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.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 7, 2023
ABS LIGHT LIMITED TO 43 MPH ESC system Steering assist reduced Service Trailer Brake System Engine light on
Visibility/wiper, Sep 24, 2023
The rear window on this vehicle is leaking water and has been for some time. It has become quite bad and is causing an odor and discoloration in the carpet. I could not find the cause of the problem until recently with the plastic cracking more. The vehicle has 41,000 miles and the dealer stated that is out of warranty and all repairs would be a cost to me. I researched this and have found it is a common fault this this vehicle.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Sep 8, 2023
The right side started clicking out of no where when I turn the steering wheel
Engine, Sep 6, 2023
I have a 202 GMC Sierra 1500 with a 3.0 Duramax with 95,000 miles. I have hade 2 glow plugs replaced under warranty and took in for a third glow plug. They stated that the there was a software update that could fix it, but I would have to pay for it. The vehicle has a 100,000 mile warranty and the software update is to fix a powertrain item that is covered under the 100,000 mile warranty. This is also an issue with bad software that disables the remote start. Not sure why I have to pay for this software upgrade to to a GM issue from day 1.
Service brakes, Aug 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the service brake, check engine, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that the passenger’s side rear caliper needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the rear passenger’s side caliper needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V116000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 13, 2023
Reference your GM/Chevy recall NHTSA [XXX] , I have a 2020 GMC truck with a failed Fuel Pump Control Module, same part/same part number used in the SUVs. Are you going to recall the trucks also. Lucky for me, mine failed as I pulled into my drive way. Had to have my truck towed to the dealership, 2 days later informed my FPCM was bad, and of course there are no replacement part available. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 31, 2023
Electronic power steering stops working randomly which makes it nearly impossible to safely drive the vehicle. The strength needed to turn the vehicle is so great that the steering wheel elevation lock fails and the wheel slams to the lowest limit of travel. Problem started around 50,000 miles and was only a warning that went away as soon as I got in the truck again. However reappeared today and the steering went out this time. The GM dealer in Mexia Texas didn't know what was wrong, I am taking it to a dealer in Corsicana tomorrow. This is a known problem that GM has had in the past however my vehicle has no active recall to make my truck safe free of charge. This puts myself and other drivers at risk because there would be no way to rapidly maneuver the vehicle to avoid a colision.
Suspension, Jul 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving out of the driveway, the front passenger’s side wheel separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the upper control arm ball joint had fractured and that the front upper control arm needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V718000 (Suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 41,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 30, 2023
My vehicle suddenly did not want to start without any warning. I drove my truck and everything was good until I turned it on with the remote and not even a minute after it shut off. I tried turning it back on and it only cranked but would not start. I had a mechanic diagnose it and their computer gave them fuel pump error code. They said it was the fuel pump control module and that they have been getting several GM trucks of the same year having that issue. My truck has less than 36,000 miles on it to have this issue and I have seen that GM has issues with their fuel pump components so I dont understand why they have not recalled them. This is a safety concern because these trucks auto shut off when stopped at red lights and it could randomly shut off and not turn back on leaving someone stranded in the middle of the road without any warning.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Jun 29, 2023
The truck has developed a shake that can be felt in the floor boards, seat, and steering wheel at highway speeds. It’s has spent several months at dealerships without being fixed. I have replaced tires, wheels, shocks, upper control arms, and the transfer case without success.
Service brakes, May 13, 2023
We were hauling a trailer and driving approximately 65-70mph with cruise control enabled. The vehicle randomly disengaged cruise and the ABS telltale illuminated, lost brake functionality completely. Safety of my family and other vehicles around us was compromised! Downshifted to try and navigate the vehicle to the side of the road and the ESC warning text came on the screen. Was able to luckily stop vehicle by downshifting. Turned off ignition and then cycled back to run, brakes and all warnings were cleared. Started driving vehicle with flashers on the side of the road see what would happen and approximately ten miles later same thing happened but this time brake functionality was reduced significantly but not completely but still had to downshift to stop. Called GMC and was told this was not a recall even though vehicle brakes randomly stopped working. Told us they would do nothing since the vehicle was out of warranty 80k miles and warranty was 60k and also since no one was hurt. We were 1-2 hours from being in the Mountains driving and not sure we would be here today if this had happened in the Mountains! Dealership ordered a new master brake booster and ABS. When installed the part would not flash and GM engineering told them to replace the part a second time.They we’re told to keep flashing till it takes even though the second module was also bricked. Seems strange a new part would be broken as well and the master cylinder was resetting. Dealership states the vehicle is fixed but the safety of my family and others driving around me were in extreme danger when this happened. Do not feel safe driving this vehicle and not convinced this will not happen again. When we called GM they told us they are receiving many calls about this happening to AT4 vehicles but they have not issued a recall yet. Submitting this because vehicles should not randomly lose brake functionality and do not want others at risk or my family.
Power train, May 7, 2023
Bearing in transmission failed at 75000 miles. Took to dealership and they said truck needs new transmission. Truck makes rattling noise in transmission pan. Dealer said that oil was full of metal shavings. Dealer also said that this was second truck in 2 weeks with same issue. No warning lights or check engine lights came on. Dealer advised that the transmission could fail and to park it until I can pay $6000 for transmission replacement. Dealer heard rattling and confirmed metal shavings. Transmission failure could result in traffic hazard or accident if transmission loses all drive ability.
