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.
Engine, Jun 11, 2025
My engine slowed down on the interstate. My steering wheel was visibly shaking and I lost the steering access control. The truck threw an Cylinder 6 error code. At the mechanic, they identified that at least one of my camshaft lifters had failed. If I had continued to drive my vehicle, the engine block would have eventually locked up.
Service brakes, Jun 11, 2025
I was driving my 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 on a local street when the dashboard suddenly displayed a “Brake Failure” warning. I immediately realized I had no braking power and had to safely roll into an uphill parking space to stop the vehicle. While waiting for the tow truck, I researched the issue and discovered there is a known recall related to the brake calipers on some 2020 Sierra 1500 models. However, when I entered my VIN, it showed no open recalls. I also contacted GMC directly, and they confirmed that there are no active recalls associated with my vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle's onboard information system indicated that the front brakes were at 65% and the rear brakes at 80%, suggesting that brake wear was not a contributing factor.
Engine, Jun 11, 2025
I took my 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 to the dealership after Cylinder #5 seized while driving, and I was forced to replace the entire engine. At the time, I contacted the dealer and was told there was no recall related to this issue. However, I have since learned that GMC has issued a recall for similar engine problems affecting 2021–present Sierra 1500 models, but not for my 2020 model year. I believe this issue may be related and would like further investigation and consideration.
Engine, Jun 9, 2025
Vehicle currently has 104K and needs a 3rd engine. The same issue happened to the second engine as the first. While Driving the engine just stop working. They say it is a problem with the camshaft. Metal gets into the transmission and that also has to be replaced. A vehicle engine should not just stop working! Especially on an interstate. GMC refuses to add this engine to the recall list. However, I don't understand how the safety of families can continue to be placed in jeopardy.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle then failed to exceed 30 MPH. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); but the VIN was not included. 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 90,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 8, 2025
Transmission has slipped and shuddered multiple times. We have had it diagnosed at gmc dealership and our mechanic, advising that it is 8L90 transmission failure. It will slip to lower gear abruptly, causing for possible safety issues especially on the highways.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 7, 2025
1. On 05/9/25, the exhaust emissions system malfunctioned, triggering diagnostic trouble code P2C7A (exhaust emissions system failure). This repair, the seventh attempt since June 2024, addressed the same recurring emissions issue previously involving replacements of components such as the NOx converter (02/18/25, 03/13/24) and EGR valve (02/18/25). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. The P2C7A failure risks limp mode, reducing vehicle power unexpectedly, which is hazardous on highways, especially while towing. Exhaust emissions system malfunctions release excessive pollutants, posing environmental and health risks to others. 3. Yes, the P2C7A code was confirmed by dealer during the 05/9/25 repair, following prior confirmations (e.g., 03/31/25–04/05/25. 4. The vehicle was inspected by Young Chevrolet-Cadillac during multiple repairs (e.g., 03/31/25, 05/9/25). 5. Yes, the check engine light and OnStar emissions alerts appeared prior to the 05/9/25 repair, first noted ~June 2024 (P2C7A onset). Exhaust smell and reduced fuel economy were observed intermittently. Symptoms persisted post-03/31/25 repair, leading to the 05/23/25 service.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 3, 2025
Loss of power steering. Loss of engine propulsion at high rates of speed. Engine would not start.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 3, 2025
Hi I have always taken good care of my 2020 gmc Sierra 1500 at4 6.2 Kept up with its regular and recommended maintenance. I had no warning signs on the dash. So it surprised me that while on my way to work early one morning I was getting off the highway exit and the truck lost power, my steering wheel hardened and it posed a great threat to my life and others on the road, as it suddenly decelerated in a area where people are driving at accelerated speeds. The whole truck was loosing power and shaking hard as I attempted to steer it to a safe location on the side of the road. Had a mechanic inspect it and they determined The truck ended up with a seized engine. I have since not been able to use my truck for 8 months and still currently paying monthly payments of 1000 to pay it off.
Suspension, Electrical system, Wheels, Jun 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the horn failed to function as intended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the right lane sensor stopped working as intended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 60 MPH in the rain or on rough asphalt, the rear suspension caused the vehicle to fishtail to the right. The contact turned to the left to control the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle returned to normal functionality after the failure. The low transmission fluid warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with an electrical systems failure. The independent mechanic informed the contact that there was adequate transmission fluid inside the transmission, and it was unclear why the warning light was illuminated. The contact was informed that weights were added to the wheels to balance each wheel. The vehicle was not yet repaired for the other failures. The contact stated that the transmission was replaced a year prior to the failure, and the horn had failed to function soon after the transmission replacement. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Power train, Jun 1, 2025
I am reporting an ongoing safety issue with my 2020 GMC Sierra 2.7L related to the transmission. On two separate occasions within the same month, my truck broke down in the middle of the street, requiring it to be towed to the dealership for service. The first time, the dealer informed me they repaired a part inside the transmission and stated the truck was fixed. However, after picking up the vehicle, the issue persisted, though not as frequently. When I called them, they advised me to drive it for another 100 miles so the valve could fill with oil and the transmission could properly recalibrate. After a few days of driving, the same issue occurred again — the truck stalled in the middle of the street, and I had to have it towed once more to the dealership. This time, the truck remained at the dealer for about a week. They replaced another part inside the transmission and returned the truck to me, noting that it only had about 40 miles of warranty remaining. I asked the dealership to extend the warranty or give me at least two months to test the truck and confirm the issue was resolved, as I am genuinely concerned for my safety and my family’s safety if the vehicle breaks down again on the road. They told me they would respond within two days, but it has now been over 10 days with no response. I am currently afraid to drive the vehicle because of the risk of it breaking down again, especially with my family inside. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue for potential safety concerns with the transmission system in this vehicle model.
