2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

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.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and towing a trailer, the message "Trailer Brake Disconnected" was displayed with an audible chime. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer, but no fault was found with the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered Service Update Program: N232414840; and associated the failure with the service update. The dealer and the manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the program. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

NHTSA ID

11755940

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

Mileage

126,000 mi

Tire size 275 65 R20 entire tread came completely off the tire & caused damage to my fender & fender well. This tire had approximately 29,830 miles on it. It was 1 of the original tires from the factory on this truck.

NHTSA ID

11754338

Incident

Aug 2, 2026

I got to my destination and got out of the truck and like a hour later I came back to my truck to get in and my truck was full of smoke and stunk and my center console and center dash melted and gone . Nothing would work . That’s all I know

NHTSA ID

11746570

Incident

Jun 25, 2026

2020 3.0 diesel duramax sucked in the antifreeze and caused a hydrolock. The dealer says that it is not covered under warranty since the engine was over 100k miles. They did offer a new engine for $30K which I declined. The truck was always well taken care of and only received the best in all products

NHTSA ID

11737820

Incident

Apr 5, 2026

my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado has locked up a couple times on 4/2/26 i immediately drove to the robins chevy dealership, the service writer and i discussed the recall of the transmission, the next day i was sent a estimate of 6800.00 dollars to replace the valve body of the transmission, i asked why am i responsible for the replacement cost due to a known recall of the transmission valve body? i was instructed to call gm directly which i did and no action was taken, i was told to speak to the dealership manager. i need help with this matter.

NHTSA ID

11729039

Incident

Apr 2, 2026

My dash has been displaying intermittently “Service electric trailer brakes”. I have recently purchased a 30’ travel trailer. After driving a couple hundred miles with trailer in tow. The code started appearing even with the trailer not connected. I have contacted GM and they have indicated no recall on electric brake controller.

NHTSA ID

11724272

Incident

Mar 6, 2026

This vehicle does not recognize that the gear is on park. Due to the issue, it has left me stranded twice. The first time it was at a very remote area up in the mountains. I was stuck for hours due to battery dying. The second time being a very dangerous situation Because it was a very dangerous area late at night.

NHTSA ID

11723754

Incident

Mar 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate opened unexpectedly and was crushed by an attached trailer. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,600.

NHTSA ID

11723286

Incident

Feb 17, 2026

Mileage

99,600 mi

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

This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.

This PI was created to help avoid unnecessary front camera module replacements

The purpose of this PI is to inform dealer technicians of a normal cab pressure relief valve noise to avoid unnecessary part replacement

This Preliminary information communicates information on a hydraulic rush type noise from the power steering gear. This noise is a characteristic of the new Active Hydraulic Assist System RPO NV8 and no repairs should be made.  The noise is most noticeable in the cab at idle, in park, with all accessories turned off.