2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. These engines are installed in Model Years (MY) 2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigated as part of a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001).  GM determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the supplier manufacturing and quality issues produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. Based on the issuance of recall 25V-274, NHTSA has closed PE25001. ODI continues to receive a significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of 25V-274.  This presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation.  ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis (EA) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues of vehicles built outside the recall scope. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GM’s full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engine’s bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. On April 24, 2025, GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the concern with L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024.  GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM’s  recall remedy will be either an oil change to an oil with a different viscosity or engine replacement depending on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. To date, ODI has received 1,157 allegations of engine bearing failure. GM submitted 55,464 reports in total, with 29,752 unique VINs. ODI continues to receive allegations of L87 engine failures which fall outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. Based on GM’s recall, ODI will close this PE. NHTSA will continue to investigate complaints of engine failure outside the scope of recall 25V-274 as part ofEngineering Analysis (EA25007). To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On April 9, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-010 to investigate instances of air bag malfunction indicator light (MIL) illumination and potential for frontal air bag non-deployment in several vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The vehicles included model year (MY) 2020 through 2021 CT4 and CT5 passenger cars, Sierra and Silverado trucks (1500/2500/3500 models), XT4 and MY 2021 Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon SUVs.Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 21-NA-005, issued in March 2021, addresses air bag MIL illumination with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B0001-1B or B0012-0D. It cites rust particles in the connection terminal interface of the driver air bag inflator housing as the cause of the air bag MIL illumination. Illumination of the air bag MIL under these circumstances may result in a non-deployment of the frontal driver air bag during a frontal collision and increased risk of injury to the driver.GM stated a correlation exists between production delays due to the pandemic shutdown and premature corrosion initiation on the surface of the air bag inflator housing, which, in some cases, caused rust development during a seven (7) month period of vehicle production. In the rare instance when a rust particle dislodges from the driver air bag inflator housing and enters the air bag connector prior to assembly, an intermittent resistance spike at the air bag connector may result. The condition generates excessive resistance in the air bag electrical system when the steering wheel horn cover is manipulated or the steering wheel is turned. This excessive resistance is momentary. A crash commanding air bag deployment would need to occur exactly when the momentary excessive resistance occurs. Thus, there is a very low likelihood the hazard will present a risk during a crash of sufficient severity to warrant a commanded deployment. This failure mechanism occurs early in life and results in an air bag MIL illumination that corresponds to a DTC warning the driver that the vehicle requires service. The vehicle's air bag remains functional while the MIL is illuminated, and the DTC is present.Once the connection of the driver air bag module to the clockspring is made at the plant, or at the dealership for service, there is no longer an opportunity for rust migration into the connection point. The connector is sealed and has gold terminals, eliminating the expectation of fretting corrosion. All subject vehicles passed standard corrosion validation testing for extensive corrosion with no issue of air bag non-deployment.There is a low rate of occurrence: 1.41 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV) for all related occurrences, and 0.04 IPTV for occurrences with a mention of visible rust and/or corrosion on the air bag inflator housing. The average occurrence mileage for the subject vehicles is approximately 2,100. Every occurrence related to the alleged defect experienced an air bag MIL illumination and there are no verified allegations of air bag non-deployment within all data sources.To date, there have been no reported fires, crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. In view of the low rate, and the nature of early-life failure, the high detectability of failures, and low potential hazard to drivers, this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the following identification numbers: 11537927, 11528888, 11525020, 11521401, 11506057, 11493107, 11486767, 11441525, 11433146, 11425658, 11423440, 11385267, 11376429, 11373466, 11366995.

1) The vehicle experienced a rear axle/rear-wheel lock-up after the recall-related repair was performed and the same diagnostic codes associated with the initial repair reportedly returned. 2)The rear axle/rear wheels locked while the vehicle was being driven on the highway, creating a significant loss-of-control and collision hazard. A sudden drivetrain/axle lock-up at highway speed causes the vehicle to stop or behave unpredictably, potentially resulting in a severe collision 3) Yes. Huffines Chevrolet performed the initial recall-related repair and subsequently the same diagnostic codes reportedly returned after said repair 4) The vehicle has been inspected by 2 Chevrolet dealerships, including Huffines Chevrolet and El Dorado Chevrolet/Motors. The matter has also been reported to GM Customer Assistance under Case No. 110236243 5) Yes. Diagnostic codes associated with the recall-related issue were present when the vehicle was initially taken to Huffines Chevrolet on August 10, 2026. Huffines performed recall-related repairs, including replacement of the transmission module as part of the attempted repair. After the vehicle was returned, the problem recurred. On August 28, 2026, while driving on the highway, the rear axle/rear wheels locked, and the same diagnostic codes reportedly returned.

