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2020 GMC Sierra problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 GMC Sierra has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 16safety recalls
- 616owner complaints
- 17crash reports
- 10fire reports
- 18injuries reported
616 complaints, against an average of 476 for the other 14 GMC Sierra model years.
Every GMC Sierra model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2020 GMC Sierra?
The components named most often in the 616 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2020 GMC Sierra owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 616 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Has the 2020 GMC Sierra had engine failures?76 owners · 12.3%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2020 GMC Sierra?65 owners · 10.6%
- Why does my 2020 GMC Sierra stall, lose power or shut off while driving?57 owners · 9.3%
- Why does my 2020 GMC Sierra idle rough, misfire or hesitate?38 owners · 6.2%
- Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2020 GMC Sierra?31 owners · 5%
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2020 GMC Sierra engine?28 owners · 4.5%
- Has the 2020 GMC Sierra had transmission failures?27 owners · 4.4% · Recall 26V083000
- Why does my 2020 GMC Sierra transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?25 owners · 4.1%
- Why won't my 2020 GMC Sierra start?23 owners · 3.7%
- Does the 2020 GMC Sierra have emissions system or DPF problems?22 owners · 3.6%
Has the 2020 GMC Sierra been recalled?
16 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
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 lock up.
Risk: Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 12, 2026.
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 cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
Latches/Locks/Linkages: Tailgate: Latch General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in park.
Risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232426400.
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 system (ABS) to not function properly under certain conditions.
Risk: An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will provide a new 17" spare tire and wheel assembly that is compatible with the accessory wheels, free of charge. Dealers will also apply a new spare tire information label, and provide owners with an owner's manual insert clarifying which spare tire to use with the accessory road tires and with the 17" original tires. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212346510.
Tires: Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with a 17" spare tire (RPO ZHQ or ZXT) and either the 20" accessory road tire (RPO REM) or the 18" accessory road tire (RPO Q2V). Operating the spare tire with other 20" or 18" tires can prevent the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) from engaging.
Risk: An ABS system that cannot control the rear wheels independently increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will provide the appropriate spare tire and apply a new spare tire information label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 18, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212329780.
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 tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
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 frame in the front-row center seating position.
Risk: If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
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.
Risk: Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202319030.
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.
Risk: If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202314870.
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 crimped to the inflator and could separate from the inflator during air bag deployment.
Risk: If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect RRAB modules, free of charge. The recall began September 3, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N202305380.
Structure: Body: Hood General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles previously recalled under 20V-142. Some of the vehicles in 20V-324 were not part of Recall 20V-142 but received defect parts during another service (typically during collision repair). The hood-latch striker wires on replacement hoods installed for Safety Recall 20V-142 may not have been heat-treated properly, possibly causing them to fracture.
Risk: If a striker wire fractures, the hood may open unexpectedly while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hood assembly, free of charge. For hoods sold over the counter, dealers will contact customers with instructions for hood replacement. The recall began July 7, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202306490.
Latches/Locks/Linkages: Hood: Latch General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The hood-latch striker wires may not have been heat-treated properly, possibly causing them to fracture.
Risk: If a striker wire fractures, the hood may open unexpectedly while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hood assembly, free of charge. The recall began April 13, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192284960.
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.
Risk: Broken caliper bolts can reduce brake performance or interfere with wheel rotation and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake caliper bolts, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-866-522-9559. GM's number for this recall is N202294420.
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.
Risk: An intermittent electrical connection between the B+ battery cable and the alternator could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The intermittent connection could also lead to electrical arcing, which could generate sufficient heat to damage surrounding material, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect for the presence of glue or other contamination at the B+ cable attachment to the alternator and clean the connection and reattach the B+ cable connection, as necessary. If arcing has damaged the cable, nut, or alternator, the dealer will replace the damaged components. All services will be performed free of charge. GM issued owners an interim notification on February 4, 2020. GM issued second notice and the recall began March 9, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192273510.
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.
Risk: Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192283991.
