2020 Chevrolet Silverado Complaint Log

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine, Service ESC, and the “Service Parking Brake” warning lights were flashing. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was blown, and the engine needed to be taken apart for additional diagnostic tests. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam phaser and lifters had failed and the engine long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.

I have the L87 6.2 liter V8 engine from General Motors. I had sudden engine failure. Apparently the rods and bearings are bad. It is the same problem as the recall issued for 2021-2024 vehicles, exept for my truck is a year 2020. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My husband was driving our family truck onto the highway to merge into traffic, when he lost all engine power, several dash lights turned on, and a clanking noise started. This was an extremely dangerous situation because the truck stalled, while trying speed up into highway traffic. He swerved to avoid cars and pulled off to the right shoulder. This a major safety issue because if either of my teenage daughters had been driving the truck, they would likely not have been able to avoid an accident! Mechanics confirmed the truck had suffered a catastrophic engine failure while driving. The dealership confirmed a lifter failed causing the damage. They said the whole engine had to be replaced. GM offered to pay half of cost, proving they know this is an issue. The truck's not even 5 years old, so the fact that engine would just stop while driving, when we had kept up with regular maintenance, sounded bizarre to me. I researched online and learned of 2 class action lawsuits (CA & MI) claiming GM knows about this defect in their engine and continuing to sell trucks with the same safety issue. Not more than 2 weeks after our incident, hundreds of thousands of the 6.3L engines were recalled after a NHTSA investigatio. GM has issued several service bulletins internally on "failing lifters", but has not told the public of the safety hazard. The service bulletins acknowledge the issue, recommending GM mechanics use a lighter oil (SAE-0W20 instead of the customary SAE-0W40) or change the oil more frequently. (service update N212353840). But car owners don't know this! GM is putting lives at risk, as no one expects their engine to completely give out while on the highway. Thankfully, my husband has been driving for 35 years. Had it been a younger, more inexperienced driver, they would not have been able to recover from the engine failure, especially while merging into high speed traffic - causing a crash, injuries and possibly death. The public deserves to know.

6.2L ENGINE NOISE AT START UP AND STAYS ON AND LOSES ENGINE POWER SLUGGISH ALL OF A SUDDEN WHILE DRIVING SAME ISSUE LIKE THE CURRENT RECALL ON ALL 6.2L EXCEPT MINE WAS BUILT RIGHT BEFORE APPROVED RECALL DATES BUT HAS SAME ENGINE L87 WITH SAME ISSUE AND IS CURRENTLY UNDRIVEABLE AND DANGEROUS IF TAKEN ON ROAD. REGULAR OIL CHANGES AT 50% OIL LIFE WITH RECOMMENDED MOBIL1 OIL & ACDELCO OIL FILTER.

6.2 L Engine Failed and is at the Dealership. Technician said a lifter had dropped damaging the intake and the cylinder wall. The problem has been identified by a Dealership Service Center. Only inspection has been by the Dealership. No warning messages pryor to failure. Engine light and some messages came up right when it happened.

I’m reporting a safety concern involving a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. The vehicle went into limp mode and died on the side of the road. AAA installed a new battery, which temporarily restored operation, though the “Service Charging System” warning remained. I drove it home, let it sit for several days, and then took it to a Chevrolet dealership. Although the warning light had cleared, I brought it in out of caution. The first dealer diagnosed a failed alternator and recommended replacement at a cost of $2,158.75. I was also told the vehicle was not included in any active recalls related to this issue. Believing the price was high and wanting a second opinion, I went to another Chevrolet dealer. They ran the same diagnostic and found no issue with the alternator or generator, charging only a diagnostic fee. They also said if the alternator had needed replacement, the cost would have been around $1,300. I mentioned to both dealers that I had seen similar alternator/charging system failures recalled on other 2020 Silverado models. Online forums and customer complaints suggest that many Silverado 1500 trucks with the 3.0L Duramax are experiencing similar problems, indicating a potentially broader issue. Given the inconsistency in diagnostics, the significant cost discrepancy, and the number of similar consumer reports, I believe this issue may be more widespread than current recalls reflect. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether the existing recall should be expanded or if a new recall should be issued for 2020 Silverado 1500 models equipped with the 3.0L Duramax. This issue occurred shortly after a separate failure related to the NOx sensor, which I am submitting under a separate complaint.

