Chevrolet Silverado Complaints (2020)

902 consumer complaints on file.

#11710279January 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:UREA INJECTION SYSTEM (DEF)
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While operating in negative (-41°F) degree winter conditions, the "Service Emission System" entered an EPA-mandated speed limitation in LIMP Mode messages were displayed. Dealer diagnostics confirmed DTC: P20B9 (Heater Control Circuit Open) and P20C1. The failure was identified as the melting of the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank electrical connector due to undersized terminal pins overheating (Joule heating). The contact stated that it was a latent design defect that posed a fire risk and a safety hazard due to sudden loss of motive power in arctic climates (-45°F). General Motors acknowledged the defect in 2500HD models, Special Coverage: N212342980; but excluded the 1500 models. The failure mileage was 29,354.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710280January 12, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
What happened: In mid-December 2025, my 2020 Silverado 1500 (VIN: [XXX] ) suffered a catastrophic failure of the DEF Tank Assembly (P/N 84914535) at 29,354 miles—less than 30% of its warranted life. This is a latent design defect involving undersized terminal pins that suffer thermal degradation and melt the connector during high-amperage heater operation in arctic conditions (Ref: GM TSB 21-NA-006). Component Availability: The failed assembly is held at the dealership. I have submitted a "Part Preservation Request" to ensure it is available for forensic inspection by federal regulators. Safety Risk: The failure triggers an EPA-mandated "Limp Mode," initiating a software-forced reduction in speed. Unexpectedly losing speed on high-speed, icy Alaskan highways—where roadside snowbanks prevent safe egress—creates an extreme risk of rear-end collisions. Furthermore, a vehicle restricted to 5 MPH or rendered inoperable in temperatures of -30°F to -50°F poses a direct, life-threatening risk of cold-weather exposure in remote areas. Confirmation: Failure was confirmed by Lithia Chevrolet GMC of Fairbanks on Jan 7, 2026. GDS2 diagnostic verified DTCs P20B9, P20C1, P205D, and P204C. Data was reviewed by the GM District Manager of Aftersales (DMA) and GM Customer Assistance (Case #[XXX]). Warning Symptoms: Check Engine lamp and "Service Emission System" message appeared in mid-Dec 2025, followed by a "Speed Limited" countdown. The electrical disconnect was abrupt due to terminal pin melting, as documented in my forensic engineering report. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710329January 12, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission bucks and truck just stops for no reason.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709536January 7, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I own a 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500, the truck currently has 51,400 miles on it. I started noticing a vibration while driving home from work that continued to get worse. After some quick online research I learned that the torque converter on the newer Chevy and GMC trucks is a weak point in their assembly. This is a very common issue and complaint for owners. The manufacturer has done nothing to resolve it or honor repairs on the defective product. My truck was one month out of the 5 year/60,000 mile warranty, they would not honor repairs because it was outside of the time window. The internal parts break up and destroy a transmission. Luckily i caught it early enough before it caused my transmission to fail while driving. I do not have the part with me. I took the truck to a shop for repairs and they did not return the defective part. No warning lights came on the dash.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708367January 2, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while his son was driving 75 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The driver pulled over and turned the vehicle off, but the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Upon researching the failure, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707448December 29, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6L80 transmission shift flared when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear and shuddered when driving at 45 - 50 mph and about 1400 rpm’s. The Torque Converter Clutch was spasming out causing the the torque converter to shudder which caused the torque converter to overheat at 250 degrees therefore exploding the torque converter that shot metal inside of the transmission blowing it up.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707310December 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Bad shuttering, slow acceleration, clunking noise, check engine light flashing all started while driving home. Took it to a transmission shop and they said it was the TC and transmission. I then called the dealership to see if there was a recall, and looked up any recalls. Since I have had fluid flushed and changed, and still have the problems. This has been an on going problem for a couple of years now. It was just out of warranty for dealership to fix. It started while I was on a highway and had very poor acceleration control.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707083December 26, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am filing a safety and health complaint regarding a known rear window water intrusion defect on my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 with approximately 56,000 miles. Despite the severity of the issue, the dealership has refused to provide a permanent repair. This defect is widely documented and has resulted in a recall in Canada, yet no recall exists in the United States—despite significantly more of these vehicles being sold here. The inconsistency in recall coverage is deeply concerning. My vehicle experiences substantial water intrusion that has saturated the rear headliner, rear seat area, and carpeting. This creates a serious health concern, particularly for rear-seat passengers, including children. Prolonged moisture intrusion creates a high likelihood of mold growth beneath interior components, which General Motors has failed to address. There is also a serious safety risk. The rear sliding window heater module is mounted directly to the rear window. It is well known that when this module is exposed to moisture from the leak, it can cause the rear window to shatter or explode. The dealership has acknowledged this risk. A rear window shattering while occupants are in the vehicle could result in serious injury. When covered under bumper-to-bumper warranty, the dealership’s only solution is a “reseal” of the rear window. This is not a permanent repair, and many owners report repeated failures after resealing. This issue is easily verified through widespread consumer complaints. These trucks are expensive vehicles, and owners should not be forced to accept temporary fixes for a defect that presents clear health and safety risks. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue and take appropriate action.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706833December 23, 2025
ENGINE
