NHTSA Complaint #11661142 — 2020 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500

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.