10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 7
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
6,568 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

Get free help with your lemon!
close ad
problem #86

Jan 152026

Silverado 1500

  • miles
While driving home from work the truck displayed numerous trouble codes including ebc failure, braking failure, traction control failure and trailer brake failure as well as vehicle governed to 42 mph. I took it to the dealership and they checked all of the braking system and could not find any issues. They reset the codes, and changed all 4 pads and rotors as all 4 wheels were 1/32 out of true as a precaution. I drove it home about 5 miles with no issues. The next morning I was on my way to work and the codes reappeared with me being governed to 62 mph. At the stop sign I had no braking at all. Pumping the brakes resulted in no braking or pressure in the pedal. Luckily there was no traffic and I was able to use a hill to stop. I turned around and went the mile back to my house and was unable to stop again ending up with the front end in my neighbors yard. I had the vehicle towed back to the dealership where they still have not found a cause or a solution to the issue

- Wampum , PA, USA

problem #85

Jan 152026

Silverado 1500

  • miles
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, turned off, and unoccupied, the rear of the vehicle caught fire. The fire was initially extinguished by a maintenance worker, and the fire department later applied water to the area to prevent the fire from reigniting. The fire department was unable to determine the cause of the fire, and a fire report was not provided. The contact was unaware whether a police report was filed. The vehicle was not destroyed or towed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear wiring harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that the rear bumper and tailgate were damaged as a result of the failure and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

- Pierre, SD, USA

problem #84

Dec 292025

Silverado 1500

  • miles
The component that failed was the wiring harness installed in the engine area. the harness was installed right next to a dip stick. The dip stick has a sharp metal piece welded to it and it punctured the harness cutting wires on the inside. This could have been a potential fire hazard. The problem was able to be reproduced, inspected and confirmed by a certified chevy mechanic at Philips Chevy in Frankfort, IL. The mechanic also showed me the failure point on the vehicle upon a visit. The dashboard lights were flashing randomly, headlights were very dim which it very difficult to see, android auto stopped working and not able to use hands free, so that became a safety issue, cruise control stopped working, and was receiving errors for a failed fuel pump.

- Matteson, IL, USA

problem #83

Dec 152025

Silverado 1500

  • miles
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)

- Fort Wainwright, AK, USA

problem #82

Dec 242025

Silverado 1500

  • 29,354 miles
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.

- Fort Wainwright, AK, USA

problem #81

Sep 052024

Silverado 1500

  • miles
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.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #80

Dec 102025

Silverado 1500

  • miles
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.

- Yonkers , NY, USA

problem #79

Nov 032025

Silverado 1500

  • miles
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 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.

- Ajo, AZ, USA

problem #78

Nov 152025

Silverado 1500

  • miles
While driving it said "service ESC", "brake system failure" and then "trailer brake system failure" "max speed 62." Brakes when pressed would not work. Had to cruise to stop. When truck shut down and restarted it said "max speed 43" and check engine light came on. Truck was then towed to mechanic and waiting to be looked at/worked on.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #77

Nov 122025

Silverado 1500

  • miles
There was a brake system failure and the brakes stopped working while going 50 mph

- Von Ormy, TX, USA

problem #76

Sep 192025

Silverado 1500

  • miles
Engine idling rough shaking stalling loss of power

- Athens, PA, USA

problem #75

Aug 082025

Silverado 1500

  • miles
Truck experienced reduce power mode. Took to have codes ran and it showed 24 separate codes when engine light comes on. While riding down the road, truck will go into reduce power mode, shift automatically into 4x4, and several other notifications will appear. Taking to dealership and was told the electrical wiring harness was shorting out causing this issue. Cost around $700 for repair, happened one month later, took it back and no charge for the 2nd time. It is currently in reduced power now. Dealership stated to replace the wiring harness would cost over $3,000. Dealership stated this was a manufactures defect, but no recall was issued so all cost is on the owner.

