9.4

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
1,281 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 GMC Sierra 1500:

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

Get free help with your lemon!
close ad
problem #40

Mar 112025

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Back window leaks down onto electrical compents and causes mold behind rear seat, plus staining mold on headliner

- Appleton, WI, USA

problem #39

Jan 122026

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Transmission 10l80 stuck solenoid truck has hesitation delayed shifting. And will not shift after certain gears.

- Mustang, OK, USA

problem #38

Jan 132026

Sierra 1500

  • miles
My 2020 gmc sierra has had poor gas mileage problems i have taken it to gm a few times with them not able to dind anything wrong through diagnostic. A couple years later my horrible gas mileage came back and service ecs and stabilitrack message came back on and disappeared. I spoke to another shop and they advised me its the dfm lifter issues that everyone has been talking about. So the shop performed the well know fix and has fix the issue. A month after now the valve body gave me a p2817 code showing that the solenoid is stuck in the off and was also advised that this is a know issue being addressed. Currently the truck is in the shop. When is enough enough with all the issues across the nation whwn is gm going to make it right

- Mustang, OK, USA

problem #37

Nov 192025

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Safety Recall N242454440 Momentary Rear Wheel Lock-Up was issued for 2020 to 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 but mine is not included. I drive a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. It is experiencing harsh shifting and now there is a feeling in the rear wheels like they are trying to get stuck or hang up. Why is my truck not included?

- Keller , TX, USA

problem #36

Jun 062025

Sierra 1500

  • miles
1. The vehicle-??s emissions system is malfunctioning, specifically the ECM (Engine Control Module) related to the exhaust emissions system. The diagnostic trouble code is P2C7A, indicating the system is not performing as expected. Key components such as the NOx catalytic converters and diesel particulate filter have been repeatedly replaced, but the issue persists. The vehicle and all replaced components are available for inspection upon request. 2. The malfunctioning emissions system has led to an exhaust leak that allowed exhaust gases to enter the vehicle-??s cab. This creates a hazardous environment for both the driver and passengers, exposing them to harmful exhaust fumes. In addition to reduced engine performance, poorer fuel economy, and emissions non-compliance, this exhaust leak poses a serious safety risk by compromising the air quality inside the vehicle. Prolonged operation under these conditions could lead to adverse health effects and further mechanical failures that impact vehicle safety. 3. Yes. The dealership has diagnosed the problem multiple times. The emissions components have been replaced under warranty on two separate occasions. The dealer attributed the fault to fuel quality; however, Fuel distributor debunked these claims. 4. The vehicle has been inspected extensively by the dealership with invoiced repair work replacing key emissions control components. 5. The check engine light and Service Engine Soon (SES) light have been illuminated with the diagnostic code P2C7A since the initial identification of the problem which started 3JUN24

- Brighton, MI, USA

problem #35

Sep 092025

Sierra 1500

  • miles
I heard a ticking noise coming from the engine compartment. I took it to the dealership that I purchased the truck from and that have been using consistently for service. I was told that the noise was coming from a lifter on the driver's side of the engine and, on further investigation, it was determined that the camshaft had been damaged. I was told that it could seize up as I was driving and that my safety and those with and around me would be at risk. At 85,000 miles, the engine had failed and would have to be replaced. There was no prior warning or no check engine light and the vehicle has been in for oil changes and all maintenance at the dealership. The new engine cost me $15000 including diagnosis and towing.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #34

Aug 122025

Sierra 1500

  • miles
My doors will no longer lock or unlock, using the key fob or the lock/unlock buttons in the vehicle. This is a widely known issue for GMC Trucks, once you search for it. At around 50K Miles, the door actuators just quit working. So, if I have kids in my truck, I can't unluck the doors to get them out unless I climb through the truck, and have to manually do same to lock the doors to drive with kids in the car. There isn't a key hole for the back doors, so this can't be done at all outside the car. The doors are supposed to automatically lock when the truck is put in gear. Mine won't lock even when I push the button to lock. I just had this confirmed at the dealer. I also spoke to GMC and was told that it wasn't their responsibility. This is a genuine safety issue, and happens on these trucks a LOT.

- Franklin, TN, USA

problem #33

Dec 242024

Sierra 1500

  • miles
1. Lane Keeping Assistantance: The green vehicle indicator on the dashboard will disappear and stay off while driving. When it is off, it is unsafe. 2. Parking Collision Warning: The front and back sensors will disappear and become nonfunctional while driving and parking. Sometimes they activate for no reason as well. 3. Both exterior mirrors: After starting the engine to drive off, both exterior mirrors will lower automatically from my setting. After the truck is started and driven off, they must be rest again.

- Victorville , CA, USA

problem #32

Jun 192025

Sierra 1500

  • miles
My multipro tailgate on my 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 unlatched while a trailer was attached and backing up said trailer. The trailer jack post proceeded to buckle the upper part of the tailgate assembly causing extensive damage resulting in over a three thousand dollar repair bill. If the tailgate had released while a child was in close proximity, serious injury may occur. The tailgate has inadvertently released twice in the five plus years I have owned it, the first time as I was traveling down a highway at over 60 mph. This could have endangered a vehicle to my rear if cargo had been released on to the road. I have reached out to a local dealership for repairs and assessment, no real way of troubleshooting something that has happened twice in five plus years. The scan did not show any codes. the info center does notify you if it is released but not before it takes place and after the fact may be too late in some circumstances as it was during the second occurrence. There has been a recall on 2500 and 3500 models with the exact same tailgate but not the 1500 models. 820K vehicles affected but not on the 1500's.

- Rineyville, KY, USA

problem #31

May 092025

Sierra 1500

  • miles
1. On 05/9/25, the exhaust emissions system malfunctioned, triggering diagnostic trouble code P2C7A (exhaust emissions system failure). This repair, the seventh attempt since June 2024, addressed the same recurring emissions issue previously involving replacements of components such as the NOx converter (02/18/25, 03/13/24) and EGR valve (02/18/25). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. The P2C7A failure risks limp mode, reducing vehicle power unexpectedly, which is hazardous on highways, especially while towing. Exhaust emissions system malfunctions release excessive pollutants, posing environmental and health risks to others. 3. Yes, the P2C7A code was confirmed by dealer during the 05/9/25 repair, following prior confirmations (e.g., 03/31/25-?"04/05/25. 4. The vehicle was inspected by Young Chevrolet-Cadillac during multiple repairs (e.g., 03/31/25, 05/9/25). 5. Yes, the check engine light and OnStar emissions alerts appeared prior to the 05/9/25 repair, first noted ~June 2024 (P2C7A onset). Exhaust smell and reduced fuel economy were observed intermittently. Symptoms persisted post-03/31/25 repair, leading to the 05/23/25 service.

- Brighton, MI, USA

problem #30

Jan 102024

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Transmission shurtting, jerks, and vibration, bad torque converter bubble and pelling paint. It feel likes engine is lossing power

- Santa Fe , TX, USA

problem #29

Mar 062025

Sierra 1500

  • miles
6.2 liter engine fail- replaced at new cost, 20,000 miles later another 6.2 engine failed. unable to get new engine due to GMC finally recalling the engine. My VIN is not included in the recall. I now have no vehicle to drive but still have a loan to pay.

- Sioux Falls, SD, USA

problem #28

Jan 142025

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Vehicle was going in for warranty recall; however, i requested they look at the DEF system as my DEF gauge would bounce between full and empty; along with, alert me of going into LIMP mode. GM Maintenance updated the recall and noticed that the DEF tank sensor failed and required to be replaced.

- Brighton, MI, USA

problem #27

Mar 132024

Sierra 1500

  • miles
No warning; picking up child from daycare. went to depart daycare when my dash lit up like a Christmas tree with various errors, alerts, warnings; along with, not being able to start. had to be picked up by spouse and get the truck towed to the dealership for maintenance. Maintenance tech discovered that the grounding straps for the truck needed to be replaced / resulting in a complete electrical failure of the vehicle.

- Brighton, MI, USA

problem #26

Jan 312024

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Engine light came on while driving / aligned to transmission temp sensor error and brake sensor GM Maintenance was able to diagnosis that the Temperature Loop Coolant Pump had failed and needed to be replaced.

- Brighton, MI, USA

problem #25

Dec 302022

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Vehicle drop in gear / down shift while driving on the highway. went from 75MPH down to 55MPH due to high RPM revs.

- Brighton, MI, USA

problem #24

Dec 302024

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Rear window is leaking top coners from seal or plastic creating black mold inside of truck

- Leola, PA, USA

problem #23

Jan 012025

Sierra 1500

  • miles
I purchased a 2020 GMC Denali Sierra 1500. My oil light has came on twice and I have taken it into the dealer and dealer has said that that's normal. That car loses oil. I'm retired so I do not utilize the vehicle every day I think since I've had the vehicle I've put on several thousand miles very very low mileage put on. And I'm being told that I need to check the oil basically before I take the vehicle anywhere. During the first time when I bought the vehicle in when the light came on the mechanic said in the paperwork from GMC service that my engine oil was extremely low. This last time that I did take it in, I have some type of mechanical background, so I pulled the dipstick out and it was halfway full with oil. I took a picture of that dated the picture and said I took it in before service while when I took it into the service department of course when I came home, they said that everything's fine and so on and so on and that didn't sit well with me. So I went ahead and let the car settle. Let the car cool down several hours later. I went ahead and checked the dipstick and the dipstick was full. They went ahead and put oil into my vehicle and told me that everything's fine. And I have noticed that there are lawsuits out in regards to oil consumption issues on these vehicles. When somebody spends the amount of money they spend for these vehicles we should not have to be checking the oil almost every time we drive it. I've had multiple vehicles on 50 years old and I've never had to check the Oil like it was 1914 before you go on a trip or even drive your vehicle. I am not trying to blame the Dealership only being told that everything's fine but GMC the company needs to rectify this problem because there is going to be a time that people are going to forget about the oil and burn up an engine and then you're putting them out thousands of thousands of dollars because of a mistake GMC made they're trying to cover it up as you see with the current recall in regards t

- Woodbury, NJ, USA

problem #22

Jan 012025

Sierra 1500

  • miles
I have taken my vehicle to 3 seperate mechanics (GMC, AAMCO and Independent). They all agree that my valve body inside the transmission must be replaced. The problem is that valve bodies are on a national back order and cannot be fullfilled for months, putting my transmission at risk for further failure. Reading online forums, there are many GMC owners facing this same issue. The mechanics at GMC are requesting that I change out my entire transmission, since that will be a quicker solution than waiting months for that valve body. Now, I am being told that they are having difficulty locating an original manufactured transmission. This puts me in a serious bind because my truck is my only vehicle and there are no valve bodies or transmissions to fix this issue. My truck is only a 2020 and I just surpassed 100k miles. There were no dashboard warning lights that indicated my trucks problem. Only the fact that my truck is shuddering when shifting gears and that a diagnostic tool had to find the source of the problem. This problem started about 5 months ago and has progressivly gotten worse.

- El Paso, TX, USA

problem #21

Feb 012025

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Shift to park message appears when in park and engine is turned off. Transmission control had an internal circuit failure. Park not fully engaged and vehicle could roll. Problem confirmed by dealership. Prior recalls for earlier gmc models but not my year.

- Euless, TX, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »