Chevrolet Silverado Complaints (2020)

902 consumer complaints on file.

#11715571February 4, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle experienced a transmission control malfunction related to a transmission solenoid (diagnostic code P0776). The transmission exhibited abnormal shifting behavior and drivability issues, prompting a warning indicator and dealer inspection. The condition affects the powertrain and could impair safe operation of the vehicle, particularly if shifting becomes unpredictable or the transmission enters a reduced-function mode while driving. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Chevrolet dealership, and the vehicle was subsequently deemed inoperable pending replacement of the required transmission solenoid component. The vehicle was inspected by General Motors on November 3, 2025, at which time GM confirmed that the required part was on national backorder with no immediate availability. The vehicle remains unavailable for use due solely to the lack of this GM-supplied component. A warning indicator and drivability symptoms were present prior to removal from service. The component is currently retained by the servicing dealer and is available for inspection upon request. General Motors has advised that this component is subject to a widespread national backorder affecting numerous vehicles, resulting in extended periods where affected vehicles cannot be repaired or safely returned to service.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715382February 3, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Diesel and to request immediate review and assistance from General Motors. I purchased this vehicle from a GM dealership in 2024 with approximately 70,000 miles for roughly $42,000. The vehicle currently has approximately 121,000 miles. Since purchasing the vehicle, it has suffered major breakdowns approximately every three months, requiring repeated costly repairs and making the vehicle unreliable for regular use. Most notably, the vehicle experienced a full transmission failure at approximately 103,000 miles — just after the factory warranty expired, requiring complete transmission replacement at my expense. To date, I have spent nearly $20,000 in repairs, including but not limited to: •Full transmission replacement •Two alternator replacements •Glow plug system failure •Coolant control valve failure •Engine control / computer module failure •Transmission cooling system failures •Ongoing electrical system issues •Additional drivetrain and mechanical problems These are critical powertrain, electrical, and engine management components — not routine maintenance items. The repeated failure of such systems strongly suggests underlying manufacturing or design defects. The vehicle has been properly maintained and serviced, yet continues to experience serious and recurring defects well beyond what would be considered normal wear and tear for a modern diesel truck. At this point, my total investment in this vehicle exceeds $62,000, and I am left with a truck that I cannot trust and that has become financially unsustainable to own.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715105February 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission/ torque converter. Truck feels like you are riding over rumble strips and shaking steering wheel. Confirmed by dealer. No warning signs
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714398January 30, 2026
POWER TRAIN
10L1000 transmission, began having problems with delays and harsh gear engagement. Flare shifting and shuddering. Finally starting having transmission overheating issues while towing. I had to make several unsafe stops with a trailer to wait for the transmission to cool down again before continuing to get it home. Saw trans temps up to 240°F on flat land with 40° outside temps. I could smell the hot transmission fluid inside the truck. When I went to check the fluid level of the transmission, the fluid was full but had a large amount of glitter like metallic flakes. The fluid was very dark brown in color and smelled terribly burnt. The last recall I took in to the dealer for was about the transmissions possibility of failing, locking up, along with the rear wheels at any speed. I have young children that ride in this truck, that in it self was unsettling and unsafe. But then to have issues with absolutely no warning light was concerning. Ive since ordered an aftermarket built transmission to avoid repeating the same issues with a factory GM replacement. My factory warranty had also ended a few months prior to having these problems with it. Leaving me to completely foot the bill for it to be replaced. I had to pull money from my retirement early to cover costs, in fact costing me much more than just the sticker price.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714523January 30, 2026
POWER TRAIN
While driving at highway speed in my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Duramax, the transmission suddenly failed and locked up without warning. This caused an immediate loss of vehicle function and created a dangerous situation while traveling in traffic. I had my two children in the vehicle at the time. I was able to safely maneuver the truck to the shoulder, but the vehicle was no longer operable and required towing. This failure occurred only a few months after a transmission replacement and follows prior transmission repairs, including a valve body replacement performed by a GM dealership. This is a repeat transmission failure and presented a serious safety risk due to the sudden nature of the failure at highway speed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714558January 30, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The engine block heater in my truck keeps tripping the circuit breaker. Dealership says it that 'it appears that the block heater cord is shorted recommend replacing cord' estimate $500. I understand that Chevy has recalled some trucks from this year for this very problem however it and they don't include my truck. This is a fire safety hazard!!! The company admits it is a safety issue. Why isn't my truck on the list? Here is the article I found on it. 2020 silverado engine block heater cord recall +5 General Motors has issued recalls affecting 2019–2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and various heavy-duty models (4500HD-6500HD) due to a fire risk from the engine block heater cord . The cord can short circuit, potentially causing a fire in the engine compartment. Owners are advised to park trucks outdoors and away from structures until the free dealer repair is completed. Key Details Regarding 2020 Silverado Recalls: Affected Vehicles: Specific 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and 2019-2023 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD trucks. The Issue: The engine block heater cord or its terminals can short-circuit, causing a fire risk. Symptoms: Potential for smoke, a burning smell, poor heater performance, or tripped circuit breakers. Action Required: Dealers will inspect and potentially disable or replace the block heater cord. Safety Recommendation: Do not plug in the engine block heater until the recall repair has been performed. It is recommended to check the NHTSA recall website with your VIN for the most up-to-date information on your specific vehicle. GM recalls 40,000 pickups over fire risk - FOX 5 San Diego Apr 24, 2023 — This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. (WJW... [XXX] Part 573 Safety Recall Report 21V-496 - nhtsa Mar 4, 2022 — Description of Defect : ... In vehicles equipped with the Duramax dies INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714292January 29, 2026
ENGINE
At highway interstate travel speeds, vehicle was losing intermittent power. Exhaust at stopped, idle during trip smelled heavily of gasoline. White smoke blowing from exhaust with only 38k miles on the truck. Dealership is replacing the entire engine now and sounds like GM doesn’t want them to fully explore the cause of failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713992January 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN
La transmicion viajaba aproximadamente a 70 millas cuando empeso a regresar los cambios rapidamente adta quedar parado en la carretera sin movimiento apague y volvi a encensenderla y trabajo una ves mas pero asiendo cambios bruscos Aora el dealer no quiso atender el recall disen que se tiene que remplazar la transmicion completa
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712929January 23, 2026
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with a tapping sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The message "Monitor Brake Service System" was displayed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and inspected, but no failure was found. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifters and camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a different independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifters and camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712949January 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN
INTERMITTENTED,NOT ALL THE TIME BUT I GET A HESITATION WHEN I PUT THE TRAN IN DRIVE PRESS THE ACCERATOR THEN IT LURCH FORWARD UNEXPECTED......