Engine, Jun 1, 2025
Lifter failure at around 102-103k miles, was doing a random misfire and transmission studder ( due to the dfm system activating, cutting down cylinders to save fuel while driving, this was happening since approx 59k miles, dealership and gm was aware of it and they said it was normal, but that normal misfire turned into a failed lifter causing misfire and studder. I ended up replacing the lifters myself put solid lifters and a new camshaft that would eliminate the dfm system and studder, ran good no studder and random misfire, and now my crankshaft or oil pump is bad which I will remove motor to furthermore inspect. I’ve read forums and stuff where people would get a lifter job done and then soon after couple thousand miles later the motor goes bad. The 5.3 motors have bad crankshafts, oil pump and lifters just like the 6.2lt motors. After the lifter and cam repair, it ran good for couple thousand miles shortly after My gmc threw an “oil pressure low turn off vehicle code”, turned off vehicle immediately and checked oil, verified oil was good. Gm will not cover it because of it being way out of warrenty when I had issues with random misfire around approx 70-78k miles, and to note that my cat converter went back when lifter failed aswell. Also to note that when the lifters fails it throws a speed reduced to 55 mph, traction off, steering assist reduced, and brakes reduced, this is a safety hazard and also it will drain the battery and cannot start it if you pull over on the side of the road and turned it off and on again to make it back home.
Engine, May 31, 2025
Misfire alerts causing major motor repairs
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 29, 2025
TRANSMISSION SHURTTING, JERKS, AND VIBRATION, BAD TORQUE CONVERTER BUBBLE AND PELLING PAINT. IT FEEL LIKES ENGINE IS LOSSING POWER
Engine, May 29, 2025
My 5.3 engine spun a bearing on the crank. Same exact problem the 6.2 got recalled for. Now if I put a used engine in it’ll cost me around $6,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 27, 2025
6.2 liter engine fail- replaced at new cost, 20,000 miles later another 6.2 engine failed. unable to get new engine due to GMC finally recalling the engine. My VIN is not included in the recall. I now have no vehicle to drive but still have a loan to pay.
Engine, May 25, 2025
Driving at freeway at 65mph, suddenly is air noise like air conditioning blows air at high fan speed, than the dash info shows (Engine Power is Reduce) try to accelerate to pull out of lanes, and it did not, keep losing speed, as slowly move lanes to the right of freeway, and then exit.. This is the second time of this incident, first time under warranty, dealer fix transmission first time, then two months later, the tansmission was replace wit a newone, now is passed warranty, had the car taken to dealer, they gave me and estimate of more then $10,000 to fix the vehicle, this happen on May 21, 2025...
Power train, May 23, 2025
Transmission valve control system malfunctioned, causing rear wheels to lock up at high speeds, in turn causing tires to skid out. This issue almost caused me to loose control of the vehicle, potentially endangering the safety of myself and others near me at the time. This is the second time this has happened while I have been driving this vehicle. There was a recall related to this issue, which was addressed, but very clearly did absolutely nothing to prevent this incident from occurring.
Power train, May 23, 2025
Transmission valve control malfunctioned, causing rear wheels to temporarily lock, skidding the tires. This almost caused me to loose control, endangering myself and others around me. This is the second time this problem has happened. A recall related to this was addressed on this truck, though it has clearly done nothing to prevent it from happening.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 22, 2025
Engine Light came on, performance rough at various speeds / conditions, and smelled like burning and strong urea smell. GM Maintenance identified a failed DEF injector / replaced
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 22, 2025
Engine light would come on for a few days and than turn itself off. this occurred for about 8/9 months; however, instructed by the GM Maintenance department that if the vehicle came in and the light turned off before they got to it i would be charged for the diagnosis and no work would be performed. Engine light came on and i was able to park the vehicle / they picked it up and read it prior to putting in their lot until a tech became available. GM Maintenance was able to diagnosis that there was an issue with the EGR sensor and NOx catalytic converter without filter failed / both items replaced
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 22, 2025
Vehicle was going in for warranty recall; however, i requested they look at the DEF system as my DEF gauge would bounce between full and empty; along with, alert me of going into LIMP mode. GM Maintenance updated the recall and noticed that the DEF tank sensor failed and required to be replaced.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 22, 2025
Engine light came on and real bad urine smell / burning coming from the vehicle / rough performance. This issue occurred at various speeds / trips / drive types with the only variation being speed from 25MPH to 75MPH. Vehicle went in to discover that the reductant control module software (RCM) out of date, and two NOx sensor failures
Electrical system, May 22, 2025
After repair got a few miles down the road and noticed the volt meter jumping back and forth between the white lines. Line would slowly go up to max line and then slowly drop back down to lower limit and continue to go back and forth. This was very concerning to myself and i was waiting for something to fail while driving. Got about 10 miles away and was to concerned / returned the vehicle Informed by GM Maintenance tech that this is what / how the vehicle is designed and that it is the operating within its parameters. I expressed that only time i noticed something like this was prior to an engine light / electrical failure; however, maintenance team expressed GMs stance that it is operating within tolerance.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 22, 2025
No warning; picking up child from daycare. went to depart daycare when my dash lit up like a Christmas tree with various errors, alerts, warnings; along with, not being able to start. had to be picked up by spouse and get the truck towed to the dealership for maintenance. Maintenance tech discovered that the grounding straps for the truck needed to be replaced / resulting in a complete electrical failure of the vehicle.