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, Oct 6, 2025
Lifter failure
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 23, 2025
Engine idling rough shaking stalling loss of power
Power train, Sep 18, 2025
10 speed 10l80E transmission Whining noise from trans fluid pump gears and bearing known problem in the silverados pleease see link below [XXX] this involves taking the gearbox out and replacing the gears very expensive. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Sep 14, 2025
Several times my transmission has began to shift hard miss gears while hitting the brakes. Lose of power/hard shifts/ not shifting when it’s supposed to/jerking and or harsh shifting slipping delay in shifting slams into gear check engine light comes on after check engine light is on it continues until codes r deleted and or battery power is disconnected. This is a problem with codes like 0700/0716/0796 for the tranny control system sticking malfunctioning happens several times in the last year about every 3-4 months
Power train, Sep 11, 2025
VIN: [XXX] Component: Powertrain / Transmission / Recall Remedy Description of the Problem: Recall remedy applied in June 2025 failed. Transmission subsequently failed. On August 25, 2025, a Mangino Chevrolet technician confirmed in writing that the failure was “related to the recall that was previously performed.” My truck was previously in GM’s care at Van Bortel Chevy (Nov–Dec 2024), after the recall officially opened on 10/24/2024, but the remedy was not applied at that time. I was forced to continue driving thousands of miles with the defect still present. Despite the written admission that the failure is recall-related, GM Customer Care has only offered a 50/50 split on the transmission replacement (my portion ≈ $3,950.34 + tax) and is now attempting to reframe the issue as a maintenance problem. Transmission fluid service intervals are not the cause here — the federally mandated recall remedy failed to prevent the very failure it was supposed to address. This situation has left me without a safe, reliable vehicle. GM has acknowledged the recall remedy failed but is refusing to take full responsibility. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate GM’s handling of this recall remedy failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 5, 2025
Truck experienced reduce power mode. Took to have codes ran and it showed 24 separate codes when engine light comes on. While riding down the road, truck will go into reduce power mode, shift automatically into 4x4, and several other notifications will appear. Taking to dealership and was told the electrical wiring harness was shorting out causing this issue. Cost around $700 for repair, happened one month later, took it back and no charge for the 2nd time. It is currently in reduced power now. Dealership stated to replace the wiring harness would cost over $3,000. Dealership stated this was a manufactures defect, but no recall was issued so all cost is on the owner.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine failed and shut off independently. An independent mechanic and dealer were contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the crankshaft had melted. The vehicle was then towed to dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the crankshaft had melted and there was a rod bearing failure. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 76,000.
Power train, Engine, Sep 4, 2025
After completing a GM assisted engine rebuild the transmission oil pump is failing and transmission shifting era tic.
Engine, Sep 3, 2025
Coolant control valve failure. Dealer inspected vehicle and it was confirmed that it needed to be replaced. Check engine light came on fan started spinning at a high speed and the vehicle went into low power mode. When I spoke with the dealer, this is a known issue so much to the point where the cooler control valve is on backorder and I’ve had to wait for over a month now. Projected cost to replace with labor is over $3000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Sep 3, 2025
With only 70,000 miles on the truck it started to have a hard shudder and wheels locking up. During the wheel shudder it would shift hard as well. We took it to a shop and they said it was our Transmission control module and that the transmission had metal shavings and would fail soon. They also said doing any service to these transmissions can cause failure.We were informed that the dealership is aware these transmissions are all failing. The cost to replace is over $6,500. The dealership should have to do an official recall for this. After some research i found that the dealership has acknowledged the issue by replacing the TCM and uploading new software to put the transmission into a fail safe instead of putting in a new transmission. The issues that the failure causes has made thousands of people have to get new transmissions before the service is even due. A quick search on Google states that 461,000 vehicles were effected and that a recall has been issued, but it has not been officially issued. We need a new transmission and should not have to pay for it on a truck that is so new and serviced timely.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Sep 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at a moderate speed, the fuel warning light had appeared on the instrument panel. After fueling the vehicle at a gas station, the vehicle began to hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal, with several warning lights, including the "Engine Power Reduced" and "Service ESC" illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the starter needed to be replaced because the vehicle had failed to start. The mechanic performed a diagnostic test and discovered that the fuel injectors were defective and leaking fuel into the engine. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure and provided the contact with an estimate for repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Power train, Aug 30, 2025
The transmission skips and has trouble finding gears. This causes the truck to vibrate, be slow to accelerate, or lurch occasionally. The decrease in vehicle responsiveness and unpredictable behavior make the vehicle drivable, but less safe.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 30, 2025
am writing to formally report a transmission failure in my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and to request your assistance in addressing this issue. I purchased the vehicle on September 2020from Suburu Cobband it currently has approximately 143,000 miles on the odometer. Recently, the truck began experiencing serious transmission-related issues, including total failure. These issues developed without warning and have rendered the vehicle unreliable and unsafe to operate. After inspection by ALM Chevy, I was informed that the failure likely stems from a known issue with the torque converter or transmission valve body — problems that have been widely reported in 2020 Silverado models with the 8-speed automatic transmission. I have also learned that GM issued a recall for certain 2020–2022 models due to excessive transmission valve wear, which may cause the rear wheels to lock up. I am concerned that my vehicle may fall within the scope of this recall or a related Technical Service Bulletin (such as TSB 21-NA-199). Given the seriousness of the failure, the relatively low mileage, and the widespread nature of these transmission problems, I believe this may be a defect in materials or workmanship. I respectfully request the following: Confirmation of whether my vehicle is subject to any open recalls or service bulletins relating to the transmission. A warranty or goodwill repair of the transmission or related components. If parts are unavailable, an estimated timeline for repair or alternative transportation options. I am attaching copies of my repair estimate, service records, and proof of purchase. Please advise me of the next steps and whether further documentation is needed. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to a prompt resolution so that I may safely return my Silverado to the road. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 26, 2025
Power steering locked up. Dashboard warnings "Service Power Steering Drive with Care, Service Trailer Brake System and Driver Assist Disabled"
Power train, Aug 26, 2025
I am writing to bring to your attention an issue I've been experiencing with my truck's transmission. Recently, the transmission failed due to a torque converter issue, which has caused significant disruption for me. From my understanding, this is a known problem that hasn’t been adequately addressed by GM. As I'm currently in the process of getting the transmission rebuilt, I believe it is only fair that I should not have to bear the costs associated with this repair. I would appreciate it if someone from GM could reach out to discuss this matter further. Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to your prompt response.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Aug 26, 2025
Engine shut off while driving and was unable to restart.
Power train, Aug 25, 2025
The transmission is locking up at speed causing a significant jump/ lurch in the rear end momentarily that sudden causes lane change. The dealer is telling me this is related to the transmission valve body recall however I received no warning and my truck has never gone into limp mode even though the recall remedy was supposed to provide a 10k mile warning. It would seem the determining factor is not being measured correctly or there are other contributing factors that are not being considered. This seems very dangerous and happened six times over the course of five miles before I could get the truck home and off the road.
Power train, Aug 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the transmission independently shifted to 4-WD. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated to 55 MPH, and the rear wheels locked up. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, the rear wheels locked up, and the vehicle went sideways. The vehicle was almost involved in a crash. The contact’s wife, small children, and grandchildren were occupants of the vehicle during the failure. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 50 MPH while driving. The contact's wife was afraid to drive the vehicle. The OnStar system retrieved DTC: P0708 (Transmission Range Sensor Circuit High Input). Additionally, in November 2024, an unknown recall repair was performed to update the power train software. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled to be diagnosed at a later date. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Engine, Aug 25, 2025
While driving the active fuel management changed my truck from 4 cylinders to 8 cylinders. This is when I heard a loud bang and a bunch of lights came on the dash and my truck started shaking and shuttering. I was able to regain control of it, but I came close to crashing. I now require a whole new engine at 100000 miles. After talking to multiple shops this ks a known issue. While they dont always catastrophic fail, mine did and almost cost me to crash. This is a serious safety concern.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed. The dealer became aware of an abnormal sound coming from the lifters and camshaft, which failed to create a misfire. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2025
On August 17,2025 I was driving on the freeway when I heard a loud bang and I thought my tire blew but it also felt like I hit something, however I pulled over and tires were ok. I proceeded to go again and this time if can feel my rear tire lock up and then let go. I pulled into a parking lot and my tires had some strips on them as if they where dragged.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed of NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Power train, Aug 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly shuddered and hesitated. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Engine, Aug 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle shook violently, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 13, 2025
Our truck would not start, we had to have it towed twice. We had a s Diagnostic run and the code was for the fuel pump. We had the truck towed to a local mechanic and they mentioned the open recall on fuel pumps for our make, model and year. We tried to schedule the appointment at the dealership for recalls, but our VIN was not on the list.