The engine failed while I was driving. It started to run very rough and then the check engine light came on as well as multiple other lights. I limped it to my mechanic who found that cylinder #4 had failed and rotated which tore up the cam shaft. Total damages came to 10,404.28. I have all receipts. Safety for myself and others were impacted because it lost power immediately and could have put me or other motorists in a position to react quickly not to crash.

Transmission stalls out when going from 1st to 2nd and when driving down the road in cruse control it shutters.

-Cylinder number 5 piston failure -Cylinder number 5 cylinder failure -Cylinder number 5 injector failure Vehicle was traveling at roughly 70 mph, everything operating normally. Suddenly check engine light came on, multiple traction control lights, cruise control disabled. Vehicle started to sputter and grey smoke showed out of the exhaust. Pulled over and shut vehicle off, checked oil and coolant level both were normal. Motor temp was slightly above normal. Restarted vehicle and it continued to sputter and smoke. Local shop ran codes that showed injector number 5 loss of signal. Upon further inspection a camera was sent down the number 5 cylinder, cylinder had excessive damage and metal fragments. Large amount of oil seen both on top of piston and on spark plug. It was determined that motor will need to be replaced.

Vehicle transmission locked up. I see safety recalls for 2019 and newer but mine is not on the list. I’d like to get the GM 1-year/1500,000 mile warranty they have issued.

I was enjoying my day off with my family while driving torch highway when I try to pick up my speed to merge in, but my truck was not responding, when stepping on gas, I certainly did not saw any of them gears change I had to put to the for our safety and had to call a tow truck.

Had a check engine code and the dealership diagnosed the problem as being the coolant control valve. However being still under warranty they said that part is no longer covered under powertrain warranty as of Feb 1st. They now want me to pay 4400 for a part that fails often. Is there anything I can do?

MVC involving 7 vehicles. My truck was rear ended, pushed into on coming traffic where i was hit in the front fender, bumper and side wall of front right side ( passenger side). The rear bumper was rolled under the truck and the front right side was pushed inward towards driver side. The front passenger seat was pushed toward the driver seat. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED!!!

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.

Vehicle Shudders between 35 to 60 mph consistent with torque converter / transmission issues.

Was driving on the interstate on [XXX]. While driving, the truck suddenly slowed down and lost power. The check engine light came on and then after about a minute a message popped up on the dash saying that the truck was in reduced-power mode to prevent engine damage, or something like that. It slowed to roughly 50mph and I had to drive for maybe 5 miles to reach the next exit, narrowly avoiding collision from behind with cars driving upwards of 75. Pulled off the road to the first parking lot, then got towed to the nearest Chevy dealership in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The diagnosis was a blown connecting rod that had occurred while driving on the interstate, resulting in a necessary total engine replacement. The truck was repaired in Shawnee, Oklahoma at the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My 2020 Silverado duramax was at the dealer for recall , next day check engine light came on and rear wheels got locked up , the dealer installed new transmission valve , next day same problem check engine light and rear wheels locked up again, now the dealer said is something to be with a speed sensor and I have to paid for it , my truck was perfectly working before all this recall thing, it’s been 3 weeks now with no transportation, because GM and Chevy dealer don’t want to respond or fix this problem with the transmission valve and transmission control module software that was installed My truck was all good before this matter

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a ticking sound coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the sound was evident when the vehicle was started, and while the vehicle was idling. The check engine warning light was flashing, and the vehicle was shaking while idling and while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the engine had failed due to a failure with the lifters. Additionally, there was coolant leaking into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,400.

There was a significant oil leak that was diagnosed during a routine oil change in March of 2025. The dealership that identified the leak attempted to pass it off as something that was out of warranty even though the vehicle had an additional six months and 45,000 miles of warranty (3.0 diesel). The leak was significant enough that loss of oil could cause the engine to fail and result in a crash. Subsequently, another dealership identified the leak and repaired the seal around the lower crankcase. It did not repair the oil leak- there are three additional reports/complaints to file.

