2020 Chevrolet SILVERADO 1500: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
724 owner complaints analyzed
12 distinct recall campaigns
24,578 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 204 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 242 of 724 complaints (33.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 177 | 24.4% |
| Braking behavior | 155 | 21.4% |
| Steering behavior | 80 | 11.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 67 | 9.3% |
| Engine operation | 43 | 5.9% |
| Fuel system concerns | 16 | 2.2% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 242 |
| Power Train | 219 |
| Electrical System | 106 |
| Service Brakes | 101 |
| Unknown Or Other | 75 |
| Steering | 73 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 33 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 25 |
Engine: 242; Power Train: 219; Electrical System: 106; Service Brakes: 101; Unknown Or Other: 75; Steering: 73; Fuel/Propulsion System: 33; Vehicle Speed Control: 25
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 102 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 19 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 30 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 30 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 17 |
| 150,000 and above | 6 |
Under 25,000: 102; 25,000 to 49,999: 19; 50,000 to 74,999: 30; 75,000 to 99,999: 30; 100,000 to 149,999: 17; 150,000 and above: 6
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (102). 520 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 70 |
| 2021 | 46 |
| 2022 | 56 |
| 2023 | 71 |
| 2024 | 91 |
| 2025 | 242 |
| 2026 | 147 |
2019: 1; 2020: 70; 2021: 46; 2022: 56; 2023: 71; 2024: 91; 2025: 242; 2026: 147
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 177 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 155 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 80 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11291367 · 2019-12-26 (December 26, 2019)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS TRAVELING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AT AN UNKNOWN RATE OF SPEED, THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. ALSO, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE BRAKES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT'S WIFE ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HERB CHAMBERS CHEVROLET OF DANVERS (9…
Owner-reported narrative. 738 miles reported. Look up ODI 11291367 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11297440 · 2020-01-06 (January 6, 2020)
AFTER HAVING FOG LIGHTS PROGRAMED AT THE DEALER, LOST BRAKE ASSIST ON THE WAY HOME AT LAST LEFT TURN AND TRUCK TOOK LONGER TO STOP BEFORE THE TURN THEN NORMAL ON A CITY STREET SPEED ABOUT 45MPH, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON CHECKED CODES AT HOME FOUND 4, P25A2 BRAKE SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE REQUESTED MIL ILLUMINATION U0101 LOST COMM WITH TCM, U0100 LOST COMM WITH ECM/PCM AND U0146 LOST COMM WITH GATEWAY A. TOOK TO GM DEALER AND WAS TOLD NO PROBLEMS FOUND AND CODES WERE CLEARED.
Owner-reported narrative. 3,038 miles reported. Look up ODI 11297440 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11301177 · 2020-01-22 (January 22, 2020)
2020 SILVERADO 1500 DURAMAX 3.0 1200 MILES AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH CODES. I WAS 300 MILES FROM HOME SO GLAD IT MADE IT. TAKE TO DEALER AND THEY TELL ME I CANT DRIVE IT BECAUSE OF A FAILED MASTER CYLINDER ISSUE. PART IS ON UNKNOWN BACKORDER.
Owner-reported narrative. 1,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 11301177 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11307341 · 2020-02-05 (February 5, 2020)
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE WHEN TRAFFIC BEGAN TO BUILD UP. AS I TRIED TO SLOW DOWN I NOTICED AN EXTENDED DELAY IN STOPPING. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AT THIS POINT AND I CONTINUED TO DRIVE. I THEN EXITED THE INTERSTATE AND STOPPED AT A LOCAL GROCERY STORE. I STARTED MY VEHICLE BACK UP AND BEGAN DRIVING TO SCHOOL. I WAS DRIVING AROUND 40 MPH AND IT WAS THEN THAT MY VEHICLE ALARM WENT OFF AND SCREEN ADVISED THAT MY BRAKES HAD FAILED. I COULD NOT STOP MY VEHICLE AND HAD NO BRAKES. I THEN PUSHED THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BOARD. MY T…
Owner-reported narrative. 747 miles reported. Look up ODI 11307341 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11307608 · 2020-02-06 (February 6, 2020)
AFTER PARKING FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES, STARTED THE TRUCK AND THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. A WARNING ON THE SCREEN SAID SOMETHING TO THE AFFECT...BRAKE ABOVE 62 MILES FAILURE. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I STARTED DRIVING AND NOTICED NO BRAKE PRESSURE. PRESSED BRAKE HARD, ALL THE WAY, THEN TRUCK STARTED TO SLOW DOWN. LUCKILY THERE WAS NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME OR I WOULD HAVE HIT IT. I CHECKED FOR BREAK FLUID LEAK UNDER THE TRUCK, NO LEAKS. I OPENED THE HOOD, NO LEAKS NOTED. I TURNED OFF THE TRUCK. WAITED A MINUTE AND STARTED IT AGAIN. SAME THING...NO BREAK…
Owner-reported narrative. 830 miles reported. Look up ODI 11307608 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11307866 · 2020-02-08 (February 8, 2020)
BACKUP CAMERA FUZZY MORE AT NIGHT GM SAYS ITS THE THE LOW COST CAMERA BUT ITS A SAFETY ISSUE ITS TERRIBLE.
Owner-reported narrative. 186 miles reported. Look up ODI 11307866 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11308342 · 2020-02-10 (February 10, 2020)
BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE LIGHT, STEERING ASSIST REDUCED DRIVE NO FASTER THAN 62 MPH SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE, SERVICE ESC. BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR AND DID NOT WANT TO STOP.
Owner-reported narrative. 1,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 11308342 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11308877 · 2020-02-12 (February 12, 2020)
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, GAVE IT GAS TO GO AROUND A VEHICLE AND IT FELT LIKE THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. ESC CAUTION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND BRAKE WARNING/CAUTION ALL ILLUMINATED. VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN DRASTICALLY AND IF I HADN'T GOTTEN OFF THE ROAD QUICKLY I WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT. IF I HAD BEEN TURNING INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STOP AND THAT HAPPENED I WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT. PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER, TURNED IT COMPLETELY OFF, REMOVED THE KEY, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND EVERYTHING WENT AWAY EXCEPT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. HEADED TO THE DEALERSHIP …
Owner-reported narrative. 150 miles reported. Look up ODI 11308877 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
12 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
19V814000 · Seat Belts:Pretensioner
Reported: 2019-11-14 (November 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.
Consequence: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V837000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2019-11-21 (November 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.
Consequence: Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V888000 · Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables
Reported: 2019-12-12 (December 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V116000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper
Reported: 2020-02-27 (February 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.
Consequence: Broken caliper bolts can reduce brake performance or interfere with wheel rotation and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V446000 · Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain:Inflator
Reported: 2020-07-30 (July 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.
Consequence: If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V650000 · Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft
Reported: 2020-10-22 (October 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.
Consequence: If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V684000 · Tires
Reported: 2020-11-05 (November 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V792000 · Seat Belts:Critical Fasteners | Seat Belts
Reported: 2020-12-17 (December 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V115000 · Tires
Reported: 2021-02-25 (February 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V985000 · Tires:Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
Reported: 2021-12-16 (December 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.
Consequence: An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V797000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Fluid/Lubricant:Valves/Valve Body | Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module:Software
Reported: 2024-10-24 (October 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.
Consequence: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V083000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module:Software | Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Fluid/Lubricant:Valves/Valve Body
Reported: 2026-02-12 (February 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.
Consequence: Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