general problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - part 1

Intermittent issue where info says brake failure/steering assist not working/limited speed to 43 mph. Very dangerous if you’re on the interstate. Becomes hard to steer, brakes don’t work, brakes start burning up. Have to carry tools with me to reset ecm. Very common problem with silverado with 5. 3 gas engine. Chevy needs to fix this issue before someone gets killed. I would give them my truck back if I could.

In several situations, I have lost partial or complete power steering ability. Once, while driving, I recieved a service esc message and steering became quite difficult. Another time, power steering was completely gone, making steering impossible, although every other aspect of the vehicle operated normally. In both instances, there was no clear issue and after some time with the vehicle parked and off, it would return to normal. Possible loss of power steering unexpectedly is a serious concern at this point.

Sudden intermittent loss of power steering, issue confirmed by chevy dealership. No warning lights were displayed.

Intermittent and sudden loss of power steering. The only message displayed briefly then went out was “service trailer brake controller”. Brought vehicle to dealership. The grounding strap behind the front right wheel that goes to the frame (earth strap) was rotted. This seams to be a very common problem with this model truck and is dangerous.

On Sunday Nov. 16th, my steering wheel felt like it was "slipping", akin to how it feels when your serpentine belt tensioner is failing. I checked it out while wife turned the wheel, didn't see any problem, and we went on our way. Later in the day as we were leaving a parking lot, the problem occurred again but worse. And we got a warning about trailer brake controller needs repair. After reviewing similar problems on reddit, I found it was still safe to drive, so we drove home without further incident. Monday I decided to take it to o'reilly auto parts and have a code scan done. Except, as soon as I turned out of the driveway, my wheel completely froze up solid. I could not move the wheel (q2)! since the wheel was still turned, I backed it into the driveway and we took our car to buy our own code scanner. It showed more than just one fault code for the brakes, there were 5. I called fox Chevrolet to schedule al appointment for the next day. Fortunately, the failure occurred as the advisor attempted to turn the wheel (q3). Long story short: problem was a rusted/rotted out ground wire (q1)! behind the front driver side tire, encased in a boot. Tech told the advisor he'd never seen that one before. $40 part, and $400 to install it (q4). I was happy it wasn't a power steering rack failure (electric) but the more I thought about it, felt I needed to report this. You needed a dealer scanner to catch this and trace it to a ground fault. Probably better for you to contact dealer advisor and tech to get a better breakdown on this (q1). Dealer was great, they could have sold me an $1800 steering rack and I'd have never known. Could this failure have happened to someone driving on the street and this pop up all of a sudden (q2)? I believe so. Glad I didn't find out firsthand. The problem went away overnight twice, and then all of a sudden your wheel is locked. I'm curious as to if others are or have faced this, thus my submittal. Thanks for your time.

While driving on a residential side street my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (81,996 miles) suddenly lost power steering and braking with no waring. Several messages appeared in the dash and the check engine light illuminated. I was able get the vehicle safely to the shoulder and put in park without power steering or brakes. At this point the engine stalled and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the nearest chevy dealer on 10/29/2025. The technician verified the loss of power steering, brakes, and several other codes and diagnosed the issue as corroded engine grounding straps per gm bulletin #23-na-201. The grounding straps were replaced and the codes cleared. The technician test drove the vehicle and verified normal operation after the repair. I was responsible for paying the full cost of these repairs as my vehicle was out of warranty. I feel incredibly fortunate that this happened on a residential side street with no traffic. Had this failure happened on the expressway while pulling my 4,000 lb trailer, this could have been a fatal accident if I suddenly lost power steering, brakes and had the engine stall like it did. I see multiple complaints for this issue on the NHTSA website and the gm TSB for this issue dates back to 2023. I am shocked that this is not a nationwide recall yet. It is a significant safety threat to the driver and others. I also know this is not an isolated incident, as my service advisor at the dealer suggested it was probably the grounding straps before the technician even inspected my vehicle. It was pretty clear from our conversation that I was not the first vehicle they had repaired with this issue.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 71 mph with cruise control engaged, the vehicle experienced braking and power steering failure. The traction control, brake, parking, antilock braking system, electronic fuel control, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the brake assist failure, steering failure, and trailer brake failure messages were displayed. The contact shifted into neutral and coasted over to the side of the road. After turning off the vehicle for approximately an hour, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove 40 mph back to the residence. The contact stated that after the failure, the vehicle had to be shifted into neutral, and then the parking brake was activated to come to a stop. The contact stated that a diagnostic test confirmed the steering and brake failures. The contact used a diagnostic tool to retrieve dtc: c0580. An appointment was scheduled with the dealer, but the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The contact discovered information related to NHTSA campaign number: 20v116000 (service brakes, hydraulic), but the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

