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2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
40
Latest Jul 6, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
9
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Brakes919.1%
  • Engine714.9%
  • Fuel system510.6%
  • Tires & wheels510.6%
  • Electrical36.4%
  • Interior & seats12.1%
  • Driver assistance12.1%
  • Visibility12.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Since buying the vehicle I’ve had issues with the truck going into limp mode with codes p0700 as well as p0747. I have taken it to the dealership twice now, when it has arrived the codes were no longer there. Every time the truck went into limp mode the transmission would get stuck into 5th gear stuck at 45 mph. The problem with the truck started at 48,000 miles, the truck currently has 60,000 miles and the problem has been more active. With the dealership not wanting to resolve the issue the truck was taken to another shop to try to fix the transmission.

NHTSA ID 11748501 · filed Jul 6, 2026

The transmission, without warning, intermittently locks the rear wheels when towing a 13,500 lb 5th wheel RV. It occurs when going uphill and the transmission downshifts to maintain torque. The "D" on the gear indicator on the dashboard also flashes 3-5 times. This is a known issue with the Allison approved (but GM made) transmission from model year 2020 to 2022 (NHTSA 24V-797) and is to be under extended warranty. We brought it to a Chevy dealer who kept from March 24 to April 9, without any resolution as they could not replicate the error which only happens under load travelling uphill. I also openedd a case with Chevrtolet Customer Service, who apparently does not have any ability to compel GM corporate techs or dealerships to fix the issue described without an error code. Historically, the truck throws error codes routinely and we have spent several thousand dollars trouble shooting the communication issues, also without resolution. We live in Wisconsin and were on vacation near Los Angeles, CA and had to transport it back home, leaving our RV in storage in California. At present, the only path to repairing the truck is to pay for the transmission repair ourselves. GM still does not have a long term solution for the tranmissions they now manufacture.

NHTSA ID 11730919 · filed Apr 13, 2026
All 15 reports naming powertrain (other)

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while hauling a 2020 Heartland Cyclone, the trailer brakes unexpectedly deactivated. The contact stated that the trailer brake was disconnected, and the warning light to check the trailer winch was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and the contact was informed that the trailer brake module had failed and needed to be replaced. The trailer brake module was replaced. The failure and repair were linked to an unstated Technical Service Bulletin; however, the VIN was not included. The TSB stated that the RV battery was interfering with the vehicle battery and causing the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ID 11668128 · filed Jun 20, 2025

During operation of the vehicle at approximately 45mph and sudden stopping/ breaking is required, truck fails to do so. It is a partial loss of brake pressure and a loud "whale cry" type sound that appears to be coming from under the hood. I have had it happen twice just recently; I have taken to dealer, and they cannot replicate the issue. I have caught the sound the second time on video. To summarize truck loses partial breaking power, pedal does not bottom out, but it feels like there is not as much pressure being applied to the breaks when needed. Once the sound stops all braking returns to normal.

NHTSA ID 11636906 · filed Jan 19, 2025
All 9 reports naming brakes

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11672413 · filed Jul 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving on [XXX] at 70-73 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. The contact slammed on the brake pedal and pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that the tachometer had increased to over 3,000 RPM. The vehicle then red-lined. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the valve body control needed to be replaced but was on backorder for a month. The vehicle was repaired, but the vehicle failed to recognize the part. The dealer informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Spitzer Chevrolet Amherst (200 N Leavitt Rd, Amherst, OH 44001), where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the torque converter was wobbling, and the crankshaft bearings were shot. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the oil filter had metal shavings inside. They removed the oil pan and noticed the crankshaft had broken in half. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000. Parts distribution disconnect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11641761 · filed Feb 10, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The fuel pump driver module. I filled my truck up with diesel and it drove home fine. Later that afternoon left the house and got half mile down the road and the truck just shut off with no warning lamps or message. When this happened, you could not steer the truck and the brakes barley worked, now after the truck cut off a message came to shift in neutral. I was lucky no one was on the road at that time. Now had this happened the day before when I was coming home pulling a 40ft fifth wheel, this could have been catastrophic. When this fuel pump module goes out you have no warning the truck cuts off and you have no steering or brakes. This module needs to be recalled, and something else done to have some kind of warning before everything shuts off. People get these trucks to pull things and sooner than later Chevrolet will be answering to a fatality due to this fuel module, this does not need to be ignored till this happens.

NHTSA ID 11747679 · filed Jul 1, 2026

Received a code P10D9. Infotainment center says 157 miles until 65 mph max speed. Dealer has no idea what’s wrong

NHTSA ID 11637246 · filed Jan 21, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Goodyear Wrangler Trail Runner AT LT275/65R20 126/123S I had been traveling at 55 mph when I started noticing a vibration in the steering wheel and front wheels. It started getting a little more noticeable, so I pulled over and checked out the front tires. I checked the lug nuts, looking for missing wheel balance weights, and checked the tires for any bulges. Everything seemed to be ok. Started driving again and the vibration was still there. As I was slowing down for a traffic light, the tire tread separated, and I pulled over. The tire remained inflated so I didn't hurt the rim. I changed the tire and after I get home the tire blew out.

NHTSA ID 11670278 · filed Jun 30, 2025

Tire size LT275 65 R20. Driving on Interstate Sunday September 24, 2023 the driver's side back tire blew out causing damage to the rim and side panel of the truck and bumper. We were pulling a 35 foot fifth wheel. We were able to successfully pull over to shoulder but had to wait over an hour for help. The blow out did do some damage to the fifth wheel also. Felt very unsafe until Georgia Champs arrived behind our camper. Our truck had about 16,000 miles on it and the tires. Last October the passenger side rear went flat (12,000 miles on the tires) and were able to pull over before a blowout. There we were stuck for about 3 hours on an interstate and had to change the tire ourselves because couldn't get someone out and felt unsafe waiting any longer.Both tires were on rear of truck and the blowout left over $6000 damage according to the estimate not including damage to the RV.We had no warning alert on the truck and a Goodyear salesman said the tires were not defective. But, we did not run over any apparent road hazard. We felt unsafe and were lucky the blowout didn't cause us to lose control of the truck or RV. Seems hard to believe this can happen twice in less than a year with pretty new tires. We always inspect the tires and make sure the tires are properly inflated according to the truck specifications.

NHTSA ID 11547508 · filed Sep 30, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The blower motor for the HVAC system caught fire.

NHTSA ID 11530678 · filed Jul 6, 2023

I purchased a certified pre-owned 2020 Chevy Silverado 3500HD (6.6 Gas) November 2021. Within the next few weeks, I noticed brake squeaking that kept getting worse and the truck braking system would not stop like the 2500 I had traded in when I purchased the 3500HD. I had to adjust the trailer brake gain control up to as high as 9 or 9.5, should not have to adjust that high. I had trouble stopping at intersections and quick /emergency braking situations while pulling our trailer. This tells me the truck braking system is not working properly. Prior to leaving on a trip, I was having squeaking noise from the brakes that got louder and louder and more frequent. The dealer (Champion Chevrolet) checked the truck and brakes and told me it had the wrong brake pads and had replaced them. The first time I pulled off the interstate on my trip to Florida, the brakes began to squeak as they did before. This happened during the entire trip. Over the next few weeks after returning from my trip I had a couple of close calls trying to stop at traffic signals. My breaks would not stop me and I went into the intersection barely missing other vehicles. I am almost to the point of parking the truck until the dealer can make repairs that will fix the issues, but we use the truck to pull a trailer that is a major part on our income. I’ve had the truck back to the dealership I purchased the truck from and they keep saying it is a brake pad issue. They have changed the pads twice so far (I think), and within days the squeaking and noise starts again. Periodically I keep getting a message (service trailer brake system) on my dash display that is difficult to get the warning to stop displaying. The trailer brakes had been checked several times and I have hooked other trucks to the trailer and it works fine. So, the issue is with my truck and the braking system. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11521535 · filed May 11, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that upon commencing to drive at various speeds, the tailgate would open without user intention, and remain open despite attempting to shut close via the interior controls. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

NHTSA ID 11634855 · filed Jan 8, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I purchased a certified pre-owned 2020 Chevy Silverado 3500HD (6.6 Gas) November 2021. Within the next few weeks, I noticed brake squeaking that kept getting worse and the truck braking system would not stop like the 2500 I had traded in when I purchased the 3500HD. I had to adjust the trailer brake gain control up to as high as 9 or 9.5, should not have to adjust that high. I had trouble stopping at intersections and quick /emergency braking situations while pulling our trailer. This tells me the truck braking system is not working properly. Prior to leaving on a trip, I was having squeaking noise from the brakes that got louder and louder and more frequent. The dealer (Champion Chevrolet) checked the truck and brakes and told me it had the wrong brake pads and had replaced them. The first time I pulled off the interstate on my trip to Florida, the brakes began to squeak as they did before. This happened during the entire trip. Over the next few weeks after returning from my trip I had a couple of close calls trying to stop at traffic signals. My breaks would not stop me and I went into the intersection barely missing other vehicles. I am almost to the point of parking the truck until the dealer can make repairs that will fix the issues, but we use the truck to pull a trailer that is a major part on our income. I’ve had the truck back to the dealership I purchased the truck from and they keep saying it is a brake pad issue. They have changed the pads twice so far (I think), and within days the squeaking and noise starts again. Periodically I keep getting a message (service trailer brake system) on my dash display that is difficult to get the warning to stop displaying. The trailer brakes had been checked several times and I have hooked other trucks to the trailer and it works fine. So, the issue is with my truck and the braking system. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11521535 · filed May 11, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11677321 · filed Jul 30, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .