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, Jul 27, 2024
The AFM/DFM system in these trucks are making the engines and transmissions go out around 70k miles. The lifters fail right around the same time factory warranty runs out then your left with a 6 thousand dollar bill to have it fixed. I hope this becomes a recall because numerous people I talk to are getting rid of they're gmcs and chevys and going elsewhere.
Power train, Jun 21, 2024
The transmission went at 67,000 miles and posed a safety issue when my husband was driving & suddenly couldn't drive above 1st gear. Vehicle is at the GM dealer and has been for weeks, but there have been so many issues with the transmissions of this year, make & model, that the transmissions are on back order and we are told it can be MONTHS before they get one in. The dealer already has another one that has been waiting for once since April. We know of others with this same issue on this make/model/yr, as well as engine issues, but yet there are NO recalls for this issue. The only warning that came on was when the issue occurred- no prior warning or indications. GM is involved but make no comment on why there isn't a recall for an obvious known issue.
Service brakes, Air, Electrical system, Engine, May 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was stuck in gear. While driving there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle failed to start on several occasions. There were sparks from the passenger's side front seat. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with electrical, transmission module, wiring harness, air alternator cooler, and exhaust system failures. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a failure with the vault meter. The OnStar system provided an error with the antilock braking system. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 9, 2024
My wiring harness which affects all systems. I was on the Interstate when out of nowhere any and all warning lights came on. The power was cut and rapidly slowed down. I also pulled into traffic and the truck just lost power. The problem was confirmed by dealership. The vehicle was inspected by dealership and wiring harness was the issue. The issues appeared out of nowhere. All the warnings lights came on at once. There has been numerous issues with this part and it’s even recognized by just.
Power train, May 2, 2024
Has happened three times. 1st and 2nd time driving down road towing trailer, rear wheels locked up for 12-15’ while driving 50-55mph. I had thought it was my trailer axel. Happened twice within 6 miles. 3rd time was 1 month later. Rear Wheels locked up driving on interstate at 70-75 mph. I estimate that i traveled 1,800 miles between the 2nd and third incident. Vehicle is at the dealership getting inspected for repairs No warning lamps before, almost every warning light came on after incident If this happened on a wet, ice, snow or dirt road this could have caused a serious accident. It would also be bad in a curve. Dealer took for road test but did not have any luck recreating the issue. They checked the differential oil And it didn't have any heavy metals. They are going to take the differential apart to inspect it to verify. They checked my battery and said it needed to be replaced. Also a wheel speed sensor needed to be replaced.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, May 1, 2024
The rear sliding window leaks water inside the cab every time it rains. With water getting into the cab the issue of mold has begun and that could be a serious factor to any children or adults that ride inside the cab of the truck. There is also rust issues that are notable under the rear seats of the vehicle. Water inside the cab can also interact negatively with any electrical components of the vehicle. I tried to get ahold of the dealer and they always say they don't have time to get my truck in. I have read that this has happened to other vehicles that are the same year and model and they just fix it with caulk which does not seem appropriate for a almost new vehicle. The vehicle has not been inspected. There were no warning lamps prior to this issue. A possible symptom was that my back up camera stopped working for a day right after a rain.
Air bags, Apr 10, 2024, crash
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra. The contact proceeded through the intersection when a vehicle crashed into the contact's driver's side door and wheel at unknown speeds. The contact stated that the other vehicle crashed into two vehicles, then crashed into the contact's vehicle and stopped. The contact stated that the police report stated that the vehicle that crashed into the contact was constantly moving at the posted limit of 50 MPH. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was treated for a left shoulder sprain and swollen right hand, however, it was unknown if other passengers sustained injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a body shop but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 34,800.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2024
Rear window leak causing whole inside back to get soaked. Have paid hundreds of dollars to have sealed didn’t work. New window didn’t work it still leaks. It’s going to cause interior to mold and body to rust. Dealership and glass business both say it’s body issue and they have seen many GMC and Chevrolets with this issue. Google show 1000s with same problem.