The 6.2L engine failed. The same as the 2021-2024 recalls.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705416December 16, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started to hesitate with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that there was a misfire in the engine, and her husband pulled off the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and driven back to the residence at speeds no greater than 50 MPH. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the left engine lifters had collapsed and needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the dealer that the right-side engine lifters should be replaced while the engine was disassembled. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705217December 15, 2025
ENGINE
The truck had a lifter failure which caused the pushrod to bend damaging the camshaft as well. I spent $5000 dollars just for the problem to happen again. I’ve have spent nearly $10000 on this issue. This not something you expect from a truck that you pay nearly $60000 for.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704936December 14, 2025
STEERING
Intermittent and sudden loss of power steering. The only message displayed briefly then went out was “service trailer brake controller”. Brought vehicle to Dealership. The grounding strap behind the front right wheel that goes to the frame (Earth Strap) was rotted. This seams to be a very common problem with this model truck and is dangerous.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704394December 11, 2025
ENGINE
Driving on highway truck lose power, engine lights start to flash and cracking noises start to come from engine. The lose of speed almos cause another vehicle to rear end me, Truck gave no signs or warnings before. Truck was delivered to a local shop and due abundant amount of metal flakes in oil engine need to be replaced
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704441December 11, 2025
ENGINE
GM declared my original engine as unfixable and decided to replace my engine luckily with 2 weeks remaining in warranty. It had similar clicking noise to everything else I've seen related to this 6.2L having issues. It currently has a new engine that can be inspected if need be. As well as receipt given to me from Klein Chevy from engine replacement. My engine could've failed while driving if I didnt notice the clicking noise prior to getting it looked at. Putting other in danger if driving on a public roadway. Yes the noise/defect was reproducible upon dealer looking at it. Unsure if the vehicle was inspected by the actual manufacturer but they removed my motor and sent it back to the factory. Was never inspected by police or insurance that im aware of There was no check engine light or warning lamps, only thing I noticed was a clicking noise that the common layman would have probably missed, they appeared roughly around 46,000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704462December 11, 2025
ENGINE
Engine Failure 6 Nov 2025 Yes, engine is available for inspection. Possible loss power, unable to control the vehicle. Vehicle engine failure has been confirmed by dealership, Ruben Milton Chevrolet and Jim Hudson Cadillac in Augusta Georgia. Vehicle has not been inspection by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives. No warning light, no knocking noise, no messages on dashboard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704132December 10, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Back in 7/2025, I was going to a Dr appt in Chandler, Az. When I arrived in Maricopa, Az, my truck stalled at the first stop light and would not start. I went over Kraegan Auto parts and bought a battery. After about 10 days, I was having to jump start my truck for the next few days. I took the battery back and they realized that it wasn’t the battery my truck called for. So, now I have the correct battery and everything working like it supposed to. In Nov 2025, my battery was starting to drain like overnight, and jump starting my truck every morning. I also told them, that the transmission was acting up. When I got on the highway my truck would be at 5000 rpm while doing 60 mph. I be would have to pull over to side of the highway, shut the engine down, and restart. Usually it would be good after the first time. So, up until now, I have no heater, no AC, my windows don’t go up or down, cruise control don’t work, l can’t move my power seat, so my wife has to put a pillow behind her and a pillow beneath her when she drives our truck. And I be still haven’t mentioned all be the little icons that are lit on the steering column. My truck is at the Jerry Seiner Casa Grande, Az. I have the protection plus coverage on my truck with GA Security, and I was told that because it’s a battery issue and found me at fault, they won’t cover me and I need to pick up my truck, because I can’t afford a $680.00 price tag. I’m on Medicare. That’s why I paid the $3500 for the protection plus coverage. So I guess it’s my fault or fault of my battery, my transmission doesn’t shift gears, power windows don’t work, heater or AC don’t work, can’t forget the cruise control. They said they are not covering nothing, to come get my truck.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704181December 10, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
While driving at highway speeds, multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard at the same time, including engine and powertrain warnings. The vehicle suddenly began operating abnormally, with loss of power and unstable driving behavior, making it unsafe to continue driving. This same issue has occurred multiple times previously and the vehicle has been taken to an authorized Chevrolet dealership for repairs on three separate occasions. Each time, repairs were performed, but the problem returned. The most recent incident occurred while driving on the highway and created a serious safety risk to the driver and other vehicles. The vehicle is not safe to drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703891December 9, 2025
POWER TRAIN
My 2020 Chevy Silverado needs a torque converter replacement. My truck is at 90k miles and out of drivetrain warranty. However, this is a known GM problem with trucks (and other vehicles in this class of engine/transmissions). I have talked to GM corporate and they are only willing to rebate 20% of the cost of this repair. I believe they should pay for the entire repair since this is a known problem for all these vehicles in this class. Please help me to get GM to understand this and fix this known problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703933December 9, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware of coolant leaking from the front of the vehicle near the transmission, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact retrieved DTC: P0016. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the coolant control valve, motor mount, and camshaft timing had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the coolant control valve, motor mount, and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not 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 88,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704044December 9, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally loud engine camshaft bearing sound coming from the engine. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and after three days, it was determined that the camshaft bearing had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact linked the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and NHTSA Action Number: EA25007 (Engine and Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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