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712668January 22, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes failed to engage while the brake pedal was depressed. The message "Service Brake Assist" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake master cylinder was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the message "Service Brake Assist" was displayed on the instrument panel again. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,593.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712483January 21, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle was brought to Payne Chevrolet(Weslaco,Tx)for Recall N242454440. After the software update, the vehicle entered 'Limp Mode' and threw a Permanent Fault Code P2817 (Solenoid 8 Stuck Off). The dealership and GM Executive Resolution (Case #86918646) have confirmed this is a mechanical failure of the valve body, but are refusing/delaying the remedy due to a branded title. The vehicle is currently grounded and unsafe to drive as it risks rear-wheel lockup. GM has failed to provide a timely remedy or alternative safe transportation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712115January 20, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact stopped for a traffic signal, and the accelerator pedal was depressed when the light changed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the engine was still running; however, the vehicle failed to respond while the accelerator pedal was depressed or the gear shift lever was moved. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the Transmission Control Module needed to be re-flashed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the same dealer two more times for the same failure, however the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712128January 20, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The Timing Chain failed. It is at the Dealership available for inspection. Vehicle was unable to accelerate correctly while driving. If it had blown a valve or locked up the engine we would have been stuck on the highway with my kids in the vehicle. Problem has been confirmed with the dealer. It is a known defect with this vehicle but my VIN was not one that was recalled. No issues had came up before it failed. Just went to accelerate and you could feel it slipping and the truck stuttering forward.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712215January 20, 2026
ENGINE
I pulled up to a traffic light at a busy intersection in Lubbock, TX, and the engine just shut down on approach to a red light. The vehicle still had power (radio, headlights, AC/heater, etc.) but the engine would not start or even turn over and try to start. The vehicle was towed to a Chevy dealership in Lubbock, TX, and they said they believed it was an internal engine failure but wouldn’t be able to look at it for several weeks. I had it transported to my hometown in Taylor, TX, and my certified mechanic replaced the starter and battery solenoid but the engine still wouldn’t start. They drained the oil and found metal shavings in the oil. They too believe that the engine suffered a catastrophic failure and needs to be replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712219January 20, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving home from work the truck displayed numerous trouble codes including ebc failure, braking failure, traction control failure and trailer brake failure as well as vehicle governed to 42 mph. I took it to the dealership and they checked all of the braking system and could not find any issues. They reset the codes, and changed all 4 pads and rotors as all 4 wheels were 1/32 out of true as a precaution. I drove it home about 5 miles with no issues. The next morning I was on my way to work and the codes reappeared with me being governed to 62 mph. At the stop sign I had no braking at all. Pumping the brakes resulted in no braking or pressure in the pedal. Luckily there was no traffic and I was able to use a hill to stop. I turned around and went the mile back to my house and was unable to stop again ending up with the front end in my neighbors yard. I had the vehicle towed back to the dealership where they still have not found a cause or a solution to the issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711148January 15, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, turned off, and unoccupied, the rear of the vehicle caught fire. The fire was initially extinguished by a maintenance worker, and the fire department later applied water to the area to prevent the fire from reigniting. The fire department was unable to determine the cause of the fire, and a fire report was not provided. The contact was unaware whether a police report was filed. The vehicle was not destroyed or towed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear wiring harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that the rear bumper and tailgate were damaged as a result of the failure and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710923January 14, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Rear wheel lockup due to transmission valve body issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710991January 14, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly sputtered. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710771January 13, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The component that failed was the wiring harness installed in the engine area. the harness was installed right next to a dip stick. The dip stick has a sharp metal piece welded to it and it punctured the harness cutting wires on the inside. This could have been a potential fire hazard. The problem was able to be reproduced, inspected and confirmed by a certified chevy mechanic at Philips Chevy in Frankfort, IL. The mechanic also showed me the failure point on the vehicle upon a visit. The dashboard lights were flashing randomly, headlights were very dim which it very difficult to see, android auto stopped working and not able to use hands free, so that became a safety issue, cruise control stopped working, and was receiving errors for a failed fuel pump.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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