NHTSA ID

11766697

Incident

Aug 28, 2026

I have notice that the car jerks hard from time to time and when try to accelerate the car does a quick/short stop then accelerates hards very jerky.

NHTSA ID

11764779

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

While driving I lost the power steering on the vehicle. I took my truck to a chevy dealership and scheduled an appointment for the following day. I research the problem and found that there was a Customer Satisfaction Program bulletin (N252515590) issued covering this specific issue for my trucks model year but it did not cover my specific VIN. I contacted Chevrolet Customer Assistance and they told me to file a complaint with NHTSA.

NHTSA ID

11764335

Incident

Aug 17, 2026

rear axle locks up and transmission goes into limp mode , this happens when slow speed under acceleration, this happens almost any time in traffic , at stop light , acceleration to freeway. a safety issue, shows a p0700 code and p2729 code , engine service code light goes on , T/C and skid lights. also happen at hard brakes in traffic lights or fast slow downs

NHTSA ID

11764253

Incident

Sep 7, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The A/C condenser and the vehicle battery failed. The failed components are available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The A/C failure causes the driver's side to blow warm air, creating severe window fogging and reducing visibility in extreme weather, while the electrical/battery failure compromises vehicle operation and safety features. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The A/C issue matches General Motors Technical Service Bulletin PIT5767A, caused by an internally bypassing condenser due to a mispositioned block-off plate. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has not yet been officially inspected by a manufacturer representative, but the defect aligns with known GM manufacturing specifications under bulletin PIT5767A. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Symptoms appeared suddenly with the air conditioning losing performance (driver's side blowing significantly warmer than the passenger side) alongside concurrent battery and electrical system failures.

NHTSA ID

11764002

Incident

Sep 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving between 20 mph and 60 mph, the vehicle shudders a lot while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failure in the transmission. The contact stated he contacted a dealer where they confirmed the failure but stated there are no recalls nor TSBs related to the failure, although there are recalls for different model vehicles that have the exact same transmission as the contact's vehicle. The contact referenced TSB 19-NA-121 (powertrain); however, the VIN was not included in the repair. The contact stated he could feel the shaking shuddering. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.

NHTSA ID

11763486

Incident

Sep 10, 2026

Body to frame ground cables corroded in half two different times within about 6 months. First time engine wouldn’t start had to have it towed to dealer for repair, over 30 codes were shown when this happened. Next incident some of my lights were working intermittently and my steering was rendered inoperable for 20 to 30 seconds at a time making it impossible to steer the vehicle, several codes were found when this happened, I drove the truck to a Chevrolet dealer for repair. Both repairs were deemed to be corroded ground cables. Chevrolet has a “customer appreciation program” covering 2019-2024 Silverado trucks but for some reason my VIN number doesn’t land in the program even though it has the same issues that are covered for the other silverados.

NHTSA ID

11762918

Incident

Aug 5, 2026

While driving my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the braking system suddenly malfunctioned without any prior warning. When I released the accelerator, the vehicle began slowing as though the brakes were being applied even though I was not pressing the brake pedal. When I attempted to brake normally, the vehicle did not stop as expected and braking ability was significantly reduced. The red BRAKE warning, ABS warning, traction/ESC warnings, and check engine light illuminated. The dashboard displayed “Brake System Failure – 43 MPH Top Speed,” “Service ESC,” and “Service Trailer Brake System.” Because of the reduced braking ability, I stopped the vehicle and had it transported by flatbed tow to a Chevrolet dealership rather than continue driving it. The Chevrolet dealer inspected the vehicle and documented diagnostic trouble codes P25A2 and C053D. The dealer stated that the Brake System Control Module requested the warning light and that updated software was available to address these codes. The dealer reprogrammed the Brake System Control Module according to a GM technical service bulletin. No mechanical brake components were replaced. I was charged $362.95 for the diagnosis/reprogramming. I am reporting this because the failure occurred suddenly while the vehicle was being driven and resulted in significantly reduced braking ability, creating a serious risk of a crash. The vehicle had approximately 74,221 miles at the time of the incident. The dealer repair invoice documenting the codes and repair is available upon request.

NHTSA ID

11762914

Incident

Sep 7, 2026

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

This document assists GM dealer technicians with diagnosing torque converter concerns to ensure torque converter replacement is necessary. The torque converter part number will be placed on order restriction, and the technician will be asked to follow 25-NA-148 before requesting a part through PQC.

This Preliminary information communicates an issue where an aftermarket autostop device or rear taillights is causing a dead battery.

This document assists GM dealer technicians with diagnosing torque converter concerns to ensure torque converter replacement is necessary. The torque converter part number will be placed on order restriction, and the technician will be asked to follow 25-NA-148 before requesting a part through PQC.

This PI provides information to repair the door water deflector which is not sealed properly allows water into the door jam/sill area.

PI to help diagnose A/C concern