2020 GMC Sierra 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 468 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 26 Sierra 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 12 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 13 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
468 reports, newest first.
Power train, Mar 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle lunged forward. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds depressing the accelerator pedal, and while decelerating to come to a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while coming to a complete stop at a traffic light, the vehicle lunged forward violently, as if the vehicle had been rear-ended. The vehicle was taken to Quality Plus Automotive, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The local dealer, Leith GMC (919) 366-1000), and other dealers were contacted and informed the contact that an estimate for the repair could not be provided because the transmission part was not available. The vehicle was repaired by Quality Plus Automotive. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,450.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2025
The Transmission cooler lines broke and spilled out all the oil/fluid on my 2020 GMC Sierra Elevation pick-up truck. Once all the fluid was spilled out the Sierra truck would no longer move. The Sierra truck was towed to the dealership I originally purchased the vehicle. The dealership was Cranbury Buick GMC. The dealership mentioned that the hoses broke/leaked from the crimped housing at the ends of the hoses. The dealership stated that the original OEM transmission cooler line hoses were discontinued and new OEM replacement transmission cooler line hoses were created. Please see the attached dealership bill/invoice for the parts and labor to fix the cooler line issue. I feel this issue should be a recall on all 2020 GMC Sierra trucks, especially if GM replaced the original OEM hoses with newly created OEM hoses Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Service brakes, Mar 8, 2025
Vehicle shifting poorly, and I have had a bunch of brake and rotor issues.
Parking brake, Structure, Engine, Mar 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake independently activated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had an oil leak from the oil pan. The contact stated that the oil needed to be added every two days. The contact stated that the alert system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated, because no active codes were retrieved. In addition, the contact stated that the frame had corrosion. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the corrosion failure, however the contact stated that the previous dealer had failed to help. The dealer confirmed the corrosion; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
Electrical system, Mar 6, 2025
Had GMC (Leominster, MA), perform the safety recall for the transmission on my Sierra. This is the one for the rear wheel lockup that requires a software update. My battery was completely dead after the vehicle sat for a week. No accessori s plugged in, and it's a 6 month old battery Battery tested fine and is charging now, but it appears the CPU never fully powered down after the software update, resulting in needing multiple jump starts and 3+ hours of run time to charge the battery enough to turn over on its own. I can see this being a safety issue in relation to the Auto-start, because when it is being used, the battery is needed to restart the engine. This could result in a stall at an intersection, and if drivers are not alert, may collide with a stalled vehicle.
Power train, Engine, Mar 5, 2025
Lifters failed and cam shaft was busted. Standard issues with 6.2L engines. Was traveling down highway and vehicles was shaking violently. Inspection report available. Has been inspected by GM service center. No symptoms or warnings prior to failure.
Electrical system, Feb 23, 2025
While driving on interstate transmission would “lock up” momentarily creating drastic drop in speed and unable to shift gears and accelerate. “D” would start flashing in dash board. Dealership said this is unrelated to current recall about rear wheels locking up from valve body failure and instead this is an electrical issue. Dealership also stated this is the 2nd truck in a week they have had come in with this issue. Almost caused accident on interstate with my family and I as a result of sudden drop in speed and unable to accelerate with multiple cars behind us.
Structure, Feb 18, 2025
Tailgate opened on highway with cargo in bed. Also tailgate opens randomly when parked. This has happened many times, creating very dangerous and unexpected situations Numerous contacts to the manufacturer have been unsuccessful in getting the hazard placed on recall. Numerous incidents. Keeps happening
Engine, Feb 17, 2025
My engine has had continual random piston misfire issues, I have changed the spark plugs, fuel injectors, and cat converter. The vehicle has "dynamic fuel management" (DFM) where four of the cylinders turn off when the load on the engine is low and turn back on when the load is high. A mechanic reviewed the vehicle and determined that all eight cylinders are turning off while driving due to the DFM. When it misfires there is momentary loss of power that potentially puts others at risk. A dealership performed a repair per a Bulletin but the issue was not fixed. The mechanic indicated this is a software issue with the computer update per the Bulletin. I have installed a DFM disabler to prevent DFM from working, don't have misfires, but this is an engineering issue that GM hasn't/won't address.
Steering, Feb 14, 2025
The ESC comes on and loss of power steering
Steering, Feb 14, 2025
I went to start my truck after going into the store and the Service Power Steering ESC warning came on and I had no power steering. This is a very dangerous situation without power steering in the vehicle and someone is bound to get seriously injured if this happens while they are driving. I have read numerous threads on this same issue and it does not look like GM has taken this into accounty by recalling all these vehicles with this same exact issue. While most complain that when they take it to the dealership, they cant find any error codes, or when the replace the modules it starts creating more issues with other electronics. GM needs to take care of this issue with the power steering module so the safety of their drivers is not compromised.
Engine, Feb 13, 2025
The engine failed. There was no warning. The truck literally just cut off in the middle of the road. I never saw any lights or there was no symptoms to lead up to this incident.
Traction control system, Engine, Feb 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the check engine and the traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would receive a callback. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.
