general problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - part 1

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the engine shut off as intended in the fuel saver mode, but when the brake pedal was released, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and was repaired but the repair information was unavailable. The contact stated that failure recently reoccurred and the vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on a busy roadway while the contact’s young daughter was a passenger inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 40,000.

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.

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.

To whom it may concern, I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 diesel and to request immediate review and assistance from general motors. I purchased this vehicle from a gm dealership in 2024 with approximately 70,000 miles for roughly $42,000. The vehicle currently has approximately 121,000 miles. Since purchasing the vehicle, it has suffered major breakdowns approximately every three months, requiring repeated costly repairs and making the vehicle unreliable for regular use. Most notably, the vehicle experienced a full transmission failure at approximately 103,000 miles — just after the factory warranty expired, requiring complete transmission replacement at my expense. To date, I have spent nearly $20,000 in repairs, including but not limited •full transmission replacement •two alternator replacements •glow plug system failure •coolant control valve failure •engine control / computer module failure •transmission cooling system failures •ongoing electrical system issues •additional drivetrain and mechanical problems these are critical powertrain, electrical, and engine management components — not routine maintenance items. The repeated failure of such systems strongly suggests underlying manufacturing or design defects. The vehicle has been properly maintained and serviced, yet continues to experience serious and recurring defects well beyond what would be considered normal wear and tear for a modern diesel truck. At this point, my total investment in this vehicle exceeds $62,000, and I am left with a truck that I cannot trust and that has become financially unsustainable to own.

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.

During an extreme cold event in interior alaska (–44°f), the vehicle experienced a sudden emissions?system failure that triggered an epa?mandated limp mode, limiting the vehicle to 5 mph on high?speed highways. This created an immediate life?safety hazard because it was impossible to maintain a safe speed or exit the roadway due to snow berms. Prior to the failure, the vehicle displayed “service emission system” warnings and multiple dtcs related to the reductant heaters and sensors. A dealership technician later confirmed a “burnt pin” at the reductant pump connector, consistent with thermal?electrical overload. This failure mode matches gm’s TSB 21?na?006, describing connector overheating in cold climates. After the repair, the vehicle continued to exhibit safety?critical symptoms, including harsh downshifts, delayed engagement, and jerking during deceleration, consistent with recall 26v083000 (rear?wheel lock?up risk). The vehicle also continues to emit an electrical burning odor in cold temperatures, consistent with recall n192206310 (block?heater fire risk). The only gm dealership in the region issued a “termination of business relationship,” preventing access to all recall and warranty repairs. This has created a 321?mile “service desert,” making it impossible to obtain federally mandated recall remedies. The vehicle remains unsafe to operate due to unresolved transmission, electrical, and propulsion issues.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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. 00 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.

On September 27, 2025 while driving to my nieces soccer game my 2020 silverado traill boss lt started losing power while driving. I was at a red light when I felt the truck not properly responding to me pushing the gas pedal once it turned green. It slowly started accelerating and then with all the lights still illuminated on the dash, the truck completely stopped working with no response to the gas pedal. I had to let the truck coast forward while driving through an intersection. Thank god there was not that much traffic behind me and any cross traffic. I managed to pull the truck over stuck on the side of the road. My wife had to get a ride from a family member to reach the destination while I had to call a tow truck and have it towed home. Ironically, I believe the truck had just got out of warranty, what a complete waste of thousands of dollars including the warranty that is always useless. I did not reach out to the dealership because I knew it was going to cost me an arm and a leg just for a diagnostic only for them not to find a problem. There was no warning light flashing to notify me that my truck was taking a dump or any error code of any sort for a diagnostic to pinpoint the issue. I am surprised this has not turned into a class action lawsuit (not yet anyways). My father made me a Chevrolet person but with all the recent engine/powertrain problems with general motors. I always believed the slogan "the longest lasting dependable trucks on the road". Tanks to youtuber "@donslife" for keeping the public informed of all the latest updates with all these issues. This might be my last Chevrolet ever unless they could fix these issues and take some type of customer reimbursement/assurance/future or current incentives.

Engine idling rough shaking stalling loss of power.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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 electricals 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 contacts 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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

My vehicle has an incomplete recall, I am not getting what I paid for, still under warranty, not living up to gm Chevrolet warranty. Doesn't feel safe to drive.

The truck caught on fire while I was returning from a trip out of state and then it appears it came from underneath either the transmission the engine or electrical. While returning home a message came on the panel on the highway, saying transmission, hot idle run I pulled off and did this and after about 15 minutes, the message light went off and I pursued coming home nothing was wrong with the truck. After I dropped off to the passengers, I was on the way home and turned on home road and the message came on that says truck powering down all the lights came on the dashboard. I put the truck in park and shut the engine off had a manly open the doors and got out and smoke was rolling from underneath the truck. I grabbed the cell phones and told my passenger to call 911. I went back into the center of the cab to grab something out of the center council and flames came from underneath the hood up the glass of the windshield right in the middle of the truck. Backed away I called 911 again. Troy fire department responded in about six minutes. The truck was engulfed and gone. Ohio state patrol give me a claim number of 70–1 017–70 the instant 921 2024. There has been no problem with the truck or vehicle during the time I owned it. It was regularly service. It had 109667 miles on it. The truck was a 2020 silverado from bill harris ashland.

On September 21, 2024 my chevy 1500 series truck in the year was 2020. It was made caught on fire white driving it. We were returning from a trip pulling a trailer from kentucky to mansfield ohio when we were on the highway. The transmission light/panel came across and said transmission need to engine idle. I drove it about 3 miles and pulled off on an exit at a gas station and did what it said after proximately 10 minutes. The message went off and cleared. We resume going home on our trip and we are 14 miles on the highway then we got off on our exit there’s no lights or no problems with the vehicle. I dropped off the first passenger and lexington, ohio, and then the second passenger lived about a half mile away , this time kept unloading their equipment. From lexington to my home in mansfield, ohio the other passenger I was talking about the light transmission was weird and might’ve been just a sensor. As we pulled onto home road all the panel lights started flashing and then a message came across and said engine is shutting down. I put in park off the engine, we exit the vehicle and smoke was coming out from underneath the truck. I reached into the center council to grab the cell phones and had faster call 911 and when I reached back into the truck were coming out from underneath the hood. I notified general motors on September 23 and have been battling them to get an inspection done. After several months, they have finally agreed with insurance company on terms to investigate what caused the fire. That inspection is to take pl. , December 4, 2024. I have recently just seen the recall article on GMC that came out on November 13. My truck is listed in the article as far as your make and model. This was a transmission problem that gm is trying to ignore and should be held accountable. Have video of when it caught on fire and how quickly it burned up.

Vehicle has been in and out of service for the past 5 months with multiple alerts including "brake system failure 43mph top speed," "service esc," "service brake assist. " on major interstate car would not accelerate past 43mph putting myself, infant, toddler, and wife in danger. Multiple attempts have been made to repair the vehicle and nothing has been successful. Lifters, cam, torque converter, ebcm, master cylinder, calipers, and the list goes on. When this happens the brake is extremely hard to press making it difficult to stop the vehicle. Issue has been reproduced by dealer and attempts have been made under warranty to repair. Car only has 36k miles on it and the issue began prior to that. Gm ongoing solution is to bleed the brakes, which clearly has not resolved the issue. Still hear ticking and noises from engine. Something needs to be done to remedy this issue. This is a safety hazard for myself, my family, and everyone driving around me.

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.

While driving 55+mph on a parkway the service parking brake, check engine light and the traction control light came on with a warning "engine power reduced" which was dangerous because I could not accelerate and there was not a spot to pull over. This is frustrating due to the fact that I was having this same issue 6 months ago and Chevrolet said it was a wiring issue and it wasn't covered by the warranty because it had 42k miles. Chevrolet said it was a known issue but it was not at the level of a recall and it cost $1800 to fix.

While changing a blown fuse for the instrument cluster, my truck unexpectedly caught fire, endangering my safety and causing significant damage to the vehicle. The fire started behind the passengers side fuse box within the wiring harness (gm# 84717166). The dealership determined that the failure was due to wire harness chafing on the thread side of a tie bar bolt. Due to general motors not responding to their request for repair information via the tac, they concluded that the bolt needed to be shorten in order to reduce the chafing. There were no warning signs or indications that this was going to or could occur. The burnt harness is available for inspection but the vehicle has been traded in due to no longer trusting how it was manufactured.

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.

While driving brakes failed and codes came on saying brake system failure 43 mph, this problem apparently is a programming issue that will cost over 600 dollars because “reprogramming” isn’t covered. Brake pads were over 50% life and it is a very dangerous error.

I took my truck in for an oil change on 5/25 and 12 miles after words, my truck was thrown into reduced engine power mode, which dropped my speed unexpectedly as I was driving. Luckily, I was in a residential area so that did not affect my safety, but there is potential that someone could have this code come up on the highway and have their vehicle unexpectedly throttled in regards to speed. The reduced engine power mode was the result of a code related to an electrical issue that ended up being the coolant control valve for the engine. I took it to a Chevrolet dealership that did the oil change, and they inspected it and determined that that part was faulty and would need to be repaired. The problem comes intermittently because the dealership drove my truck some and the issue would occasionally go away. As the part needed is on a seven month back order, the vehicle is available for inspection if needed.