- Linden, NC, USA

problem #74

Aug 152025

Silverado 1500

  • miles
am writing to formally report a transmission failure in my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and to request your assistance in addressing this issue. I purchased the vehicle on September 2020from Suburu Cobband it currently has approximately 143,000 miles on the odometer. Recently, the truck began experiencing serious transmission-related issues, including total failure. These issues developed without warning and have rendered the vehicle unreliable and unsafe to operate. After inspection by ALM Chevy, I was informed that the failure likely stems from a known issue with the torque converter or transmission valve body -?" problems that have been widely reported in 2020 Silverado models with the 8-speed automatic transmission. I have also learned that GM issued a recall for certain 2020-?"2022 models due to excessive transmission valve wear, which may cause the rear wheels to lock up. I am concerned that my vehicle may fall within the scope of this recall or a related Technical Service Bulletin (such as TSB 21-NA-199). Given the seriousness of the failure, the relatively low mileage, and the widespread nature of these transmission problems, I believe this may be a defect in materials or workmanship. I respectfully request the following: Confirmation of whether my vehicle is subject to any open recalls or service bulletins relating to the transmission. A warranty or goodwill repair of the transmission or related components. If parts are unavailable, an estimated timeline for repair or alternative transportation options. I am attaching copies of my repair estimate, service records, and proof of purchase. Please advise me of the next steps and whether further documentation is needed. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to a prompt resolution so that I may safely return my Silverado to the road. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Atlanta , GA, USA

problem #73

May 172025

Silverado 1500

  • miles
Shop has had the truck over two months and cannot figure out the problem will not go stuck in limp mode.

- New Boston , MO, USA

problem #72

Jun 252025

Silverado 1500

  • miles
There is an issue with the wiring harness that causes vehicle to lose power. Dealership says manufacturer defect because designed with harness cover is too thin and is to close to engine so burns wires. Many other users have complained of this issue and is frequent in this model.

- Palatka , FL, USA

problem #71

Jun 162025

Silverado 1500

  • miles
Vehicle started and behaved as expected when leaving my home and for a dozen lights or so between my home and place of the incident. While stopped at a red light, the auto stop function shut the truck down as normal. On re-start when getting green light, after releasing brake pressure, the start up was belabored for two turnovers before starting up. As I pulled off the stop with a green light, the dash lights illuminated and display started rolling through system failures, one of which was the brakes system and ESC. I cautiously proceeded through my turn to a thankfully quiet intersection as the brakes were completely unresponsive. I had ZERO brake function. I was able to slowly come to a rolling stop enough to get the truck in park where I turned it off and back on and the brake function returned. I cautiously drove to the local chevy dealer where I was informed that the battery drain pulls from low voltage when it needs extra power for start up. This is utterly terrifying that it is even possible for the battery to start the truck WITHOUT ANY BRAKE FUNCTION. Had this happened just two lights before or after where I was, it would have been a news headline. I could have easily been headed up and over a bridge leading to a catastrophic event at the bottom where I would have been completely unable to stop my truck by any means other than a collision. I would have preferred a dead battery at a red light. Seems a whole lot safer. I'm now stressed beyond measure at the thought of some failure in the future that could lead to another event such as this. My truck is now a nightmare wondering what electrical malfunction is going to put me and/or my wife and daughter in a life or death situation, let alone others on the road. This shouldn't even be an option for the truck to start at the expense of a critical safety function. Not to mention there is no function for the auto start stop system to be deactivated permanently by my choice. I am beside myself and scared to drive.

- Vero Beach, FL, USA

problem #70

Jun 042025

Silverado 1500

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop light, he observed smoke emanating from the area of the vehicle between the cab and the bed, prompting him and the other occupants to quickly evacuate. Within moments, the vehicle caught fire and was engulfed in flames. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the fire. The contact was informed that fire investigators on scene determined that the fire had appeared to originate in the electrical system associated with the seat belt located behind the rear passenger side seat. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was likely to be deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A fire report was filed. A police report was filed, and no injuries were reported. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V814000 (Seat Belts); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

- Mckeesport, PA, USA

problem #69

Mar 282025

Silverado 1500

  • miles
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.

- Mount Pleasant , SC, USA

problem #68

Mar 162025

Silverado 1500

  • miles
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

- Lee , MA, USA

problem #67

Mar 052025

Silverado 1500

  • 124,000 miles
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.

- Cordova, TN, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »