8 engine. At approximately 56,000 miles, my vehicle experienced a failed valve lifter, resulting in loud engine ticking, a check engine light, loss of power, and unsafe driving conditions. The vehicle was no longer operating properly and required immediate repair. Although the vehicle had been regularly maintained and had relatively low mileage for such a significant engine issue, I was informed that the failed lifter damaged the camshaft and related engine components, requiring extensive repairs. The total cost of the repair was $6,180, which I paid out of pocket. My Silverado was just outside Chevrolet's 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty period by time, despite having only 56,000 miles. A major internal engine failure should not occur on a well-maintained vehicle with such low mileage. After researching this issue, I discovered that lifter failures involving the Active Fuel Management (AFM) and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) systems in GM's 5.3L engines have been widely reported by other Chevrolet Silverado owners. This indicates a potential design or manufacturing defect rather than normal wear and tear. I am requesting that General Motors provide reimbursement or goodwill assistance for all or a substantial portion of the $6,180 repair cost. I believe customers should not be responsible for paying thousands of dollars to repair a known issue on a low-mileage vehicle. I respectfully request that this matter be reviewed and resolved promptly.
Engine, Jun 17, 2026
Engine light came on and off and June 10, 2026 The truck just stole and no power to go
Power train, Engine, Jun 12, 2026
I'm experiencing all the documented issues with the 10L80 10 speed transmission. Identical to all the recalls. It's shifting poorly, torque converter shudder, lose of power, unreliability, and serious safety concerns. I've tried to communicate and find a resolution to these issues through the dealership and GM. Of course getting nowhere. I don't feel a 60k dollar truck should be in this kind of condition. Recently the ac compressor went out. Conveniently after the 6.2 was considered faulty and was replaced but transmission denied. Which the dealership GM expressed in no way was any factors the warranty companies claims of a taller tire being on the truck. Being the issue at all for the transmission failure. Also the dealership didn't check a box. One that I can not physically check. Which they put on me. They swapped the stock tires to the taller brand new set I'd just bought for my trade in. Never stating anything about the tires being taller voiding the warranty I just paid for. Why would I deny the part of the extended warranty that I wanted. Cause of the suspension and drivetrain. Either way this truck is not safe to be on the road. It struggles to maintain speed on the highway. Eventually leading to the torque converter free spinning and making all kinds of noises and vibration. Of course once I've assisted it to violently shift through the gears and hopefully into 10th. On occasions it never makes it that far. Either way I feel this falls directly into the recalls with the same model and year. They replaced the 6.2 cause of cylinder failure and oil consumption. Well the next in line for the drive train is the junk 10 speed. Not sure how it can't be related. The long and stressful time. I've put into finding a solution with the dealer or manufacturer. They blow me off or just don't give me any info. I feel that's their way of dismissing not only the failure of the salesman not properly doing his job. Which the GManager also stated mistakes happen. Not OK
Engine, Jun 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle suddenly made knocking sounds. The Check Engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle experienced rough idling and a decrease in motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined the lifters had collapsed and bent the push rod. The push rod was replaced, but the newly installed part instantly bent. The mechanic informed the contact that the cam needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,800.
Power train, Jun 11, 2026
Torque converter disintegrating, metal contamination in transmission fluid.
Power train, Jun 11, 2026
GM has a known recall and special coverage N242454441 to cover the exact same issue I experienced on my way home from work. However, I am informed my model is not included in this special coverage. The issue I experienced while attempting to turn into my apartment complex on a busy road [XXX] my rear wheels locked up mid turn no warning signs, no lamps, no messages or other symptoms were present. Almost causing me to get into an accident had traffic not stopped. I was able to shift it into park and then to drive to immediately pull off to the side into a parking lot and put my OBD reader I have P0747 solenoid 1 failed locked on. I was informed by GM that they could attempt to reprogram the transmission control model, however based on research this is not the root cause of the issue it is due to the soft aluminum bores causing the transmission module to ware and fail. I have a service appointment on 6-12-26 at 10 am at Bill Cramer GM in Panama City, FL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 9, 2026
When a trailer is connected while parked and vehicle is off, trailer lights flicker, blink and sometimes remain on. Sometimes these events will set off alarm also draining battery down.
Power train, Jun 8, 2026
57,400 miles transmission shudder
Structure, Jun 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while vehicle was parked, water was leaking inside the rear interior of the cab. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the vehicle was serviced but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Power train, Engine, Jun 7, 2026
While driving my truck it started flashing all the service lights on the dash, and then started shaking bad and making a loud ratcheting noise from the transfer case/transmission and a loud knock/tick from the engine. I scanned for codes and it has all loss of communication codes for engine/transmission/transfer case/brakes/steering
Power train, Jun 6, 2026
Transmission shutter had to have torque converter replaced aug of last year and valve body may of this year replaced on the 8l90. Which has a know issue with 2015-2019 but i have the same problem those years are having
Power train, Jun 5, 2026
Transmission failed before 100,000 miles. All service was complete throughout the life of the vehicle. Problems shifting to next gear causing pulling or slipping on the vehicle. If not able to accelerate properly could cause a safety concern on the road. Repairs were made costing $9,000.
Power train, Jun 4, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Jun 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of drive power with high RPM. The check engine, traction control, ABS, and parking brake warning lights were illuminated, and the message "Brake System Failure, 43 MPH Top Speed" was displayed. The contact disconnected the battery and was able to correct the failure. The failure later recurred with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Power train, Jun 1, 2026
Our truck started hard shifting and lurching almost a year ago, the check engine light will come on, sometimes the truck will go into safety mode, then the check engine will be off. The problem progressed and we had it diagnosed as a bad transmission control valve which we were made aware is not available to get replaced because of the ongoing recall on other vehicles in the same year range as ours, just not ours specifically. We need to get this fixed and if others are getting it fixed on recall ours should be as well. Otherwise we have a barely usable vehicle, that my husband relies on to get to work, sometimes hours from home, with no way to fix it, a year left of payments, and diminished value because of the transmission issue...that again others are getting fixed at no cost to them. Even without the recall we can't get it fixed because all available parts are going towards the recall. We deserve to have our vehicle added to this recall so we can get in line to fix it. We have been loyal customers for over 20 years to our local dealership Rydell Cheverolet. The incident date is ongoing for over a year but I will put in the most recent date where my husband was almost stranded 300 miles from home.
Engine, Jun 1, 2026
My 2020 Chevy TrailBoss 6.2L V8 L87, same engine that has been recalled for 2021-2024 literally went dead in the middle of rush hour traffic. The engine has been deemed dead due to the exact current recall reasons. Seeing that was traffic was flowing at 45mph that was not a good scene as the vehicle " locked" itself into park originally so I was stuck in the middle of traffic. The vehicle has been confirmed seized uo by the Portsmouth NH Chevy dealer which is the Key Auto Group. Warranty adjusters representatives from a third party, not GM, will be assessing it this week. I purchased an after market warranty not by GM. I had no warning lights leading into the failure.
Tires, Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado LD Crew with General Grabber RST/LT-T1. Tire Size: 255/70R17. DOT Number: A3E8hn002320. The contact stated that while spouse was driving approximately 30 mph they heard a stranger noise and noticed that rear passenger tire had split. The tire was remove and replaced with the spare the contact then stated that a week later contact's husband was driving around 50 mph and abnormal sound was heard again and that is when they noticed that the rear driver side had a blowout. Triple A was contacted and vehicle was towed to their home. The contact stated that they contacted tire manufacturer General and tire manufacturer stated that they would need to contact the dealer, dealer stated that the tires were bad and that General would not assist on replacing the tires. Contact stated tires are original tires of vehicle. Vehicle and tire failure damage was about 40,000.