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 in the pretensioner bracket, possibly igniting the carpet.
Risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will close off the opening in the pretensioner bracket, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192270600.
What do 2020 GMC Sierra owners report?
12 of the 616 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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.
[XXX] General Motors Company P.O. Box 33170 Detroit, MI 48232-5170 c/o Franklin, Customer Support Re: Formal Demand for Buyback – 2020 GMC Sierra AT4 Black Widow VIN: [XXX] | 6.2L Engine Recall ~ 25V-274. Plus ~ GM 10-Speed Transmission, Multiple Recalls Dear GMC Legal, I am providing written notice as required by 15 U.S.C. §2310 and New York State Lemon Law. This vehicle substantially impairs the safety, use, and value of my truck, and I am requesting a full buyback. The Facts: On [XXX], the vehicle was taken out of service and remained at the shop for 11 weeks. It was returned with yellow…
Driving down road started to hear a weird growling knocking sound and noticed a reduction of power. also noticed lower then normal oil pressure. Changed oil found metal shavings in the oil. sent to chevy dealership. Diagnosed "rod bearing failure" needs new engine.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly entered Limp mode without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the computer was reflashed and the vehicle temporarily returned to normal operation; however, the failure recurred and the vehicle was returned to the dealer. The contact noticed a burnt odor coming from the engine compartment, along with engine bay cooling fans running at an unusual rate. Upon further inspection, the dealer diagnosed the failure as a defective coolant valve. The contact…
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light and making a left turn at approximately 20 MPH, the transmission failed. The vehicle was unable to exceed 10 MPH. The check engine warning light illuminated, and a dinging sound was heard following the incident. The vehicle shifted erratically, jumped gears, and made unusual noises. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The dealer confirmed an internal transmission failure and clutch lockup, with…
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 Customer Satisfaction Program: N252515590 with NHTSA ID Number: 11027795 (Electrical System) for the ground wire replacement. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered. The manufacturer referred the contact to the…
My rear spoiler roof area leaks. This is something GM knows about and has sent out memos to dealers. To fix this it’s around $1000. I think GM should fix a problem they have been well aware of for sometime.
6 months after owning it the lifters went bad got them Fixed then they immediately went bad again also bent rods then a day after getting that fixed again the oil pump went bad it was issue after issue
Vehicle: 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT VIN: 3GTU9DEL5LG340438 Engine: 6.2L V8, RPO L87 Mileage: approximately 129,854 miles My 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 experienced an engine failure and has been diagnosed as needing an engine replacement. I am reporting this because my vehicle is equipped with the same L87 6.2L engine currently being investigated by NHTSA under Engineering Analysis EA25007 for engine failures occurring outside the scope of Recall 25V-274. My model year is not currently included in Recall 25V-274. However, EA25007 specifically addresses L87 engine failures…
Lifter failed due to AFM system. Cyl 8 misfire due to oil fouling. The onboard computer got confused and would not release the parking brake until repeated attemtps to release it. 5.3L V8 2020 model year 115250 miles. Isn't this the same problem as the 2021 and newer engines? 8spd transmission. AFM failure. 9k repair.
The contact’s mother-in-law owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her brother-in-law was starting the vehicle, the brake, service engine, and engine warning lights illuminated and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Action Number: EA25007 (ENGINE, ENGINE, AND ENGINE COOLING) and PE25001 (ENGINE, ENGINE, AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The owner was scheduled to meet with the dealer to discuss the issue. The…
- THE GROUND STRAP CORRODED AND BROKE APART. YES, I HAVE THE GROUND CABLE THAT FAILED, IF NEEDED FOR INSPECTION. - YES!!! THE TRUCK'S STEERING KEPT GOING IN AND OUT OF MANUAL STEERING AND THE ENGINE REDUCED IN SPEED ALLOWED, AND THEN THE ENGINE CUT OUT ON ME COMPLETELY - WHILE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY ROAD TRYING TO TURN ONTO A SIDE STREET. THEN THE ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART. - I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED ON A FLAT BED TO A GMC DEALERSHIP NEARBY. THEY CONFIRMED THE ISSUE WAS THAT THE GROUND STRAP FAILED. THEY REPLACED THE PART AT MY COST, WHICH FIXED THE ISSUES. - YES, THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED…
2020 GMC Sierra: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 GMC Sierra reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 616 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 GMC Sierra; the most common categories were engine (263, 42.7%), power train (141, 22.9%), electrical system (104, 16.9%). There are 16 safety recalls. 17 complaints mention a crash, 10 mention a fire, 18 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 GMC Sierra?
