2020 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of propulsion while driving at highway speed after normal operation. The transmission began slipping and then would no longer engage gears. The vehicle had to be pulled over and towed. This vehicle is subject to GM Recall N242454440 related to a known transmission control valve defect that can cause loss of propulsion. I was not notified of this recall by GM and discovered it independently. Once aware, I completed the recall software update. After the failure, the dealer documented pressure control fault codes (P0746 and P0798), burnt transmission fluid, and internal debris, and recommended full transmission replacement. I requested that GM evaluate whether this failure is related to the known defect addressed by the recall and Special Coverage N242454441. GM acknowledged my escalation request but did not schedule an inspection, did not contact the dealer, and closed the case without performing a causation review. The vehicle remains disabled, no technical inspection has occurred, and I am incurring rental costs. I am reporting this as a safety-related failure and recall handling concern.

While driving at highway speed in my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Duramax, the transmission suddenly failed and locked up without warning. This caused an immediate loss of vehicle function and created a dangerous situation while traveling in traffic. I had my two children in the vehicle at the time. I was able to safely maneuver the truck to the shoulder, but the vehicle was no longer operable and required towing. This failure occurred only a few months after a transmission replacement and follows prior transmission repairs, including a valve body replacement performed by a GM dealership. This is a repeat transmission failure and presented a serious safety risk due to the sudden nature of the failure at highway speed.

On [XXX], while driving ~65 mph, my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Duramax experienced a sudden transmission lock-up, nearly causing a crash. The event caused severe internal transmission damage, leaving the truck unsafe and inoperable. This is the exact defect described in NHTSA Recall #24V-797 (GM Recall N242454440), which states that valve body wear can cause rear-wheel lock-up. My truck stored P0700 and P2820, which directly indicate a valve body failure. GM refuses to repair my vehicle under Special Coverage N242454441 (15 years/150,000 miles) because code P0747 did not set, even though my failure clearly matches the defect. I requested a hydraulic valve body leak test, the only way to confirm the defect, but the dealer refused, saying they only scan codes. GM must perform this test at no cost, as required by federal recall laws. GM’s denial leaves a known safety defect unrepaired, violating federal recall obligations and putting drivers at risk. NHTSA action is needed to require GM to repair vehicles like mine, regardless of which DTC is stored. VIN: XXX Mileage at failure: 145,560 Dealer: Ken Garff Chevrolet – American Fork, Utah GM Case #: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding a recurring and unresolved mechanical defect in my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, which I believe may constitute a widespread safety and reliability concern affecting this vehicle model. Since I purchased the truck in June 2020, I have experienced seven (7) failures of the air conditioning compressor system. The first six failures were repaired at authorized Chevrolet service centers, and the vehicle is currently undergoing a seventh replacement. All repairs have been documented and performed through Chevrolet dealerships, and I am attaching copies of the service repair orders for your reference. On July 24, 2025, a Chevrolet Customer Assistance representative, Chana Padgett, confirmed to me that the A/C compressor has been on national backorder, which I was told was due to the frequency of failures reported in 2020 Silverado 2500HD models nationwide. This points to a systemic defect, not an isolated case. The vehicle now has approximately 54,000 miles, and the repeated failures have resulted in: Significant loss of use of the vehicle Extended downtime due to backordered parts Decreased resale value and overall reliability Excessive repair costs, inconvenience, and loss of productivity The continued failure of a critical component like the A/C compressor affects not only driver comfort, but also visibility and ventilation—especially in southern states during peak summer months—posing potential safety hazards. I urge the NHTSA to initiate an investigation into this matter to determine if a recall or further corrective action by General Motors is warranted for the 2020 Silverado 2500HD model line.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle later failed to start and became undrivable. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing and for the manufacturer internal recall repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the dealer was not aware of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue via email, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000. Parts distribution disconnect.