2020 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 Engine Problems
190 NHTSA complaints on file
Engine Issues in the 2020 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500
190 engine complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2020 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. Of these, 0 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 0 resulted in injury.
190
Complaints
0
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
All Engine Complaints
Lifter failure in 2020 Silverado 5.3 engine causing loss of power while driving.
Engine failed on interstate while pulling my RV. Almost had a bad wreck due to this happening. This is the known 6.2L engine failure issues. Had to have motor replaced by Chevrolet and had to pay out of my own pocket.
We own a 2020 Silverado with a 6.2L L87 engine… I am aware of open investigation # EA25007… Our vehicle had sudden engine failure.. no prior warning lamps before failure. (Our vehicle had no open recalls) Once vehicle engine failed left us with no power… had to coast vehicle to a stop. Will not restart. Verified proper oil level on dipstick so vehicle was not low on oil. Had to tow vehicle to shop .. retrieved code P0016 - crankshaft position Oil pan was removed and found bearing material as mentioned by GM issued recall 25V-274. Verified oil pickup tube was not clogged. All symptoms explained by 25V-274, we’ve experienced.
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...
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 to: •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...
At highway interstate travel speeds, vehicle was losing intermittent power. Exhaust at stopped, idle during trip smelled heavily of gasoline. White smoke blowing from exhaust with only 38k miles on the truck. Dealership is replacing the entire engine now and sounds like GM doesn’t want them to fully explore the cause of failure.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with a tapping sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The message "Monitor Brake Service System" was displayed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and inspected, but no failure was found. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifters and camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a different independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifters and camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
The Timing Chain failed. It is at the Dealership available for inspection. Vehicle was unable to accelerate correctly while driving. If it had blown a valve or locked up the engine we would have been stuck on the highway with my kids in the vehicle. Problem has been confirmed with the dealer. It is a known defect with this vehicle but my VIN was not one that was recalled. No issues had came up before it failed. Just went to accelerate and you could feel it slipping and the truck stuttering forward.
I pulled up to a traffic light at a busy intersection in Lubbock, TX, and the engine just shut down on approach to a red light. The vehicle still had power (radio, headlights, AC/heater, etc.) but the engine would not start or even turn over and try to start. The vehicle was towed to a Chevy dealership in Lubbock, TX, and they said they believed it was an internal engine failure but wouldn’t be able to look at it for several weeks. I had it transported to my hometown in Taylor, TX, and my certified mechanic replaced the starter and battery solenoid but the engine still wouldn’t start. They drained the oil and found metal shavings in the oil. They too believe that the engine suffered a catastrophic failure and needs to be replaced.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly sputtered. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
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....
The 6.2L engine failed. The same as the 2021-2024 recalls.
The truck had a lifter failure which caused the pushrod to bend damaging the camshaft as well. I spent $5000 dollars just for the problem to happen again. I’ve have spent nearly $10000 on this issue. This not something you expect from a truck that you pay nearly $60000 for.
Driving on highway truck lose power, engine lights start to flash and cracking noises start to come from engine. The lose of speed almos cause another vehicle to rear end me, Truck gave no signs or warnings before. Truck was delivered to a local shop and due abundant amount of metal flakes in oil engine need to be replaced
GM declared my original engine as unfixable and decided to replace my engine luckily with 2 weeks remaining in warranty. It had similar clicking noise to everything else I've seen related to this 6.2L having issues. It currently has a new engine that can be inspected if need be. As well as receipt given to me from Klein Chevy from engine replacement. My engine could've failed while driving if I didnt notice the clicking noise prior to getting it looked at. Putting other in danger if driving on a public roadway. Yes the noise/defect was reproducible upon dealer looking at it. Unsure if the vehicle was inspected by the actual manufacturer but they removed my motor and sent it back to the factory. Was never inspected by police or insurance that im aware of There was no check engine light or warning lamps, only thing I noticed was a clicking...
Engine Failure 6 Nov 2025 Yes, engine is available for inspection. Possible loss power, unable to control the vehicle. Vehicle engine failure has been confirmed by dealership, Ruben Milton Chevrolet and Jim Hudson Cadillac in Augusta Georgia. Vehicle has not been inspection by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives. No warning light, no knocking noise, no messages on dashboard.
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally loud engine camshaft bearing sound coming from the engine. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and after three days, it was determined that the camshaft bearing had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact linked the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and NHTSA Action Number: EA25007 (Engine and Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Based on information from ODI Resume EA25007 & Safety Recall N252494002, it is more than likely engine connecting rod bearing failure. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was traveling at freeway speed, 70mph when it occurred. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? 11/25/25 at 12:33 (pacific), I am currently stranded 190 miles from home and waiting for the truck to be towed to the dealer. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It has not. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Prior to Failure: Since I’ve owned the vehicle, I’ve notice slight ticking and slight knocking...
The Engine began to make a knocking noise at ~62000 miles on the odometer. I assume it was bearing failure. MURREY CHEVROLET GMC diagnosed the problem as catastrophic engine failure with the repair being a replacement of the engine. There were no warning lamps. This is a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado High Country with the 6.2L engine.
Fan started running non stop, we overheated, engine cut out and says reduced power. This diesel engine has 80k miles which is nothing for a diesel.
Loss of power when driving and a shutter feeling when accelerating. I took the vehicle to the dealership for repairs and was told the torque converter was replaced due to it being faulty but problem still persists.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal pop and ticking sound coming from under the hood. The check engine and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failure in cylinder #7 and piston failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,600.
Driving at normal highway speeds, "service parking brake", "service engine", and "electronic stability control" lights illuminated on the dash with no prior warning. When attempting to accelerate, to maintain highway speed there was noticeable roughness to the engine along with a tapping sound. I slowed and made the trip back to my home under reduced power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer the following day per the dealer's service advisor instructions. Issue was diagnosed as a collapsed lifter, bent lifter rod and damaged cam lobe. Total repair cost exceeded $10,000. Internet search of this issue reports a number of drivers reporting similar issues with the Chevrolet 5.3 liter engine. If this issue had occurred in a more congested traffic area it could have caused an accident when my engine power was suddenly reduced without warning.
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...
my 2020 High Country Deluxe 6.2 L87 GM Motor: At Every Cold startup, the engine sound is erratic and sounds like metal on metal for internal combustion for approximately 2 seconds until the newly designed two-stage, variable displacement vane-type pump oil sump pump. The biggest issue that I have with this design is, with a 2 stage pump, depending on the engine rpm, according to GM is Possible lower psi to pump the oil to the top end Valve assembly. In addition, the OW/20 oil IMHO is too thin and does not have the Viscosity to lubricate the motor properly. GM Fix (for 2021 -2024 L87 6.2 motors was to change the viscosity to 5W/30 Supercar Synthetic oil, add a leaf to the owners manual to dictate the oil viscosity change and changing the oil cap from 0W/20 to 5W30. 10-speed Hydra-Matic 10L80: Hard upshifts and downshifts intermittently and confusion...
Summary: While driving, the transmission intermittently fails to shift and the truck has locked up and screeched to a complete halt approximately four times, creating a sudden stop/near rear‑end‑collision risk. Details & timeline: First symptoms were around 55,010 miles. On 10/13/2024 the Chevrolet dealer performed “SERVICE TRANSMISSION GM” (fluid & filter), but the condition continued. In April 2025, a shop documented DTC P0700 & P2727 (pressure‑control solenoid), burnt transmission fluid, and clutch material in the pan, and recommended replacing the transmission, transmission cooler, and cooler lines. Earlier, the transmission control module was reprogrammed, and oil cooler lines were replaced, but the truck still intermittently fails to shift while driving. The check engine light has illuminated during some events. Engine safety concern: During the same period the engine oil was found very low/“no oil on dipstick” with no external leaks; an oil‑consumption test was recommended, raising concern about internal engine damage...
Lifter failure
Engine idling rough shaking stalling loss of power
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.
After completing a GM assisted engine rebuild the transmission oil pump is failing and transmission shifting era tic.