The engine started making a strange sound while driving. Was taken to dealership were it was found that the engine was going bad due to a lifter failure. The engine only has 64,000. miles on it and was maintained by dealerships for routine service.

Transmission shutter

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15-20 MPH, the message “Engine Power Reduced” was displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle started shaking and decelerating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine wiring harness needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that another part needed to be replaced; however, the contact was unable to recall the exact part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact of a possible number for assistance. The manufacturer had opened a case regarding the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

When the truck was less than 2years and less than 20,000 miles old it developed a clunking noise in the rear suspension. Sounds like 2 heavy pieces of metal softly being knocked together. The dealership inspected it and replaced both rear shocks. The noise was still there. The dealership replaced the left leaf spring assembly. This temporarily eliminated the noise. The noise came back at just under 3 years and 30,000 miles. The dealership inspected, but couldn't find the source of the problem. The noise has only worsened since then, and at a recent visit to the dealership, they could clearly hear the problem. I was told that it is the result of worn cushions between the leaf springs. I'm concerned that the truck may be unsafe. I've been contacted by GM, and at this time they are looking into how to fix it, and who should be responsible for the repair. I can't imagine that mine is the only 2020 Silverado with this problem, and think there must be other reports of a similar nature.

Transmission blew whole driving

Had sudden engine failure at 82k and have been told I need a new engine. Can't afford it, GM says there's nothing they can do to help cover the repairs. I have a new engine on backorder, nobody knows when it will be in, they told me they have other customers who have been waiting for new engines for months.

Transmission is giving the same issues as the reported diesel transmission problems in same year model. Safety has not yet been put at risk. Due to a 2 month wait time I have been unable to get it inspected by a dealer.

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.

I purchased a 2020 Chevy Silverado 2.7 turbo RST from Greg young Chevy in Omaha Nebraska. Upon purchasing this vehicle within 20 days of ownership I got a check engine light indicating code P2090 for exhaust camshaft position sensor. The truck was taken back to the dealership and they at first tried to just clear the code and give the truck back however I put my foot down and requested them to look further into it. After weeks of them having the vehicle they determined there was an issue with the pcv oil separator and they replaced the part allegedly. After reviving the car back they strongly suggested I purchase an extended warranty telling me “you’re going to need it” we purchased the warranty only to discover the code reappearing less than 2,000 miles later and a tic sound in the engine. My independent research has concluded it’s a lifter failure and those lifters are now slamming into my camshaft causing excessive damage. After getting the code read more in depth I can confirm they again just cleared the code and an oil leak is still existent in the engine. This causes the auto stop to disengage which makes the vehicle leech forward when at rest while my foot is still present on the brake as the camshaft does a full rotation to adjust and correct itself to the sensors suggested position. On average this moves the vehicle approximately 1 foot forward and could lead to me damaging my vehicle or causing harm to people in crosswalks.

My 2020 Chevrolet Silverado rear window leaks causing mold on headliner and carpeting and if running electric defrost during rain it makes a sizzling noise afraid of electrical issues as well if not correct and the mold makes the interior environment unsafe for breathing

Lifter failure in the motor ALso, leaking in back window

My break system failed twice in 2 weeks. On Feb 01, 2025 around 5:35 pm, I almost ran over a dog the first time because I lost access to breaks and emergency breaks and could not stop going through my neighborhood. Today on Feb 13, 2025, I had picked my son up from school, and the breaks went out after we left the school. This time I almost ran into a car but had to turn off to the right to avoid hitting it. My son and I could have injured the person driving in front of us and ourselves. I looked up the problem, and it seems that many others have faced the same problem. When I turned off the truck for 10 minutes, the system would reset itself and start working normally again. I took the truck to the shop, and it is currently there so they can run tests on it. I recorded what it looks like on the dash when I lose all braking.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact used a diagnostic tool to determine that the vapor canister purge pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

On Feb 10, 2025 while in busy mid-day traffic on the highway going 55mph my vehicle without any warning signs or warning messages on dash, or dash indicator lights suddenly went into limp mode , began making a loud knocking from the engine, and started shutting down. I stopped the vehicle as soon as I safely could do so and had it towed back to the selling dealer for them to diagnose the issue. The dealer then informed me that i had a bent lifter on the left bank but they did this based on codes and not any tear down. They referred me to another local dealer. I had my vehicle towed there where they also stated lifter. Once they began to replace the lifters on the left bank scarring was found on my #3 cylinder wall and at that point I was told that my truck had catastrophic engine failure and the engine would have to be replaced. They also told me that my truck had no oil in it and the issue was caused from carbon build up. I have had every maintenance service performed on time and at the selling dealer and have all service records. I was not overdue on maintenance. I have never been told about any oil leaks or any other issues that needed to be resolved on my vehicle. I had driven the truck the night before with no issues.. There was no oil on the ground or under the vehicle for them to say there was no oil in the vehicle. I was never told that i needed spark plugs due to carbon. I believe that this has to due with the AFM issue that GM is well aware of. I had to purchase another vehicle due to the damage that was found on this required an engine replacement

After driving and doing errands I tried to pull truck into garage and noticed it was hard to move. It seemed like brakes were stuck on despite not applying brakes. I pulled out of driveway to drive around block. Lost all brakes while driving down county road at 50 mph. Check engine light on, brake failure warning on, warning light that speed limited to 43 mph, ABS light on. Eventually able to stop. Turned off engine for a few minutes. Restarted and brakes all worked again although check engine light still on. This could have been deadly on a steep road or on ice or in traffic. I see online that this is a common problem with Chevy trucks although no recall has been issued for this one. I am very concerned that this truck is not safe - for me or anyone else on the road with me. I have not taken it in. I live in the country, some distance from a dealership so nothing has been confirmed. Nothing like this has happened to this truck before and there was no other warning. It is available for inspection but is my only transportation.

I am reporting an issue with a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. The vehicle experienced a failure of the NOx Sensor Position 2, which significantly impacted performance and emissions compliance. GM previously issued Emission Recall N212351211 (March 7, 2023) for other diesel Silverado models regarding improper ECM detection of NOx sensor faults. The issue in my vehicle appears functionally identical, yet this engine and model were not included in that recall. The sensor was replaced and reprogrammed at a Chevrolet dealership at the owner’s expense. After contacting Chevrolet, a customer retention check was provided, covering roughly half of the total cost. While appreciated, the remaining cost burden remains significant. If this model is eventually included in the recall, it may allow for full reimbursement and support for other affected owners. Online forums show that many 3.0L Duramax owners are experiencing similar failures, suggesting this may be a widespread and systemic defect. Due to the strong similarities with the recalled condition in other models, I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether this recall should be expanded to cover additional affected vehicles. This issue presents both reliability and emissions compliance concerns. In addition, the vehicle developed a separate mechanical/electrical problem shortly after the NOx sensor failure. Because it involves different systems, I will file a separate complaint regarding that issue.

In November 2023 my check engine light suddenly started flashing, my service parking brake light came on, traction control light came on and service ESC message was on the DIC. Then my truck started running really rough. At the time I was going roughly 10 mph. I took it to the dealership and they found a lifter had failed. My truck was at the dealership for a month. Fast forward to now, February 2025 and today I got the exact same lights appear on my cluster and same message. I was driving approximately 50 mph and my truck felt like there was a lack of power and there was hesitation in the engine.

I am reporting an issue with a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. The vehicle experienced a failure of the NOx Sensor Position 2, which significantly impacted performance and emissions compliance. GM previously issued Emission Recall N212351211 (March 7, 2023) for other diesel Silverado models regarding improper ECM detection of NOx sensor faults. The issue in my vehicle appears functionally identical, yet this engine and model were not included in that recall. The sensor was replaced and reprogrammed at a Chevrolet dealership at the owner's expense. After contacting Chevrolet, a customer retention check was provided, covering roughly half of the total cost. While appreciated, the remaining cost burden remains significant. If this model is eventually included in the recall, it may allow for full reimbursement and support for other affected owners. Online forums show that many 3.0L Duramax owners are experiencing similar failures, suggesting this may be a widespread and systemic defect. Due to the strong similarities with the recalled condition in other models, I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether this recall should be expanded to cover additional affected vehicles. This issue presents both reliability and emissions compliance concerns. In addition, the vehicle developed a separate mechanical/electrical problem shortly after the NOx sensor failure. Because it involves different systems, I will file a separate complaint regarding that issue.