Structure, Apr 1, 2024
GM refuses to fix a known design flaw in the back sliding glass frame on 2020_24 gmc sierra trucks. This issue will generate toxic mold as large quantities of water enter the cabin and can be extremely harmful for certain individuals allergic to mold. GM knows about this issue and tried to secretly advise techs via TSB 18-na-383 to apply sealant on the frame and if customer returns to replace frame. However they do not want to do this outside the 3 year warranty. The back glass on a truck is not a serviceable item.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 22, 2024
13540028 Fuel Pump Power Control Module Part failed leaving me stranded and had to get a tow. When the failure occurred, vehicle would not crank and there was no forewarning. It worked and then it didn't. The part is on notional backorder and there seems to be a lot of vehicles out there with the same issue and that just with the mechanics\service departments I've contacted that have had the part on backorder for months. So the fail rate seems high and I'm sure others got stuck in a lot worse situation than me. Then GMC continues to produce vehicles with a newer similar part while not producing the same part for like new vehicles. Which will probably only compound the backorder issue when the newer vehicles eventually have the same issue.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 12, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Engine, Mar 6, 2024
Vehicle has excessive oil consumption. Within 5000k oil change interval, no oil on dip stick around 3000k miles.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Visibility/wiper, Mar 5, 2024
Back window frame crack led to water intrusion which flooded electric module controlling speedometer and adaptive settings. Extremely unsafe driving with faulty electrical components unknown to me. Insurance and Dealership told me this is a common GMC occurrence. Cost is near $10,000 to make truck drivable.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 26, 2024
Fuel Pump Drive Control Module (Part No. 13540028). This item is a recall on several other vehicles, but not identified on my year/model. On 4 separate occasions over a 3-4 week period, the engine starting running very rough lost power and stalled while traveling down the road (highways, interstate, and a side street). I was finally able to pull a fault code and research the history of this code and this part on several other GMC/Chevy modeled vehicles. The dealer advised I was lucky to find the part because most of them are on backorder due to the recall on other vehicles. The one I got was for a recall, but the customer hadn't returned in time so they sold it to me. I had a repair garage replace the component on Jan 13, 2024, and haven't had any repeat issues. The check engine light did come on each time with a P129F code. It would reset after the vehicle stalled and was powered off for 10-15 minutes and the symptoms would go away. Each time left me lucky to get my vehicle over several lanes and off the side of the road. The date below was the last time it happened. The first time it happened was on Dec 6th and the vehicle started back up in just a minute or two. I still have the old part if it needs to be sent and evaluated to compare with other recalls on the item in other vehicles.
Structure, Feb 19, 2024
Rear Sliding Glass window frame has cracked and allows water to enter the cab of the vehicle. Yes this is available for inspection. The water entering the cab of the vehicle can create mold from moisture build up if left untreated. I was able to have the dealer service center confirm the issue noted in [XXX] but they were unable to repair it as it is outside of warranty. I was able to have an independent 3rd party glass company confirm that it was indeed a manufacturers defect with a cracked housing and not an issue with sealant around the glass itself. No warning lamps or other indications other than water in the back seat of the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 15, 2024
Rear Window Leaks due to failed sealing at the factory. If not fixed will ruin interior components and possibly rust. Yes No No
Engine, Feb 15, 2024
1. Valve Lifter Failure 2. While entering the [XXX] freeway and trying to merge into traffic the engine lost power and I had to swerve and brake to avoid an adjacent vehicle, and freeway traffic had to avoid my slowing down to pull over. 3.Yes, Van GMC in Scottsdale, confirmed lifter failure. 4. Yes, GMC Dealership 5. Absolutely no warning given INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Visibility, Feb 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while detailing the rear interior of the vehicle, the contact discovered water surrounding the rear windshield casing and the water was leaking into the rear seating. Additionally, the rear carpet was soiled with water. The contact used towels while attempting to soak up the water. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to the failed rear windshield glass fasteners. The contact was informed that the failure had damaged the rear carpet, padding, and the rear seat. In addition, the contact was informed that the carpet and padding needed to be replaced due to mold build up. The contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty coverage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
Service brakes, Feb 3, 2024
Lost break, second time this month, showing break failed 40 mph max speed, abs light on, break light on, and 2 more light on the car with antislipiring or something like that, the another one no idea what it is
Structure, Feb 3, 2024
The back window leaks, I brought it in they told me it wasn't warranty so I paid to have it fixed. Still leaks.
Power train, Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 15, 2024
Lifters Failed in November 2023 and had repaired major engine damage including 4 cylinders, cam shaft, lifters, gaskets etc. After major repair work done. Truck is now doing same exact thing in January 2024. The dealership is stating they will not look at the vehicle unless i buy a new battery. I asked them to try a used battery to see if that makes a difference. And then if it is the battery i will replace. I was hung up on after the technician doug Pedersen stated ill have a supervisor call you back.
Steering, Jan 2, 2024
While driving, the power steering (electronic) failed. Driver Info Center gave no waring until the system failed. After failure the DEC gave a warning to "Service Poser steering".
Air bags, Jan 2, 2024, crash, fire
Driving on state highway at posted speed. A deer ran into the right front and side of vehicle. Side airbags deployed. When the right side airbag deployed, it burned a hole in my passengers winter coat that completely went through the right sleeve forearm and scorched the sweatshirt that she was wearing under the coat. Smoke was visibly apparent in the cab of the vehicle. We thought the truck was on fire , then finally determined it was the sleeve of here coat.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Dec 19, 2023
The rear window was leaking a substantial amount of water soaking the back seat. Had the service bulletin done, which did not work. Then under further inspection found cracks in the rear power window track. Dealer told me GM would not cover replacement because it was out of the 3 year warranty. Then was told it would cost me 1200 dollars to replace. GM should cover this because it will lead to black mold.
Engine, Nov 27, 2023
timing chain failure, timing chain components are available for inspection. Costly premature repair/failure. Could leave occupants stranded in unsafe environment which could lead to death. The vehicle has been diagnosed by the dealership and OEM manufacturer has been notified. There was a warning lamp.