What owners reported to NHTSA about the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, its recalls, and what to check before you buy one.

Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Sierra 1500 year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 65,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Sierra 1500 years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 484 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The most reported problem area is the engine and cooling (260, 54% of complaints), followed by the transmission and drivetrain and the electrical system. That ranks 7th of 13 Sierra 1500 years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 12 recalls.
2 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 65,000 miles.
6.2 liter engine failed at 59,300 miles. Being replaced right now with remanufactured engine. 2020 GMC Sierra is not part of recall but others have had problems as wellOwner complaint, filed 2026
I was driving and my truck shut down on me while I was driving down the road, I had to get it towed to the dealership where it was confirmed that the motor would need to be replaced. There was no warning, it just turned off and luckily I was able to coast to a safe area to wait for the tow truck.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 73,000 miles.
My truck shudders when driving. It has 78,000 miles on it. It started shuttering around 73,000 miles. I baby my truck and don't do switch backs or hot rod around.Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for a transmission fluid flush and refill, the contact was informed that the transmission was inoperable, and the vehicle could not be driven to the residence. The dealer determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 85,165 miles
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 5,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently and needed to be jumpstarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that there was corrosion on the ground wire which caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired because the vehicle was not included in…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 51,000 miles
2020 GMC sierra 1500 infotainment system including navigation,OnStar and voice command, stoped working on Friday May 15th with no prior warning. These systems are integral for modern safe travel and severely affects the value and driver confidence in the vehicle. It seems to be running mechanically sound but, with some of the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 13,000 miles.
On Monday, [XXX], at about 1730 hours was traveling Southbound at 45mph on [XXX] approaching the [XXX] intersection. Vehicle alerted to the following codes on the dash; ESCAPE, Traction Control, Check Engine Light, Brake System Failure, "Do not exceed 62 MPH". I took foot off accelerator and looked up and noticed the traffic light…Owner complaint, filed 2025
My vehicle displayed numerous brake failure codes and limited my speed to 43mph. When taken into my local GMC dealer the diagnostics I was given were a bad/leaking master cylinder. This vehicle has 16,200 miles on it and was never used for towing or hauling. The brakes are hard and brake assist has clearly failed. I’ve found numerous…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 10,000 miles.
A known problem with these trucks is ground strap failure. I was driving and all the sudden lost power steering which almost caused an accident. There is a customer satisfaction program N252515590 that covers 2019-2024 trucks but mine was not included in this for some reason. I did have the truck fixed a my cost and was looking to get my…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that upon start the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The messages “Service Power Steering”, “Power Steering Disabled” were displayed, and ESC warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 115,000 miles
2020 GMC Sierra Denali, VIN [XXX] On [XXX] while driving the 2020 GMC Sierra to work I noticed a strong gasoline smell inside the cabin. I immediately returned home and parked the truck in the street. Inspecting the driveway where the truck was parked over night, I notice large gasoline spot. The following day I had the truck towed to…Owner complaint, filed 2025
13540028 Fuel Pump Power Control Module Part failed leaving me stranded and had to get a tow. When the failure occurred, vehicle would not crank and there was no forewarning. It worked and then it didn't. The part is on notional backorder and there seems to be a lot of vehicles out there with the same issue and that just with the…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 10,000 miles. Parts named most: Automatic emergency braking (11), Adaptive cruise control (5), Warnings (5).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RE ODI 116346689: Tried to report to GM using 800-462-8782 provided by you. Agent would not accept ANY information that I tried to provide, including year/make /model and would not confirm or deny that the issue was known by them. Agent said that the dealer would report their inability to fix the issue directly to…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving at speeds over 38 MPH, and the Lane Departure Warning System was activated the seat indicator did not vibrate or sound an alert as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the software was reset but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 47,000 miles
My 2020 GMC Sierra Denali diesel with approximately 90,000 miles experienced two separate front suspension failures within a short period of time. The driver side tie rod and wheel hub failed first and required repair. Shortly after, the passenger side front suspension failed in a similar way and the vehicle had to be towed. These…Owner complaint, filed 2026
I am writing to formally express my dissatisfaction regarding a significant safety and reliability issue with my 2020 GMC Denali. Specifically, the vehicle is experiencing premature wear and imminent failure of the front ball joints. I expect the suspension components of a premium Denali-trim vehicle to last significantly longer than the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact noticed an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact observed that the roof, rear seats, and rear carpet were saturated with water. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the rear sliding window frame connected to the roof was…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 90,320 miles
The rear back glass is leaking water excessively in to the inside of the vehicle when it rains or gets washed. The vehicle is available at any time for inspection. The amount of condensation that accumulates on all the interior windows makes it impossible to see out of the vehicle. The defrost can not handle the amount of moisture build…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Parts named most: Body (12).