Rear sliding window is leaking from unknown area.

When I would put the truck in park and proceed to turn it off, the computer would tell me the truck was not in park. I was told at the dealership that the transmission was in park, though the computer wasn't communicating correctly. Not only does it pose a risk of draining the battery, it is a safety issue. If I were to park on a hill, the only confirmation that my truck is in park is what's said on my dash.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the messages "Reduced Steering Assist”, "Check Engine” and "Service ESC" warning lights were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence at reduced power. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that an engine rod was causing the knocking sound. The contact stated that the dealer had not yet determined why the other warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

defective 8-speed automatic transmission (RPO MQE, 8L45) in my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 4x2 (VIN: [XXX] , 102,000 miles), purchased used from CarMax Orlando (6375 S Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL 32822). The vehicle required a $5,950 repair at AAMCO Winter Haven (1350 6th St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881) due to persistent transmission issues, including shuddering, jerking, or delayed shifting. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Hard shifting and shuddering

This transmission has shifted terribly since day 1. It currently has 114,000 miles. It would slip gears going up an incline. I was told the fluid was too slick. Fluid change at 30k. Started to stumble on downshift again. Fluid / filter change done. Brass, metal in filter/ pan. It will downshift so hard that it feels like you are getting rear ended at a stop light. 1-2 seconds after a complete stop, bam. Been down 9 weeks.

The engine blew a rod through the engine block and dealership replaced engine June 2023. January 2025 engine abruptly stopped while on the highway at 70 mph and now waiting on diagnostic test from dealership but after reading all the incidents regarding this engine I feel it’s another L87 engine failure from GM

This morning it was 16 degrees F I drove about 6 city miles at about 35 mph. I was 1.5 miles from home when leaving a stop light the truck bogged down and was only going up to about 25 mph with the tach at 2000 rpm. It seemed at first that I was driving with the parking brake on but most V8's have enough power to override the parking brake. This acted as if I was pressing hard on the foot brake while driving and giving it a lot of gas. I probably would have had to floor it to go any faster. But was afraid of damaging something. Put on the flashers and drove about 15 mph with the tach at 1500-2000rpm. The dash displayed "Brake system failure 62 mph top speed", "Service ESC", "Parking brake failure" and "Service trailer brake system", The brake pedal was changing its height by itself. Pulled to side of road and pumped the brakes several times, shifted the transmission through park, neutral, reverse and drive and it seemed to operate normally. Pulled onto road and it was bogging down the same. Pulled to side of road again. Then started driving again with flashers on and the tranny shifted as normal, but the brake pedal went to the floor. Pumped the brake pedal and it still went to the floor. Drove slowly while checking the brake occasionally but still went to the floor during the 5 blocks to my driveway. The brake had no effect. My driveway slopes slightly upward so I stopped safely. All four wheel centers and brake rotors were too hot to touch after slowly driving the 1.5 miles this occurred over. About 15 minutes later I turned on the key and the dash displayed "Brake system failure 43 mph top speed", "Service ESC", and "Service trailer brake system". Fortunately there were no vehicles close in front of me when this started and many were behind me when driving with my flashers on due to quite a bit of traffic. This could have been a disaster had it occurred somewhere else. The local Chevrolet dealer that services it has not seen it yet.

The Transmission is skipping gearing. There has been a recall for 2020 Chevrolet 1500 Silverado, but my vehicle has not been call.

We were driving on the highway when we attempted to make a turn the Steering wheel would not turn. We almost had an accident. I, [XXX], the Driver, had to swing out, and force the steering wheel to turn to get out of traffic. The service steering system with care light and the ESC Light came on. My truck is not that old and should not experiencing this type of problem. This was a very frightening experience that I don't want to go through this anymore. I call the dealership that I purchased the truck from and learned that other models had a recall on the same issue, but my 2020 had no recall on it. So therefore, they did not have to work it in to fix it. So, I'm reporting the issue so that no one else have to experience what I did. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and experienced hard shifting before returning to normal functionality. The vehicle had returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

Upper control arm ball joint separated.