Just recently my power steering started cutting in and out in parking lots. I have seen that there is a ongoing investigation into steering problems with these trucks. I have not took it to a shop, because it just started and has only done it in parking situations. There are no lights or warning codes on the dash. It was about two weeks ago that it started. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I just would not like to experience it failing on the road.

Without warning (no warning lights or previous mechanical indications) the power steering failed making it extremely difficult to turn the steering wheel. Fortunately this happened while I was parking and not on the highway. The truck had approximately 48,000 miles on it at the time. (8/30/25) repairs required replacing the rack and pinion steering and a heavily corroded "grounding strap". Repair cost was appx $3500.

Engine shut off while driving and was unable to restart.

Power steering locked up. Dashboard warnings "service power steering drive with care, service trailer brake system and driver assist disabled".

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact stated that when the vehicle came to a stop, the steering wheel was independently reset. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed grounding strap. The contact was informed that the grounding strap needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 24,155.

Lost power steering in the middle of a corner. . Almost but me into pole . . No warning. . Later on warning came on. Truck has 32000 miles on it.

No power steering alert showed up to service power steering. Very dangerous driving and power steering goes out.

Initially, turbo charger issues. Dealer after 2 weeks corrected issues with the turbo charger. We were provided loaner. Dealer took 28 days, the second time, to supposedly remedy transmission/shifting issues. First we were told it was a valve port body. Then we were told they had to remove the pan, etc. , all part of the process. Then the parts were on backorder. Finally, at the 11th hour, they installed a rebuilt transmission. Without a loaner for 2 weeks. Got the truck back and within 24 hours, the truck suddenly lost power steering while driving around curve at aprox. 30 to 35 mph. , check engine light on, power steering light on, trailer brakes warning light on, etc. Had it towed back to dealer in the morning and told it would be a priority. Called at 5pm. Truck has not been seen. It's not a car. It's a work truck. Seems the dealership is swamped with silverado trucks with similar transmission issues waiting for valve ports. No loaner vehicles to be had the second time after 2 weeks. Not sure what they will tell us tomorrow.

Lost power steering! almost impossible to make any turns. The dash has esc fault and power steering fault. Says drive careful! how can I drive careful if I can't turn the truck? only 79k miles! gm must recall their bad design and replace it with a design that is proven not to fail!.

Randomly. The power steering has stopped working. There is a widely reported issue with the power steering in 2020 silverados and this model now needs to be included.

Loss of power in my power steering due to corrosion of a ground strap. Found service bulletin 23-na-201 issued 12/23 for the exact problem. The dealership stated there was no bulletin or covered under warranty and is being replaced with cost to myself. I had intermittent low speed "jerking" occasionally a few days before up to the incident.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 55 mph, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. The contact stated that her husband observed that the driver’s side front wheel had detached. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the control arms, rack and pinion, and ball joints had separated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,907.

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.

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, darnell rancifer, 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.

Upper control arm ball joint separated.

