2020 GMC Sierra 1500: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 368 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the engine, transmission, and electrical. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2020- Owner complaints
- 368
- Recalls
- 11
- Crashes reported
- 10
- 13 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 GMC Sierra 1500: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/2
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 highway0/2
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.
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.
Fuel pump control module failure
34,000–39,000 miles
Upper ball joint fracture
41,000–45,000 miles
Lifter and camshaft failure
43,000–80,000 miles
Transmission failure
67,000–75,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Engine118No crashes
Lifters fail and damage the camshaft, mostly on the 6.2L V8. Symptoms include ticking, knocking, rough idle, stalling and sudden power loss, often with no warning light. Several engines seize at highway speed, and some fail again after repair. Rising oil consumption often comes first. Reports cluster between about 43,000 and 80,000 miles. Many complaints say the 2020 is left out of the recall that covers 2021 to 2024 trucks, so owners pay for repairs. Other reports cover overheating, a backordered coolant control valve on the 3L diesel, and timing chain failure on early LM2 engines.
Lifters fracture, the engine knocks or misfires, and the truck loses power, often with ESC, ABS and parking brake warnings. Most complaints point to the federal engine investigation and recall 25V274000, and owners then learn their VIN is not included. Reported mileages run from about 79,000 to 150,000. Other entries cover a failed coolant valve that triggers reduced power, low oil from a cracked valve cover whose replacement is backordered, and a bad exhaust muffler valve that causes ticking and fumes.
Transmission70No crashes
Two problems dominate: lifter and camshaft failure on the 5.3L and 6.2L V8s, and sudden failure of the 10-speed automatic. The transmission drops out of gear, sticks in first, or goes into limp mode at highway speed, sometimes with metal shavings in the fluid. Most of these failures fall between about 67,000 and 75,000 miles. A separate pattern locks the rear wheels during acceleration, with a loud bang and a flashing D. Replacement transmissions are often backordered, so trucks wait at dealers for weeks or months.
Electrical44No crashes
The engine shuts off without warning because of wiring faults. Reported causes include a harness cut by a sharp ECM mounting bracket, a faulty engine harness, and a chafed wire that arced and burned under the passenger side. Other reports describe intermittent restraint-system warnings, false parking brake alerts that limit speed to 20 mph, and a failed electronic brake module. The rear sliding window leaks, cracks or shatters, which soaks the cab and grows mold behind the rear seat. The tailgate can release on its own, and one injury is reported.
Steering33No crashes
Power steering assist cuts out suddenly. This happens most often at startup but also while driving, and it leaves the wheel very heavy or fully locked. A cluster of warnings usually appears with it: Service ESC, StabiliTrak, trailer brake, and brake system failure. Dealers often cannot reproduce the fault. Repeat visits bring software updates, harness repairs and steering module replacement without a lasting fix. Reports range from a few thousand miles to well past 100,000. One injury involves losing brakes and steering at the same time.
Brakes232 crashes
Brake assist fails without warning, which leaves a hard pedal and long stopping distances. A Brake System Failure message often appears with ESC and check engine lights and a speed limit of 43 or 62 mph. Many cases occur early, from under 120 miles to about 16,200. Dealers replace the master cylinder and booster. Trailer brakes cut out while towing, and brake-life readings jump or fail to reset after new pads. Two crashes are reported, including a fatal rear-end collision with fire where the truck kept speeding up while the brakes were applied.
Suspension11No crashes
The upper control arm ball joint fractures and a front wheel separates from the truck, usually at low speed or while pulling out of a driveway. Some reports link this to leveling kits and to recall 21V718, which does not cover every truck. Failures are reported around 41,000 to 45,000 miles. Other complaints describe front clunking that returns after spacer bushings are installed, rear leaf springs sagging under a moderate boat load, and a towing capacity that GM overstated by 500 lbs.
Fuel system81 crash
The engine stalls while driving or cranks but won't start. The usual cause is a failed fuel pump power control module. Failures come with no warning, sometimes at interstate speed, and cluster around 34,000 to 39,000 miles. Replacement modules are backordered for months. The same part is recalled on other GM vehicles but not on this truck. One crash is reported. A separate failure involves a leaking high-pressure fuel pump and a strong gasoline smell in the cabin.
Airbags65 crashes
Airbags fail to deploy in serious crashes, including a side impact at about 50 mph, a head-on hit into a light pole, and a drop down an embankment. Five of the 6 complaints involve crashes, and two involve injuries. In one deployment, the side airbag burned through a passenger's coat sleeve and filled the cab with smoke. An intermittent airbag warning also keeps coming back despite repeated dealer visits and replaced seat belt parts.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Sierra 1500 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
I own a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 with a 5.3 liter engine..... My engine lifters failed at 105,235 miles.... Lifter broke and damaged the Cam Shaft to a point that required full engine replacement costing me $10,800. When I asked GM for help, they denied because I went to a local repair shop with certified mechanics. I believe GM is fully aware of this problem and they are ignoring I think GM should pay for at least half of my repair bill. Thank you!
Filed with NHTSA, June 2025
The engine failed and started burning oil at a rate of 3 quarts every two weeks. The vehicle is currently at the GMC dealership having the engine rebuilt at a cost of over 15,000. The vehicle has approx. 116,000 miles at time of failure, so it is outside of the manufacturers warranty. The GMC dealership (Fred Anderson Greer) has photos. The engine is a 6.2L but not currently under recall as it is a 2020, the recall includes 2021 - 2024 models.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2025
The AFM/DFM system in these trucks are making the engines and transmissions go out around 70k miles. The lifters fail right around the same time factory warranty runs out then your left with a 6 thousand dollar bill to have it fixed. I hope this becomes a recall because numerous people I talk to are getting rid of they're gmcs and chevys and going elsewhere.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2024
My truck had engine failure while at the dealership getting new tires installed on 11/12/2025. When they started my truck they detected major knocking in my engine the 1st thing in the morning. It unsafe to drive they're telling me my engine needs to be replaced. My engine has 58,000 miles on it. There was no issues with my truck when I drop it off.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2025
Service ESC, Service Power Steering, antilock brakes disabled all flashed on information center of vehicle. Service engine light, antilock brake light, ESC, low battery all illuminated. Vehicle would not start - try to start it would go through all issues on information center. This is the same ESC issue described for 2019 Silverado and GMC Sierras.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2021
Was driving down the freeway around 65 miles an hour attempted to pass a truck when the steering started wobbling the ABS that EMS and the breaking system came on with the check engine light almost had no control and barely avoided having an accident the only way it went back to normal was slowing down.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2025
While driving vehicle at normal speeds the steering assist goes out and becomes very hazardous to drive. It is intermittent and does not do it all the time. When connected to dealer diagnostic machine it throws several codes. I have read on several GM sites this problem is widespread and GM is actively saying they haven’t heard of this problem. When the problem occurs it is almost impossible to control the truck to get over to the side of the road.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2025
How the 2020 compares with other Sierra 1500 years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2020 ranks fourth for owner complaints among 8 Sierra 1500 years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Engine118111
- Transmission7071
- Electrical4438
- Steering3316
- Brakes2317
- Suspension111
Where the 2020 fits in the Sierra 1500's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2020 is the second model year of the Sierra 1500's fifth generation (2019 on).
Recalls to confirm (11)
Recall repairs are free at any GMC 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.
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.
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.
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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