Structure, Jun 1, 2026
Component/System That Failed: The rear sliding window assembly leaked water into the cabin due to a manufacturing defect in the urethane seal and third brake light area. The window has been replaced and no longer leaks, but the water caused lasting damage to the headliner with trapped moisture. Components are available for inspection. Safety/Health Risk: The leak saturated the headliner, creating a serious risk of mold growth. My pregnant wife and unborn baby could be exposed to mold spores. Water intrusion also risks slippery floors, fogging, and potential electrical issues. Dealer Confirmation: Folsom Chevrolet confirmed the leak, replaced the window, and recommended full headliner replacement due to staining and mold risk. This is covered in GM TSB 18-NA-383. Manufacturer Awareness: GM has known about this defect for years but denied full repair (Claim #9582-9999). Symptoms: No warning lights. Leak first noticed in September 2025 after rains began. Due to dry California summer, it went unnoticed earlier, even though the defect likely started while the vehicle was still within the 3-year warranty period (mileage was over 36k when noticed). Additional Info: This is a known workmanship defect unrelated to mileage. A coworker has had the same issue twice on his 2025 Silverado. I paid 492.79 for the window 144.50 diagnostic. GM offered only 1,250 in points and refused better resolution for the 3,100 headliner repair.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelrate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, howeve the failure was not duplicated. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed wiring harness and a failed coolant oump. The contact was informed that the wirng harness and the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated thirteen days later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission and failed coolant pump. The contact was informed that the transmission and the coolant pumo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred three days later. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an indpendent mechanic or dealer. The failure reoccurred. The failure was persistent. The contact stated tht within a year, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for ellectrical , transmission and engine failures. The contact stated that the wiring harness, transmission and coolant pump were replaced. In addition, the coolant ump was repalced two times. The vehicle was . The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Power train, May 29, 2026
Transmission is starting to shudder when maintaining 40-45 mph and will have to let off the gas or accelerate for the gear to shift.
Power train, May 25, 2026
Transmission shutters while driving at speed.
Power train, May 21, 2026
I had transmission serviced 9 months ago. Transmission has always shifted hard ( like it was going to shift up to next gear , but then downshift back ) Had serviced and a transmissiom check 5/21/26 and now saying I need it replaced. Truck has 106,000 miles. I’ve heard so many reports of Chevy Silverado transmission going out right after 100,000 miles. If it’s a common problem , I feel GM should recall and repair/replace.
Power train, Electrical system, May 21, 2026
I purchased this vehicle from Ghent Chevrolet in Greeley Colorado, since I have owned the vehicle I have had several transmission problems which caused the vehicle to stick in fourth gear and I have also have issues with the transmission violently shifting into first gear to the point it feels like I’ve been rear ended. I have had to replace the entire wiring harness and the water pump module as well as the thermostat module and the louvres in the front of the vehicle. I have service records for the vehicle for all the repairs and that state the amount of repairs has far exceeded the value of the vehicle and I’m currently having transmission issues again. Please help me find some sort of resolution to this situation! I have already tried to use and was rejected from the Colorado lemon law
Power train, May 20, 2026
I had been driving my truck for multiple days, after a knocking sound suddenly started from under the hood. It was evident at any speed that wasn't idle. There were no check engine lights displayed on the dash. The sound was annoying enough that I took it in. According to the dealer technician, the transmission pump "completely detached" and was "rolling around inside the transmission." They found metal fragments in the transmission fluid, and they declared the transmission a total loss. I have no idea how my truck was still driving, but if the transmission really had failed so catastrophically, I was driving a ticking time bomb. What if it decided to completely give out while driving my kids to school as soon as I made a left turn across traffic?
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 18, 2026
The defective manufacturer lifters on my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 went on my truck damaging the lifters, camshaft, oil pump and I'm sure more than that. I know it's an ongoing investigation/lawsuit with General Motors, but they need to held accountable and should fix this issue free of charge. Not everyone has $5k-$10k+ to repair their engine due to their negligence. Thank you