2020 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact depressed the brake pedal, however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, coasted into a ditch, and went into a field before coming to a stop. After the vehicle came to a stop, the contact became aware that there was a fire behind every wheel, and the flames had spread to the grass. The fire was self-extinguished. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V758000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); as the possible cause of the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred in 2023. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The failure mileage was 201,000.

NHTSA ID

11774106

Incident

Oct 27, 2026

Mileage

201,000 mi

Rear sliding window leak. Water stains on head liner unsure of addition damage.

NHTSA ID

11771423

Incident

Oct 15, 2026

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 DTC P2732. Additionally, the transmission fluid was burnt and contained metal shavings. The dealer contacted General Motors after informing the contact of the repair costs. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

NHTSA ID

11770894

Incident

Oct 6, 2026

Mileage

107,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11769733

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

A dealer "fixed" the P20EE code on this date, then the code came back a week later. Same dealer said they don't have qualified diesel technician, took vehicle to a 2nd dealer 9/22/2025, unable to determine cause of code. On 6/18/2026 same P20EE code came on again, took to dealer, dealer able to perform repairs on 7/30/2026 after ordering the correct parts. No on 9/23/2026 P20EE code is back.

NHTSA ID

11766667

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

While driving vehicle flashed engine power reduction signal and then the emergency brake automatic feature came on abruptly. Fortunately, I had been able to slow down after the reduced power, but if I wouldn't have quickly reacted to that, I think the emergency brake system would have caused a safety issue. Now. The vehicle is incapacitated. There were two recalls that describe this exact situation on the same year and model of truck, but my VIN number did not fall. Under that recall. The recall was for the sensor and then the second recall was because the first recall didn't correctly fix it. But the details of the faulty sensor are exactly what happened to my truck. So it sounds to me like they had more problems than just the recall that they acknowledged but they have not expanded it. My quest is to have them expand the recall to all of the vehicles that had the same problem.

NHTSA ID

11765548

Incident

Sep 17, 2026

When I try to start my truck it comes up as service trailer brake control module and it has caused my truck battery to drain so I cant even crank my truck up.

NHTSA ID

11762323

Incident

Aug 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Reduced Power" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the turbo actuator and wastegate position sensor A-circuit were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was advised that another diagnostic test was needed. The contact declined to pay for the diagnostic test. The vehicle was taken to a retired GM mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with turbo charger failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11747347

Incident

May 30, 2025

Mileage

100,000 mi

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