2020 Chevrolet Silverado: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 693 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, engine, and steering. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2020- Owner complaints
- 693
- Recalls
- 15
- Crashes reported
- 14
- 14 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2020 Chevrolet Silverado: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Silverado is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.7L 4-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 20–21 mpg |
| 4.3L 6-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 17 mpg |
| 5.3L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 19–20 mpg |
| 6.2L 8-cylGas | 4WD | 17 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylDiesel | 4WD, RWD | 25–27 mpg |
| 5.3L 8-cylFlex fuel | 4WD, RWD | 16 mpg |
- The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado was sold in six versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Silverado that averages well under the EPA 16 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Power steering loss at startup
2,100–16,880 miles
Brake system failure warnings
2,700–4,660 miles
Diesel DEF tank failure
11,500–29,354 miles
Rear window water leaks
22,000–56,000 miles
Rear brake wear, sticking calipers
25,000–54,000 miles
Lifter and camshaft failure
45,000–71,773 miles
Transmission shudder and lockup
51,400–88,000 miles
6.2L rod bearing failure
62,000–79,797 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission1961 crash
Transmission shudder, harsh or delayed shifts, and brief rear-wheel lockup at speed are the main problems. Drivers describe a jolt like being rear-ended just after stopping, slipping on hills, and the rear wheels locking for a split second on the highway, sometimes while towing. Shops often find burnt fluid or metal in the pan and recommend a rebuild or a new transmission, usually between about 51,400 and 88,000 miles. Some trucks are covered by a rear-wheel lockup recall, but owners say dealers lack the parts. Two fires followed transmission overheating warnings. In one crash, a parked truck shifted into gear by itself.
Engine132No crashes
Sudden internal engine failure is the main complaint, mostly on the 6.2L V8. Reports describe ticking or knocking, then violent shaking and loss of power, sometimes at freeway speed and often with no warning light. Dealers diagnose spun rod bearings, failed lifters and camshafts, or bearing failure. The usual fix is a full engine replacement, commonly between about 62,000 and 100,000 miles. Out-of-warranty bills range from $5,109 to $12,200, and some owners waited weeks for an engine. Smaller groups report oil burning, an oil leak on the 3.0L diesel, and a split exhaust brake housing on the Duramax.
Nearly every report describes catastrophic engine failure. It starts with ticking, rattling, or knocking, sometimes with misfires and shaking. Then the engine stalls or seizes, in several cases at highway speed. Dealers find collapsed lifters, failed camshafts, rod bearing failure, or a rod through the block, and most recommend a full engine replacement, typically between about 45,000 and 71,773 miles. Many owners connect their failure to a federal engine recall but say their VIN was not included. Some engines went unrepaired because of the cost. One owner was denied coverage because an independent shop had done the oil changes.
Steering781 crash
Power steering cuts out suddenly, usually when the truck is restarted after sitting, and the dash shows Service ESC and Service Power Steering. The wheel becomes very hard to turn. The fault often clears after the truck sits or is restarted a few times, and dealers then find no codes. Many reports come from nearly new trucks, some with as few as 2,100 miles. In a second pattern, the truck loses steering and brakes while driving. Dealers traced this to corroded engine grounding straps under a GM bulletin. One repair also needed a new steering rack. One reported crash involved brake failure.
Electrical722 crashes
Fire is the biggest risk here, with seven fire-related reports. Named sources include a seat heater under the driver seat, the rear wiring harness, wiring near a rear seat belt, a harness rubbing on a bolt behind the fuse box, and an overheated A/C blower motor. Some trucks burned while parked. Other reports describe a burst of brake, ESC, and trailer brake warnings, a capped top speed, and sometimes no braking, often on low-mileage trucks. Complaints also cover blurry or distorted backup camera images, airbags that did not deploy in a crash, and melted DEF tank connectors on diesels.
Brakes533 crashes
Brake system failure warnings appear at startup or while driving, along with Service ESC and Service Trailer Brake messages and a top-speed limit of 43 or 62 mph. Drivers report a hard pedal or one that sinks to the floor with little or no braking. Three reports involve crashes. A restart often clears the warnings, and many cases involve nearly new trucks. A second pattern affects the rear brakes: sticking calipers, a parking brake that does not fully release, and rear inner pads worn out between about 25,000 and 54,000 miles. One failed master cylinder sat waiting on a back-ordered part.
Body and structure22No crashes
Rear window leaks dominate. Water gets in through a cracked sliding window frame or a failed seal during rain or a car wash. Headliners, seat backs, and carpet get soaked and mold follows. Repeated resealing, and sometimes a full window replacement, often fails to stop the leak. Leaks are reported from about 22,000 to 56,000 miles. Other reports describe the tailgate dropping open while driving, sometimes while towing, along with frame paint flaking off, early frame and underbody rust, and loud door wind noise at highway speed.
Fuel system13No crashes
Two problems stand out. On gas trucks, the fuel pump or its control module fails, causing no-starts or sudden power loss while driving, and some owners wait months for back-ordered parts. On diesels, DEF tank, pump, and heater failures trigger warnings and a countdown to reduced speed, sometimes within the first 13,000 miles, with parts again on national back order. A few reports describe fuel leaking onto the hot exhaust and gasoline fumes in the cab, which is a fire risk. Others describe power loss and jerking when the engine is hot.
Airbags107 crashes
Most reports describe airbags that did not deploy in serious crashes, with seven crashes and eight injuries. The crashes include rear-end pileups, a rollover, and frontal impacts with a pole, a tree, and a deer. Drivers report broken ribs, a broken nose, and a concussion. Some received an airbag system alert at or after impact. Other complaints cover a Service Safety Restraint System warning traced to the clock spring around 42,000 miles, a rusted driver airbag, and concern that water from rear window leaks could reach the SRS module.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Silverado owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Rear end went out within drivetrain warranty period. Chevy claimed it was due to a leak even though there was no evidence of one and they couldn’t produce the part. Almost immediately after getting it back it started to have transmission problems (8L90). They again claimed there wasn’t a problem. The truck now has 120,000 miles on it and we are replacing the transmission after it would drop gears and, finally, wouldn’t go into reverse.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2024
My truck felt like running over rumble strips. At 17500 miles they replaced my torque converter under warranty. Now at 24690 miles they had to replace again, under warranty. With less than 25000 miles it is on it's 3rd torque converter. I fear that transmission is being damaged and feel Chevrolet needs to admit there is a problem. My current dealer calls it a lifetime warranty, with lots of strings, but Chevrolet should protect me.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2022
Oil pump went out. Got it repaired. Then, a few days later, while driving on the freeway at 70MPH the engine made a lot of noise then quit in middle of the freeway leaving me vulnerable to being hit. Was able to coast in neutral to the edge of the road. Has 73000 miles on it. Dealer says I need an engine replacement after just spending $5,500 for oil pump replacement. Has been at the dealer over a month and no replacement engine is available.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2025
Front main bearing failure. I have 97,000 miles on my truck. I have the 6.2 engine in it. I see online that GM is having a lot of issues with this engine. My dealer is trying to help me deal with GM, but GM does not want to replace my engine. They want me to pay for it. This issue could have been bad if I was driving at highway speeds with my 2 young daughters in my vehicle with me. Definitely a safety issue.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2025
Without warning (no warning lights or previous mechanical indications) the power steering failed making it extremely difficult to turn the steering wheel. Fortunately this happened while I was parking and not on the highway. The truck had approximately 48,000 miles on it at the time. (8/30/25) Repairs required replacing the rack and pinion steering and a heavily corroded "grounding strap". Repair cost was appx $3500
Filed with NHTSA, October 2025
The truck pulls to the right, pulling it off the road. It has 50k miles now and the dealer has aligned it 6 times and it’s showing within specifications, but continues to pull to the right. The dealer can’t find the cause of the problem and GM has no answer but for me to start paying to change parts which may or may not fix it.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2022
Our 2020 Chevy 1500 Trail Boss was waiting for an ordered instrument cluster at service department. The surveillance camera, film the vehicle catch on fire after being parked for 2 days. The smoke started from the inside, and the vehicle engulfed in flames until the fire department came. After the fire was extinguished very little was left of the vehicle. Basically a frame and engine was the only thing left. The vehicle had a little over 70k miles.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2024
- My back up camera developed a fish eye distortion. - It makes it hard to see how close something is behind you, making it dangerous backing up with children in the area. - Yes, although the dealer is trying to claim it is ''normal'', even though it was not that way when I bought the truck, or I would not have purchased it. - There were no warning lamps or other symptoms prior to the problem. It appeared before 2,500 miles were on my vehicle.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2021
How the 2020 compares with other Silverado years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2020 ranks third for owner complaints among 8 Silverado years, about 1.4 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission196137
- Engine132123
- Steering7826
- Electrical7278
- Brakes5332
- Body and structure2210
Where the 2020 fits in the Silverado's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2020 is the second model year of the Silverado's fourth generation (2019–2023).
Chevrolet updated the Silverado for 2022, so a 2020 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2022 (not on a 2020)
- New front-end design
- Updated interior
- New trim levels added (ZR2, Denali Ultimate)
Recalls to confirm (15)
Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
24V797000TransmissionOct 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.
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
24V060000Door latches and locksFeb 2024
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in park.
Risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232426400.
21V985000Wheels and tiresDec 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.
Risk: An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
21V578000Wheels and tiresJul 2021
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with a 17" spare tire (RPO ZHQ or ZXT) and either the 20" accessory road tire (RPO REM) or the 18" accessory road tire (RPO Q2V). Operating the spare tire with other 20" or 18" tires can prevent the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) from engaging.
Risk: An ABS system that cannot control the rear wheels independently increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will provide the appropriate spare tire and apply a new spare tire information label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 18, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212329780.
21V115000Wheels and tiresFeb 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
20V792000Seat beltsDec 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
20V684000Wheels and tiresNov 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
20V650000TransmissionOct 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.
Risk: If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: 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.
20V446000AirbagsJul 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.
Risk: If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: 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.
20V324000Body and structureJun 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles previously recalled under 20V-142. Some of the vehicles in 20V-324 were not part of Recall 20V-142 but received defect parts during another service (typically during collision repair). The hood-latch striker wires on replacement hoods installed for Safety Recall 20V-142 may not have been heat-treated properly, possibly causing them to fracture.
Risk: If a striker wire fractures, the hood may open unexpectedly while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hood assembly, free of charge. For hoods sold over the counter, dealers will contact customers with instructions for hood replacement. The recall began July 7, 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 N202306490.
20V142000Door latches and locksMar 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The hood-latch striker wires may not have been heat-treated properly, possibly causing them to fracture.
Risk: If a striker wire fractures, the hood may open unexpectedly while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hood assembly, free of charge. The recall began April 13, 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 N192284960.
20V116000BrakesFeb 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.
Risk: Broken caliper bolts can reduce brake performance or interfere with wheel rotation and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
19V888000ElectricalDec 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
19V837000Fuel systemNov 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.
Risk: Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Fix: 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.
19V814000Seat beltsNov 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.
Risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Fix: 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.
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