Air bags, May 5, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while he was stopped in traffic, he was rear-ended, which caused him to crash into the vehicle in front of him. The contact stated that smoke was seen coming from the air bag; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The contact had not sustained injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000.
Electrical system, Apr 19, 2023
We are unsure what happened that caused the issue. One day the dashboard just started giving us error messages, 3 of them to be specific. One says check turn signals, another says check trailer brake light and another something else about brakes or turn signals. (We have to dismiss them all before anything on the dash is viewable). This issue is causing the blinkers to blink fast as though the blinker lights need replaced and it happens when turning right or left. The alerts continue to give us error messages every few minutes, even after we have dismissed them all. We had the truck at a shop trying to figure out the issue and his guys spent hours and replaced things he thought were causing the issue but nothing fixed it. He referred us to take it to the dealership service shop for troubleshooting so we took it to the GMC dealer where we bought the truck. GMC has already spent hours, maybe 5-7 hours at $150 per hour, trying to figure out what's wrong and have been unable to find anything wrong. The truck is still at the GMC dealership shop but I can get pictures of the errors when we get it back.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 2, 2023
My rear window leaks there is a bulletin on it Call GM says it is not responsible for the repair because it is over on the years but not the mileage it’s clear they know about the problem it’s in many pickups that gm manufacture here is the bulletin file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/97/07/3010617D-BBB0-4FB8-859B-4BA5E2BE3F3A/Ed%20blakeslees%20truck.png
Visibility/wiper, Apr 2, 2023
My back window leaks and gm has said that the warranty is over by years not miles it is not covered
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 10, 2023
Camera always stays on even when i am driving camera still on my dashboard
Engine, Feb 5, 2023
Diesel exhaust fluid heater short circuits due to poor design. This issue occurs multiple times, including after being repaired. The failure limits the trucks capabilities until it is entirely unusable.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 20, 2023
I own a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.7 Liter with 20K miles and I owned the truck for almost 2 years. All of a sudden my vehicle started receiving multiple warning messages. While driving I stopped, and when traffic stopped in front of me the engine died all the lights were on warning messages on the dashboard started showing up. Electronic Stability Control, Antilock Braking System, ECM, reduced Engine Power, etc., and the brakes were hard to step on it and the steering wheel hard to turn,I took my foot off the brakes and pressed it again to start. It started but the check engine light was still on, this happened FOUR times already and THREE times while parked when I tried to start, after a few tries giving few minutes intervals, it will start with all the lights on and warning messages on the dashboard start showing up. Electronic Stability Control, Antilock Braking System, ECM, reduced Engine Power, etc., and the brakes were hard to step on it and the steering wheel hard to turn.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 16, 2023
Normal driving conditions vehicle decelerated and warning lights and notification appeared. Warning were ‘Service ECS’ and ‘Steering Assist is reduced Drive with care’. Shut off vehicle for 30 minutes and warnings were no longer present and vehicle drove normally. Happened again 24 hours later. Received email notifications from GMC to arrive within one day. This was a know recall of the previous model year.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Dec 27, 2022
i was stopped at a red light and when the light turned green I accelerated and the vehicle shut off and then came back on. when the vehicle came on i had a service esc light and a system break failure warning telling me not to exceed 62mph. i made it back to my house driving with extreme caution. the breaks were very delayed while driving.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 15, 2022, crash
The fuel pump module failed according to the dealer at 34000 miles . Car stop while driving. Cranks but no start. After resting it for hours I was able to start. Drive couple of miles about 39000 miles it stops middle of driving and couldn’t start anymore but still cranks
Steering, Suspension, Nov 11, 2022
Drivers side upper control arm failure. Threw truck into oncoming traffic. Dealership has inspected multiple times stating everything was good to go. Been complaining about a loud clunk to dealership for months
Other or unspecified, Nov 9, 2022
Once vehicle is put in park, the control panel comes and reads, “shift in park and radio and head lights stays on as well”. I exit the vehicle and it continues to display the mention above. I’ve restarted the vehicle and put it back in park still the “shift in park”, stays on. I exit the vehicle and monitored the vehicle for approximately 5 minutes and finally turned off. This never happened before, I’m afraid it may stay on one of these days and run the battery down.
Power train, Oct 23, 2022
My 2020 Sierra SLT always hesitates or stutters upon take off only on the very first start of the day every day. It appears to be a transmission gear issue or perhaps air/fuel issue. I also have had several different issues with my infotainment system. It screen changes from one screen to another on its own occasionally and it also has a very loud pop when I turn off my iphone Xr from the trucks sound system as if it will crack my speakers. I have taken it in to two separate Cavendar GMC dealerships in San Antonio on 3 different occasions and they claim it does not do either. This cannot be the case as it does it for me every single day since I bought it from the showroom floor. They have said they have updated or reprogrammed both systems but I still have both issues. I am about to lose warranty coverage and I am afraid this will never be addressed. I am taking it in 1 last time. I will never buy another GM product!