GMC SIERRA 1500 · model year

2020 GMC SIERRA 1500

567 NHTSA complaints, 12 crash reports, and 12 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2020GMCSIERRA 1500 carries 567 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 12 crashes, 5 fires, 15 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2020 SIERRA 1500 is engine with 168 filings, followed by power train (74) and electrical system (67). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 12 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2020 SIERRA 1500. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

567
Complaints
12
Crashes
5
Fires
15
Injuries
0
Deaths
2020 GMC SIERRA 1500 — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

567 filings

Crashes Reported

12 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE168
POWER TRAIN74
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM67
SERVICE BRAKES45
UNKNOWN OR OTHER40
STEERING32
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM23
SUSPENSION16
VISIBILITY/WIPER11
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING10
STRUCTURE:BODY10
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL8
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)6
AIR BAGS5

Recalls (12)

20V44600030/07/2020

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

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 cr

20V11600027/02/2020

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

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.

21V11500025/02/2021

TIRES

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

24V79700024/10/2024

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

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 caus

20V65000022/10/2020

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

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.

19V83700021/11/2019

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

20V79200017/12/2020

SEAT BELTS

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 fram

21V98500016/12/2021

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

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 syste

19V81400014/11/2019

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

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

19V88800012/12/2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

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.

26V08300012/02/2026

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

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 l

20V68400005/11/2020

TIRES

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.

Recent Complaints

20260219ENGINE

I had a complete engine failure that I had to pay out-of-pocket for I really think that this vehicle should’ve been included in the 2021 and beyond engine recall for 6.2 GMC Sierra‘s. I drove to work one morning Fein after work I turned my vehicle on, and the engine started shaking violently and smoke coming out of my exhaust like I’ve never seen it before dealer said engine was completely blown and had to be repaired again I paid for this out of my own pocket. It is now coming to my attention that this vehicle is being looked at as an engineering analysis in line with the recall for the 2021 in above GMC Sierra‘s what do I need to do?

20260217ENGINE

My engine is projecting a ticking sound. Oil consumption is extreme.

20260217POWER TRAIN

My engine is projecting a ticking sound. Oil consumption is extreme.

20260216ENGINE

Engine failure as related to RQ26-001. engine misfires after following recommended maintenance schedule for 6.2L engine. Vehicle is at dealership and available for inspection and dealer is recommending engine replacement. Engine light came on and was brought to GMC dealership same day.

20260214ENGINE

Catastrophic engine failure at 62,445 miles. Dealer state excessive oil in cylinder 7, ring failure. Recommendations; remove and replace engine.

20260211SUSPENSION

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 37,061 miles currently on my odometer. Industry standards typically place the lifespan of these components between 70,000 and 150,000 miles. Technical Details of the Failure: The vehicle is currently exhibiting the following symptoms of accelerated ball joint degradation: •Excessive Vertical and Lateral Play: Inspection reveals play in the right lower ball joint that exceeds the manufacturer’s maximum allowable wear specifications. The left lower Ball Joint is starting to have a small amount of play, according to the technician

20260207POWER TRAIN

My 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 experienced a premature transmission failure consistent with GM’s known 8-speed transmission defect. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk if/when the transmission occurs a temporary lockup which can/will cause the vehicle to stall on the highway, and potentially create a minor/major automobile incident if vehicle stalls. The vehicle was taken to dealership Capital Chevrolet Montgomery, AL where dealership technician diagnosed/confirmed the issue along with pictures of internal transmission failed components as well as recommended resolution for fix. The vehicle has been inspected by my out-of-pocket expense extended warranty company Endurance Warranty Services sub-contracted repair claims adjuster. No warning lamps, vehicle messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure were noticeable; the vehicle had multiple diagnostic scans prior to original sale and after sale to present no issues or trouble scans. the first issue appea

20260206ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made an abnormal popping and crackling sound. The traction control, check engine, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message "Service Emergency Brake" was displayed. The engine later made knocking sounds, and the vehicle vibrated while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the year and VIN were not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Mileage: 138,000

20260206ENGINE

I purchased my 2020 gmc sierra 1500 6.2L in September 2024 with 80,000 miles. 9 months later the lifters gave out. Had them replaced and 6 months later, the lifters again were bad and was knocking. They are now replacing the lifters and cam. I am so disappointed that this is happening. I hear that the 2019 and 2020 was not included in this recall! Why not!! If it’s still doing the same thing and it is the same engine, why isn’t my truck in this recall? I would like to know why? If it is doing the same thing as the recall, shouldn’t it be covered by this recall? Best, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20260202ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and hauling a boat, the vehicle shook violently and made a loud banging sound. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and it was determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #6, and that the engine required further inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: EA25007 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Mileage: 87,000

20260202ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and hauling a boat, the vehicle shook violently and made a loud banging sound. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and it was determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #6, and that the engine required further inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: EA25007 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Mileage: 87,000

20260123ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20260123VISIBILITY/WIPER

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

20260123UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

20260120ENGINE

The bearings in my engine failed while on the road! The dealer says I need a full engine replacement for $16,000. There were no warnings or indication there was a problem. The vehicle has been maintained perfectly since it’s purchase.

20260120ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact disabled the stop-to-start feature, and the failure ceased. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to remain with the dealer for two weeks while performing diagnostic tests on the vehicle. The contact was unable to be without a vehicle for two weeks. The vehicle was the only means of transportation. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle and that the manufacturer needed to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The contact was advised to take the veh

Mileage: 123,000

20260120ENGINE

Truck started to vibrate and loud tick sound, CEL for misfire and traction control. Hard shifting until I could pull to a safe area to call for a tow. Around 76k miles on the truck when it happened.

20260120ENGINE

While accelerating on the highway the truck started to vibrate along with a loud tick, CEL came on for misfire and traction control, hard shifting to where I could park at a safe area to wait for a tow. Kids in the car with me 90 plus degree day on the side of the highway.

20260120ENGINE

When driving at about 30 mph the truck randomly shut off and would not start or try to start. I was later told the engine crankshaft rod bearings seized.

20260119UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

Compare 2020GMCSIERRA 1500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500 have?
The 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500 has 567 NHTSA complaints, 12 crashes, 5 fires, 15 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500?
The 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500?
Yes, the 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500 has 12 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500?
The most-complained component for the 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500 is ENGINE with 168 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500 has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.