2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Fuel system Problems

Description of Problem: While driving, the engine intermittently revs on its own without any input from the accelerator pedal. During these episodes, the vehicle also shakes/vibrates noticeably. This has occurred [once / multiple times — specify frequency, e.g., “several times over the past X weeks”]. The engine revving is not consistent with normal acceleration and appears unrelated to throttle position. The shaking is felt throughout the cabin and is most noticeable [at idle / at speed / when the revving occurs — specify if known]. Safety Concern: This creates a risk of sudden, unintended changes in vehicle speed or loss of control, particularly if it occurs in traffic, while merging, or at highway speed.

NHTSA ID

11753094

Incident

Jan 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH, the engine started knocking, and the sound grew louder while making a turn. The Electronic Stability Control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where one diagnostic trouble code was displayed, but the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a second local dealer, who retrieved a code for fuel injector number eight and diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a third dealership, Knapp Chevrolet, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained unrepaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

NHTSA ID

11748710

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

Mileage

94,000 mi

I have a Trial Boss and it wont shut off when the key is off, KEEPS RUNNING. Did some research and it gave a couple of thing to check.

NHTSA ID

11748224

Incident

Jul 3, 2026

The defective manufacturer lifters on my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 went on my truck damaging the lifters, camshaft, oil pump and I'm sure more than that. I know it's an ongoing investigation/lawsuit with General Motors, but they need to held accountable and should fix this issue free of charge. Not everyone has $5k-$10k+ to repair their engine due to their negligence. Thank you

NHTSA ID

11738647

Incident

May 13, 2026

6.2L ENGINE NOISE AT START UP AND STAYS ON AND LOSES ENGINE POWER SLUGGISH ALL OF A SUDDEN WHILE DRIVING SAME ISSUE LIKE THE CURRENT RECALL ON ALL 6.2L EXCEPT MINE WAS BUILT RIGHT BEFORE APPROVED RECALL DATES BUT HAS SAME ENGINE L87 WITH SAME ISSUE AND IS CURRENTLY UNDRIVEABLE AND DANGEROUS IF TAKEN ON ROAD. REGULAR OIL CHANGES AT 50% OIL LIFE WITH RECOMMENDED MOBIL1 OIL & ACDELCO OIL FILTER.

NHTSA ID

11724052

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

Engine lifter failure while traveling at highway speeds, loss of power in traffic during rush hour on a multi lane interstate nearly got rear ended and side swiped.

NHTSA ID

11723711

Incident

Mar 9, 2026

My entire engine and the right bank lifters failed. Thankfully, these issues didn't fail until my truck was parked in my garage. No warning lamps did not trigger until these issues started. There was no warning. I have been having engine issues with this truck dating back to 2022. I will include all documents showing the issues I've had in the past 3 years. I was informed by the dealer that this is a known issue with this year and model of truck and even they were surprised that GM hasn't issued a recall. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership only.

NHTSA ID

11720353

Incident

Feb 21, 2026

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. Confirmation: Failure was confirmed by Lithia Chevrolet GMC of Fairbanks on Jan 7, 2026. GDS2 diagnostic verified DTCs P20B9, P20C1, P205D, and P204C. Data was reviewed by the GM District Manager of Aftersales (DMA) and GM Customer Assistance (Case #[XXX]). Warning Symptoms: Check Engine lamp and "Service Emission System" message appeared in mid-Dec 2025, followed by a "Speed Limited" countdown. The electrical disconnect was abrupt due to terminal pin melting, as documented in my forensic engineering report. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11710280

Incident

Dec 15, 2025

Engine idling rough shaking stalling loss of power

NHTSA ID

11689135

Incident

Sep 19, 2025

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 the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ID

11684427

Incident

Aug 18, 2025

Mileage

68,000 mi

Our truck would not start, we had to have it towed twice. We had a s Diagnostic run and the code was for the fuel pump. We had the truck towed to a local mechanic and they mentioned the open recall on fuel pumps for our make, model and year. We tried to schedule the appointment at the dealership for recalls, but our VIN was not on the list.

NHTSA ID

11680370

Incident

Aug 8, 2025

Lose of power at the pedal again not even 15 mins later. Still no code. Just extremely frustrating

NHTSA ID

11678355

Incident

Aug 4, 2025

When it gets hot it'll lose power at the pedal and it will randomly come back causing the drive train to jerk back and forth throwing full related codes that go away once the truck has cooled off. Took it to a shop and they couldn't get it to throw a code. This will be the third time it has happened. This time it doesn't throw a code

NHTSA ID

11678351

Incident

Aug 4, 2025

Shop has had the truck over two months and cannot figure out the problem will not go stuck in limp mode.

NHTSA ID

11677816

Incident

May 17, 2025

My husband was driving our family truck onto the highway to merge into traffic, when he lost all engine power, several dash lights turned on, and a clanking noise started. This was an extremely dangerous situation because the truck stalled, while trying speed up into highway traffic. He swerved to avoid cars and pulled off to the right shoulder. This a major safety issue because if either of my teenage daughters had been driving the truck, they would likely not have been able to avoid an accident! Mechanics confirmed the truck had suffered a catastrophic engine failure while driving. The dealership confirmed a lifter failed causing the damage. They said the whole engine had to be replaced. GM offered to pay half of cost, proving they know this is an issue. The truck's not even 5 years old, so the fact that engine would just stop while driving, when we had kept up with regular maintenance, sounded bizarre to me. I researched online and learned of 2 class action lawsuits (CA & MI) claiming GM knows about this defect in their engine and continuing to sell trucks with the same safety issue. Not more than 2 weeks after our incident, hundreds of thousands of the 6.3L engines were recalled after a NHTSA investigatio. GM has issued several service bulletins internally on "failing lifters", but has not told the public of the safety hazard. The service bulletins acknowledge the issue, recommending GM mechanics use a lighter oil (SAE-0W20 instead of the customary SAE-0W40) or change the oil more frequently. (service update N212353840). But car owners don't know this! GM is putting lives at risk, as no one expects their engine to completely give out while on the highway. Thankfully, my husband has been driving for 35 years. Had it been a younger, more inexperienced driver, they would not have been able to recover from the engine failure, especially while merging into high speed traffic - causing a crash, injuries and possibly death. The public deserves to know.

NHTSA ID

11663250

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

I am reporting an issue with a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. The vehicle experienced a failure of the NOx Sensor Position 2, which significantly impacted performance and emissions compliance. GM previously issued Emission Recall N212351211 (March 7, 2023) for other diesel Silverado models regarding improper ECM detection of NOx sensor faults. The issue in my vehicle appears functionally identical, yet this engine and model were not included in that recall. The sensor was replaced and reprogrammed at a Chevrolet dealership at the owner's expense. After contacting Chevrolet, a customer retention check was provided, covering roughly half of the total cost. While appreciated, the remaining cost burden remains significant. If this model is eventually included in the recall, it may allow for full reimbursement and support for other affected owners. Online forums show that many 3.0L Duramax owners are experiencing similar failures, suggesting this may be a widespread and systemic defect. Due to the strong similarities with the recalled condition in other models, I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether this recall should be expanded to cover additional affected vehicles. This issue presents both reliability and emissions compliance concerns. In addition, the vehicle developed a separate mechanical/electrical problem shortly after the NOx sensor failure. Because it involves different systems, I will file a separate complaint regarding that issue.

NHTSA ID

11661128

Incident

Feb 6, 2025

I am reporting an issue with a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. The vehicle experienced a failure of the NOx Sensor Position 2, which significantly impacted performance and emissions compliance. GM previously issued Emission Recall N212351211 (March 7, 2023) for other diesel Silverado models regarding improper ECM detection of NOx sensor faults. The issue in my vehicle appears functionally identical, yet this engine and model were not included in that recall. The sensor was replaced and reprogrammed at a Chevrolet dealership at the owner’s expense. After contacting Chevrolet, a customer retention check was provided, covering roughly half of the total cost. While appreciated, the remaining cost burden remains significant. If this model is eventually included in the recall, it may allow for full reimbursement and support for other affected owners. Online forums show that many 3.0L Duramax owners are experiencing similar failures, suggesting this may be a widespread and systemic defect. Due to the strong similarities with the recalled condition in other models, I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether this recall should be expanded to cover additional affected vehicles. This issue presents both reliability and emissions compliance concerns. In addition, the vehicle developed a separate mechanical/electrical problem shortly after the NOx sensor failure. Because it involves different systems, I will file a separate complaint regarding that issue.