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the tailgate opened unexpectedly after inclement weather or after the vehicle was washed. There was water and rust found inside the tailgate release button, and the message "Tailgate Open" was displayed. The contact associated the failure with Customer…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 29,000 miles
I have a rear sliding window on the cab of my truck that leaks from both ends of the plastic guide. I noticed it when placing my young children in their car seats. I contacted my dealership and was informed the repair would cost $1500+ and not be covered by GM or warranty.Owner complaint, filed 2026
I investigated and Unintended Acceleration crash that occurred on 8-9-2021. The vehicle had just left a body shop where it had repairs to the left front of the vehicle near the ECM. The driver reported the vehicle would not slow down. He face timed a witness and showed her his foot was on the brake and not the accelerator pedal…Owner complaint, filed 2022
The vehicle has made "panic stops" at highway speeds 5 times when using adaptive cruise control with no input from driver or surrounding environment I.e.. Clear road, no traffic, sun or no sun.Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 16,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra. The contact proceeded through the intersection when a vehicle crashed into the contact's driver's side door and wheel at unknown speeds. The contact stated that the other vehicle crashed into two vehicles, then crashed into the contact's vehicle and stopped. The contact stated that the police report…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 34,800 miles
Driving on state highway at posted speed. A deer ran into the right front and side of vehicle. Side airbags deployed. When the right side airbag deployed, it burned a hole in my passengers winter coat that completely went through the right sleeve forearm and scorched the sweatshirt that she was wearing under the coat. Smoke was visibly…Owner complaint, filed 2024
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire line: Wrangler AT/S, Tire Size: LT275/65/R20, DOT Number: PJOTJB1V. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was a slight wobble and then an impact was felt when the rear passenger’s side tire tread separated and damaged the rear fender and bumper. The…Owner complaint, filed 2021
The contact owns a 2020 gmc sierra 1500 equipped with bridgestone tires, tire line: alenza a/s 02, tires size: 275/50/r22, dot number: unknown. The contact stated that the tires failed to hold the tire pressure. The vehicle was taken to scenic chevrolet buick gmc cadillac (2300 rockford st, mt airy, nc 27030) where the vehicle was…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 2,976 miles
Our middle seat belt has stopped working in the back seat- we have not had it replaced yet. No damage was done on it by us, but will not click into the buckle. Driving on the hi-way engine started making awful noises. We pulled over and had the truck towed to Royal Moore GMC in Hillsboro Oregon as we didn't want to cause any more harm to…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Keep getting "service safety restraint system " alerts. Vehicle only has 550 miles. Alerts are intermitent when driving. Contacted the dealer and was advised that unless it remains on they could not trace the issue.Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 550 miles
Compare the 2020 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 | About average | 12 |
| 2020 Ford F-150 | One of the better years | 11 |
| 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | About average | 12 |
| 2020 Ram 1500 | One of the better years | 14 |
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 vehicles equipped with certain accessory road tires and a 17" spare tire. The 17" spare tire provided with the vehicle is not compatible for use with the accessory wheels, which can cause the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to not function properly under certain conditions.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 and 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 trucks. One of the driveshaft joints may not have been properly welded, causing the driveshaft to separate while the vehicle is moving.
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 and Traverse and GMC Acadia and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The diffuser component of the Roof-Rail Air Bag (RRAB) inflator may not have been properly crimped to the inflator and could separate from the inflator during air bag deployment.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The bolts used to attach the front and/or rear brake calipers may have not been heat treated and may break under load.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. The battery positive (B+) cable rings may have been manufactured with excessive glue, potentially causing an intermittent electrical connection between the B+ cable and alternator.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2020 Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles equipped with carpet floor covering. When the front seat belt pretensioners deploy, hot gas may vent through an opening in the pretensioner bracket, possibly igniting the carpet.
The most reported problem areas on the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 are the engine and cooling (260 complaints), the transmission and drivetrain (99 complaints) and the electrical system (81 complaints).
About average for the Sierra 1500. Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Sierra 1500 year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 65,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Sierra 1500 years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The most recent, from Feb 2026, covers the control module. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 65,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the transmission and drivetrain gave a mileage of about 73,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
The Sierra 1500 years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2014. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2012, 2013 and 2018. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.