Coolant control valve failure. Dealer inspected vehicle and it was confirmed that it needed to be replaced. Check engine light came on fan started spinning at a high speed and the vehicle went into low power mode. When I spoke with the dealer, this is a known issue so much to the point where the cooler control valve is on backorder and I’ve had to wait for over a month now. Projected cost to replace with labor is over $3000.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at a moderate speed, the fuel warning light had appeared on the instrument panel. After fueling the vehicle at a gas station, the vehicle began to hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal, with several warning lights, including the "Engine Power Reduced" and "Service ESC" illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the starter needed to be replaced because the vehicle had failed to start. The mechanic performed a diagnostic test and discovered that the fuel injectors were defective and leaking fuel into the engine. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure and provided the contact with an estimate for repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report...
Engine shut off while driving and was unable to restart.
While driving the active fuel management changed my truck from 4 cylinders to 8 cylinders. This is when I heard a loud bang and a bunch of lights came on the dash and my truck started shaking and shuttering. I was able to regain control of it, but I came close to crashing. I now require a whole new engine at 100000 miles. After talking to multiple shops this ks a known issue. While they dont always catastrophic fail, mine did and almost cost me to crash. This is a serious safety concern.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle shook violently, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
My problem is the same as many others with the 3.0 Duramax engine. I h e the P0016 code indicating the the timing chain that can cost up to $10k and sudden engine failure if not repaired. My vehicle is only 5 years old and has 98K miles at the moment.
I was on a trip to Iowa and noticed a loud ticking noise starting in my engine. There was no warning lights on the dash to indicate any problems. I checked the oil and notice it was not registering on the dip stick. I added over a quart of oil and the noise continued. My truck was just at a dealer 2 weeks prior for an oil change and they noted that everything was good and in proper working order. No leaks or no other issues. I set up an appointment at a chevy dealer at the destination which I was traveling to for a check up. About 60 miles from the dealership, my check engine light went on. I immediately stopped and checked all my fluids which were showing normal ranges. I dropped my truck off for inspection and they advised me that my lifters need to be replaced....
While driving in Southern Utah my truck gave me a Service ESC (Electronic Stability Control) Warning, Service Parking Brake Warning, and check engine light that was for code P0303. I had the vehicle towed to the local Chevrolet dealership and it was diagnosed with lifter failure and camshaft damage because of the lifter failure. Safety was compromised because of the failure of the ESC and the loss of power and stability of the engine. I didn't receive warnings prior to the failure. This appears to be a well-known issue with several service bulletins issued for the vehicle.
Had sudden engine failure at 82k and have been told I need a new engine. Can't afford it, GM says there's nothing they can do to help cover the repairs. I have a new engine on backorder, nobody knows when it will be in, they told me they have other customers who have been waiting for new engines for months.
There was a significant oil leak that was diagnosed during a routine oil change in March of 2025. The dealership that identified the leak attempted to pass it off as something that was out of warranty even though the vehicle had an additional six months and 45,000 miles of warranty (3.0 diesel). The leak was significant enough that loss of oil could cause the engine to fail and result in a crash. Subsequently, another dealership identified the leak and repaired the seal around the lower crankcase. It did not repair the oil leak- there are three additional reports/complaints to file.
This is for the second oil leak that occurred in the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado with the 3.0 diesel engine. It was identified as a leak in the oil pan. The previous repair was for the lower crankcase seal. The service advisor at the dealership stated this is another problem area with the Chevrolet 3.0 diesel engine, and a defect from the manufacturer. He also mentioned it is a common repair they complete on these LM2 engine. It is worth noting, the initial repair didn't last 60 days before another oil leak presented itself. This is the second of four repairs that were done on this vehicle. **No loaner vehicle was given during the repair.**
The second oil leak repair and the first repair for the oil pan failed within one week of the previous repair. This is the third oil leak that occurred in the LM2 engine in the 2020 Silverado. It was identified as an additional leak in the oil pan which had already been repaired the week prior. This is a failure within seven days from the previous repair. I lost 1/2 quart of oil during a 650-mile drive back from vacation. I took pictures of the oil level before leaving and driving home. During our drive, we passed through an area called Yermo where it was 107 degrees at 11am. The two closest Chevrolet dealerships are either 45 minutes or 1.5 hours one-way. I was incredibly frustrated since imagine being stranded in 107-degree weather with your family on the side of the road unable to run AC. It is a serious...
After three oil leak repairs in my LM2 3.0 diesel engine in my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado RST, you would think that would be enough to repair the manufacturer's defects, but it wasn't. I think the saying is fourth time is the charm? The third repair which was a second oil pan lasted a whopping 48 hours before leaking. This time it ended up being the timing chain cover that was leaking. Again, the service advisor mentioned that these are known to leak too due to a defect from the manufacturer. I even got a call from the service manager, and he said that anything area that could and does leak oil on these LM2 engines has been replaced and/or repaired, so I should be good for the future. I called into GM as per their instructions to update them on the fourth oil leak, and where the repairs were taking...
Motor suddenly loss power and load knocking noise. After taking it to the dealer they said that number 3 cyl.connecting rod had an issue . This sounds like the same recall for the 2021 to 2024 6.2 engines. They gave me a quote for a new engine ( 20000) that was not available for 4 to 5 weeks if not more. I was on vacation at the time and ended up buying a new truck from them. I was not happy.
Lifter failure on the 5.3L L84 engine. Due to Dynamic fuel management that come with the trucks.
Having failure with the engine coolant control valve. Have taken my truck to the dealership for overheating and they always come and say that they can’t find an issue. They also informed me that I need to bring it back when my motor blows a head gasket which is complete bull.
About 3 months after the 5 year 100000 mi warranty with only 70000 miles on the duramax diesel engine the exhaust brake part of the engine emissions/exhaust split along the weld. Have seen a number of these reported on the internet as well. Sounds like a manufacturing problem. The vehicle's check engine light came on and it's now at the dealership getting a new exhaust brake housing and bracket replaced. If this was in California or the 12 states listed would be covered for 8yrs/100000 miles.
Engine seized my truck has been at the Chevorlet Tempe dealership I filed a claim with GM still no response.
My 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine has experienced three separate failures of the coolant control valve over a span of less than two years. Each failure resulted in the vehicle entering reduced engine power mode, which drastically limits acceleration and the ability to maintain safe driving speeds — particularly dangerous on highways or in heavy traffic. Chronology of Failures: October 2023: First coolant control valve failure. Part was backordered. Repair took ~6 weeks. June 2024: Second failure of the same part. Another 6-week delay in repair due to part availability. June 2025: Third failure of the same part. Vehicle is currently inoperable and unsafe to drive. Each time, the failure triggered a check engine light and immediately placed the truck into reduced power mode. This issue significantly compromises driver safety, especially in high-speed or congested environments, where limited acceleration can increase the risk of...
Other 2020 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 Problem Areas
Power Train
180 complaints
Service Brakes
91 complaints
Electrical System
88 complaints
Steering
70 complaints
Unknown Or Other
68 complaints
Fuelpropulsion System
25 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control
22 complaints
Structurebody
17 complaints
Suspension
17 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling
16 complaints
Electronic Stability Control Esc
12 complaints
Wheels
12 complaints
Air Bags
11 complaints
Exterior Lighting
10 complaints
Visibilitywiper
9 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking
6 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulic
5 complaints
Fuel System Gasoline
4 complaints
Latcheslockslinkages
4 complaints
Seat Belts
4 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
3 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
3 complaints
Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection
2 complaints
Parking Brake
2 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
2 complaints
Structure
2 complaints
Traction Control System
2 complaints
Visibility
2 complaints
Back Over Prevention
1 complaint
Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking
1 complaint
Back Over Prevention Warnings
1 complaint
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer
1 complaint
Electrical Systemseat Heaterwiring Harness
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingenginecrankcamshaft Position Sensor
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlurea Injection System Def
1 complaint
Equipmentelectricalinfotainment
1 complaint
Equipmentelectricalinfotainmentvideo Touchscreenmonitorunit
1 complaint
Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systeminjectors
1 complaint
Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch
1 complaint
Structureframe And Members
1 complaint
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
1 complaint
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
1 complaint
Suspensionfrontspringsleaf Spring Assemblyu Bolt Leaf Spring To Axle
1 complaint
Tires
1 complaint
Tiressidewall
1 complaint
Tirestreadbelt
1 complaint
Trailer Hitches
1 complaint
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
1 complaint
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
1 complaint