NHTSA ID

11660167

Incident

Feb 7, 2025

On Feb 10, 2025 while in busy mid-day traffic on the highway going 55mph my vehicle without any warning signs or warning messages on dash, or dash indicator lights suddenly went into limp mode , began making a loud knocking from the engine, and started shutting down. I stopped the vehicle as soon as I safely could do so and had it towed back to the selling dealer for them to diagnose the issue. The dealer then informed me that i had a bent lifter on the left bank but they did this based on codes and not any tear down. They referred me to another local dealer. I had my vehicle towed there where they also stated lifter. Once they began to replace the lifters on the left bank scarring was found on my #3 cylinder wall and at that point I was told that my truck had catastrophic engine failure and the engine would have to be replaced. They also told me that my truck had no oil in it and the issue was caused from carbon build up. I have had every maintenance service performed on time and at the selling dealer and have all service records. I was not overdue on maintenance. I have never been told about any oil leaks or any other issues that needed to be resolved on my vehicle. I had driven the truck the night before with no issues.. There was no oil on the ground or under the vehicle for them to say there was no oil in the vehicle. I was never told that i needed spark plugs due to carbon. I believe that this has to due with the AFM issue that GM is well aware of. I had to purchase another vehicle due to the damage that was found on this required an engine replacement

NHTSA ID

11657623

Incident

Feb 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact used a diagnostic tool to determine that the vapor canister purge pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

NHTSA ID

11641720

Incident

Feb 10, 2025

Mileage

41,000 mi

On January 17, 2025, I was approaching the entrance ramp unto Interstate 10, traveling along at approximately 40 miles an hour, when all of a sudden I noticed that my vehicle started decelerating as I was pressing on the accelerator, trying to merge onto oncoming traffic. The engine started shuttering and vibrating violently! I noticed all the warning lights, gauges and indicators had come on simultaneously! There was a loud clicking sound coming from the engine compartment and backfiring coming from the exhaust. I evaluate the situation at hand and conduct a risk assessment of trying to continue on with this problem but decided to move over to the median. I was almost run into from the rear due to lack of power in which I felt would have been the result of my truck just losing power without any warning. I drove my truck to a Chevrolet dealership after speaking with a Service Advisor, on January 20, 2025. The Truck was diagnosed as needing to replace Cam Rod and Lifters.

NHTSA ID

11641575

Incident

Jan 17, 2025

Vehicle purchased December 2020 Flashing check engine light that stays on- light did not stay on long enough for dealer to see, said they couldn't find any issues. The first time we had it towed and when they looked at it the light was no longer on. They were able to tell us what was going on with the vehicle when the light came on but said there were no problems. Flashing check engine light that turns off- "no light = no problem" dealer says. Eventually they printed pages showing engine misfires which we were initially told was no big deal. Later I was told I should get spark plugs changed, which I did. So far, flashing light has not reoccurred. Burns 3 or more quarts of oil between oil changes which I was assured by more than one rep that that was normal (on numerous occasions). Air conditioning quit working. Heater not working well and not at all on idle. The only setting I can really use to defrost and keep my feet warm is the "floor only" option. Mixed doesn't work, defrost only will freeze feet. Gas smell while vehicle at idle. Initially noticed when using auto start but have since noticed it does it with regular start as well. All issues have been brought to dealership, I will have to contact them for all the exact dates.

NHTSA ID

11638327

Incident

Jun 1, 2021

Fuel pump module failure. Car stop working while driving. Immediately downshifted to a lower gear and would no longer drive above 10mph without shutting down

NHTSA ID

11630652

Incident

Sep 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound emanating from the rear end suspension. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that fuel leak from the fuel delivery system resulted corrosion of the left side leaf spring grummet. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.

NHTSA ID

11630378

Incident

Dec 12, 2024

Engine light came on, service park brake light came on, truck started jumping and misfiring, code says cylinder 5 misfire.

NHTSA ID

11628437

Incident

Nov 25, 2024

Total engine replacement at 62k. The junk lifter system government regulation has compromised our Vehicles. Active fuel management systems are used expensive trash changes to our American motors that generate extreme hardship for single vehicle owners.

NHTSA ID

11603353

Incident

May 6, 2024