Driving at the speed limit 65-70 miles ph my truck started to slow in speed the tire sensor came on then the truck began to smoke and the brakes locked up at a high speed, lucky for me there was no one behind me. I was able to limp to a safe spot and park the truck would not move at all. . After an hour I tried to move it again it would not go into drive. Had to tow it to the dealership. . $$$$ later they say well we can't recreate the problem so it's drivable. I drive 2 blocks and it stops in traffic almost causing a collision. Had it towed home and for 3 moths now it has sat while I have to continue paying payments on a non running 2020 with only 102 thousand miles on it this is criminal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! was told possible $62k to repair but no guarantee it would stay fixed!!!!!!!!!! criminal and should not be on me I am paying still. But if something is not done I will let it get repo. . I am [xxx] old this was to be my last newer vehicle I have had to borrow money again and bought an older 03 silverado that is running great. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While driving down the highway, the ball joints on the front passenger side prematurely failed, causing loss of vehicle control, significant damage to steering and braking components and body damage. Diagnosis is being confirmed by an independent service center. No symptoms of premature wear or imminent failure were noted.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet silverado. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed while driving over a speed bump the contact noticed that the power steering became inoperable with the electronic stability control warning and a power steering disabled message displayed. The contact stated the vehicle became difficult to control. The vehicle was able to restart however the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that that the power steering control module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

While driving home truck began to misfire and drop in rpm’s. Service esc and service parking brake popped up on my notification system. My engine light was blinking and my traction light was on. While I was turning into my street to get home, my engine shut off. The steering wheel and brakes became hard as the motor wasn't powering them. I was able to turn it on and get it into my drive way. Afterwards when trying to turn it on, it would turn on and shut off immediately. Chevy replaces a fuel pump module for a second time(recall), added a new starter and battery. After three months they then told me I need a new engine because it has locked itself up. I purchased the vehicle with 32,000 miles and it currently has 49,000 miles. Chevrolet are not going to warranty me a new engine because I do my own oil changes (which were 2). Had this happened on the highway or in traffic, I would've been at a high risk of causing an accident considering power steering and brake system was not working properly.

Esc error code come on with a traction control off symbol and the drive steering assist reduced drive with care. I lost my power steering out of now here when driving on roads that are not very smooth or if I turn my wheel all the way to one side. I was able to muscle the truck home safely.

While driving on the freeway the right control arm broke.

The electronic steering assist stopped working while I was driving to work. Was leaving a stop sign and steering wheel became stuff and notifications on dash appeared. Was able to get to side of the road and turned vehicle off for 20-30 mins and started back up and steering was normal. Notifications on the dash were: service power steering and service trailer braking system. Search online showed this is a known issue that has happened with these vehicles for years and clearly hasnt been addressed. This is very dangerous. Vehicle has 42k miles on it. I had the "service trailer braking system" notification come on a couple times previously and steering felt "sloppy" but immediately went away. And ive never used the trailer braking system so I didnt think anything of it.

Service power stering and service esc warning lights came on, lost power sterring. After 30 minutes restrated the truck and everything was fine. Took to cheverolet dealer, they found no codes and could not duplicate the issue, had no solution for help, told to bring back while its doing it, you can not drive in that condition. Vehicle had 16,880. 00 miles on it when problem occcured,.

Power steering stopped working while making a left hand turn. Pulled to the side of the road, turned off engine. Looked in owners manual, no mention of electric power steering, or where to put steering fluid. Restarted engine and steering worked. Went online and found possible chassis/frame ground issue. Ground cable on rh side behind front tire was corroded badly. Went to the dealer for a new ground strap, the dealer had 1 right under the counter. New strap appears to be plated, is this a known issue?.

“service power steering soon” message appeared and I took it to a Chevrolet dealership and I was informed I needed to replace the power steering module for a total of $2300 for parts a labor. Now the power steering will randomly stop, making it almost impossible to drive. There are hundreds of threads online of this model having the same issue and this should be a recall because someone is going to get injured.

Voltage will drop and effects steering, dash lights, radio, headlights.

Loss of power steering, on 2 occasions. Started the vehicle and got a caution notice saying drive with care power steering disabled. Sure enough no power steering. Stopped vehicle waited, re-started vehicle, problem persisted. Made other transportation arrangement plans, restarted vehicle after a bit a problem seem to be gone. Stored codes we're 121, 131, and 140. Bcm communication loss, power brake communication loss and steering control communication failure.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 mph, the steering wheel seized. The "loss of power steering - drive with care” message was displayed. The driver pulled over, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering module and steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.