Across 616 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (42.7% of complaints), power train (22.9% of complaints), electrical system (16.9% of complaints), service brakes (12% of complaints), steering (7.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 GMC Sierra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 16 recalls for the 2020 GMC Sierra; the most recent (campaign 26V083000, 2026-02-12) concerns Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Control Module: Software. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has the 2020 GMC Sierra had engine failures?
76 of the 616 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Sierra (12.3%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "Driving down road started to hear a weird growling knocking sound and noticed a reduction of power. also noticed lower then normal oil pressure. Changed oil found metal shavings in the oil. sent to chevy dealership." (NHTSA complaint 11771297, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2020 GMC Sierra?
65 of the 616 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Sierra (10.6%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "The 5.3L Engine active fuel management failure problem. This known problem with the GMC motors was not disclosed by any dealerships or the manufacturer." (NHTSA complaint 11759295, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2020 GMC Sierra stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
57 of the 616 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Sierra (9.3%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "While driving down interstate noticed drop in oil pressure and immediately a noise in engine with loss of power. immediately took it to dealership and they diagnosed rod bearing failure. Gm refuses to pay for engine." (NHTSA complaint 11769499, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2020 GMC Sierra idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
38 of the 616 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Sierra (6.2%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Lifter failed due to AFM system. Cyl 8 misfire due to oil fouling. The onboard computer got confused and would not release the parking brake until repeated attemtps to release it. 5.3L V8 2020 model year 115250 miles." (NHTSA complaint 11762548, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2020 GMC Sierra?
31 of the 616 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Sierra (5%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "Without warning power steering went out. Flashed code: service power steering; service esm and traction control light. After two restarts, went away like it never happened. I was backing a 24 ft trailer at the time of occurrence." (NHTSA complaint 11610388, August 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2020 GMC Sierra engine?
28 of the 616 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Sierra (4.5%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "Misfire on 2 cylinder, noise on start up diagnostic code P0300 P0302 P050 I was driving home and the engine started making a strange sound, vehicle would could no increase speed normally." (NHTSA complaint 11759795, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2020 GMC Sierra had transmission failures?
27 of the 616 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Sierra (4.4%) describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 26V083000 (power train: automatic transmission: control module: software). The fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. One owner wrote: "The vehicle in questions was purchased with less than 5 miles in year 2020. This vehicle was dropped off at MAC HAIK CHEVOLET MADISON MS on September 25, 2026." (NHTSA complaint 11767451, September 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2020 GMC Sierra transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?
25 of the 616 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Sierra (4.1%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "The vehicle in questions was purchased with less than 5 miles in year 2020. This vehicle was dropped off at MAC HAIK CHEVOLET MADISON MS on September 25, 2026." (NHTSA complaint 11767451, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2020 GMC Sierra start?
23 of the 616 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Sierra (3.7%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11712284, January 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Does the 2020 GMC Sierra have emissions system or DPF problems?
22 of the 616 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Sierra (3.6%) describe emissions faults such as DPF, EGR, catalytic converter, AdBlue/DEF or NOx sensor problems. One owner wrote: "The cam shaft bearing failed under normal driving conditions. Many of the service engine lights including brakes and primary service engine light came on after the cam shaft bearing failure." (NHTSA complaint 11748595, July 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Sierra
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2020 only; combines NHTSA's entries for SIERRA 1500, SIERRA 2500, SIERRA 3500 and SIERRA DENALI.