Engine, Feb 11, 2025
At 125,000 miles, the CEL came on and the code is P0016, which is for the timing chain has stretched and jumped a tooth. The engine was new in 2019 and in 2021, they redesigned the timing chains due to early failure. The oil pump belt is listed for inspection/replacement at 150,000 miles, but the timing chain does not give any interval for replacement and should easily outlast the oil pump belt to at least 250,000 miles. GM knows that there is a timing chain issue with the 3.0 Duramax LM2 engine and it is costing owners between, $7,800 and $10,000 to repair.
Power train, Feb 10, 2025
GM 10L80 Speed Transmission Pump Idler Gear Failure causing erratic shifting, lurching, or being stuck in gear. Dealer confirmed and recommended to replace the transmission. Transmission was replaced out of pocket in December. The issue is widespread on youtube.
Engine, Feb 4, 2025
Wife and I bought a truck from Serra Chevrolet on May 28 2024. We drove 180 miles and the engine blew up. Had it towed to another dealership in Louisville Kentucky at that point they replaced the engine. When we picked up the truck we had to pay $16,275.08. We contacted Gm and was told that the selling dealership should have taken it off of being certified pre owned but they didn’t. Was told they know to do it to future vehicles and there is no reimbursement . Gm website still has it listed of have a warranty till December 2025. We had 3 weeks of a truck rental at roughly $1,200.00 per week. Had another rental for another. 3 weeks I have paper work from a local dealer stating it still has warranty which would have covered complete expense of engine work We live in Ohio and had to travel back and forth 6 times. Hope there is some help for us.
Engine, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 3, 2025
I have had no issues with my vehicle since I purchased it in July 2022 and keep up with the routine maintenance on it. About 2.5 weeks ago I was driving to work like I normally do and the truck started making a knocking noise and all these sensors lights came on the dash. The alerts were saying to service the parking brake, service ESC, and that steering assist is reduced and to drive with care. The vehicle also started shaking and would not accelerate properly or shift gears. We ended up taking it to the closest GMC dealership and they were in able to diagnose it just by simply hooking it up, they had to fully dismantle the engine in order to diagnose it. They came back and said cylinder number 4 is damaged as well as the lifters and cam shaft. I am no car expert but it is weird that a car that is relatively new and has the maintenance kept up on it should not experience a serious malfunction like this. What is even weirder is my sister in law has a 2020 Chevy Silverado where the almost identical thing just happened to theirs and it too is now in the show as well needing its engine and stuff repaired.
Engine, Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle regained power within seconds and the contact was able to continue driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2025
Water entering from the rear window causing rear seats and roof hard cover to get wet and cause a wet odor (humid). 2020 GMC 1500 AT4
Engine, Jan 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving and decelerating from 65 MPH to 15-20 MPH to make a turn, the engine made an abnormal knocking sound. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was towed to Pechous Repair to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was blown and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later became aware of NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); which the contact related to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,298.
Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2025
Shift to park error message to turn vehicle off when already in park.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 28, 2025
2020 GMC Sierra Denali – VIN [XXX] On [XXX] while driving the 2020 GMC Sierra to work I noticed a strong gasoline smell inside the cabin. I immediately returned home and parked the truck in the street. Inspecting the driveway where the truck was parked over night, I notice large gasoline spot. The following day I had the truck towed to Boyds Tire & Service center to have the truck inspected. On January 20 Boyds called me and shared the truck had experienced a failure of the High-Pressure Fuel Pump which has been recognized by GM as a recall under N192283991. I called a local GMC dealership about this failure and they stated it would cost $300 to review and would not perform any work under a recall. Also, the dealership stated they could not service the truck for another two weeks, which I cannot be without the truck that long. So, I had Boyds perform the repair the same day. Unfortunately, GM has not listed my truck on this recall. This is the reason for my submittal and request for a full refund of the repair service due to the failed part. This being a very High Risk of Fire and injury and death, I decide to have the repair completed immediately. I have since contacted GM about this incident they will not consider my request for recognizing and reimbursement for service repair. GMC, Case number [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Jan 24, 2025
On 01/07/2025 I got in my truck to take it to GMC for an oil change and 75,000 mile service. When I began to drive I noticed I could barely turn the truck at all. The power steering was not working. Then a warning popped up to have the power steering serviced. The GMC dealership is an hour from my house. The entire drive the power steering didn't work. I explained what was going on to the GMC dealership and when they went to look at the truck the power steering was working again. When I left the dealership the power steering was working. I stopped at a friends house for about an hour and when I went to leave the power steering was not working again. I ended up having to drive an hour again with no power steering and made an appointment with GMC to get the power steering looked at. Currently they haven't commented on the Power Steering function but rather that there is a gear needing to be replaced in the steering column. Upon looking online it shows "Several model years of GMC Sierra trucks have been subject to a recall for intermittent power steering issues related to electrical glitches within the EPS system." However, my truck seems to not be on this list of affected vehicles but there is no other explanation of why this is happening with my truck and GMC has not commented on why it is happening but it is extremely dangerous.
Power train, Jan 23, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Power train, Engine, Jan 23, 2025
Motor seized at 52,000 miles.... replaced motor... at 72K miles, lifters and rods had to be replaced on the 2nd motor. Transmission also failure at 72K, being replaced.