NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 12 recalls, 656 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Powertrain and engine problems dominate what 2020 Silverado 1500 owners report. On the powertrain side, owners frequently describe transmission shuddering, rough shifting, and hesitation during acceleration or engagement. Engine complaints are nearly as common, with owners reporting sudden loss of power, stalling, and in several cases complete engine failure, including bearing failure and seized engines that left trucks undriveable. A smaller but consistent group of owners reports brake-related issues, describing soft or spongy pedal feel and reduced stopping performance. Separately, a recurring complaint involves the sliding rear window seal failing and allowing water intrusion into the cab, with some owners noting the problem returned after a dealer repair, leading to mold growth on interior surfaces.
656
Total Complaints
13
Crash-Related
9
Fire-Related
7
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has 12 recalls, the most serious being a transmission control valve defect on diesel-equipped trucks where the rear wheels can lock up without warning. A prior repair attempt did not fully resolve this issue for some vehicles.
On the fire side, a missing fuel pump pressure regulator can crack the pump and leak fuel near ignition sources, and hot gas from deploying seatbelt pretensioners can vent through the bracket and ignite the carpet. Tire concerns cover two separate filings: Continental tires on certain trucks were overcured and can shed tread or lose air suddenly. A driveshaft weld may be incomplete, allowing the shaft to separate and cut drive power while moving, and a battery cable defect can cause intermittent alternator connection and stall the engine.
Brake caliper bolts that were not properly hardened can break under load, reducing stopping power or interfering with wheel rotation. The curtain airbag inflator diffuser can separate during deployment and reduce protection in a crash. The front-row center seatbelt bracket may not be secured to the seat frame, leaving that occupant without proper restraint in a crash. Trucks equipped with certain accessory wheels and a 17-inch spare tire may find the anti-lock brakes do not function correctly when the spare is in use.
At a glance
What can fail
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 6 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
The transmission control valve may not have been repaired correctly under a previous recall, causing it to fail and lock up the rear wheels.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your vehicle and update the transmission control software at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission control valve may fail, causing the rear wheels to lock up unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will install updated transmission control module software and repair or replace defective control valves as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 17-inch spare tire supplied with the vehicle is incompatible with certain accessory wheels, which can cause the anti-lock brake system to malfunction under certain conditions.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new compatible 17-inch spare tire and wheel assembly, apply updated labeling, and provide documentation clarifying which spare tire to use with each wheel set.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Certain Continental tires were overheated during manufacturing, which can weaken the tire structure and increase the risk of tire failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your tires and replace any affected ones at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt brackets in the front-row center seating position may not be properly secured to the seat frame, reducing their ability to restrain occupants.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the seat belt bracket attachments on both sides and reassemble them correctly if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some Continental tires may have been overheated during manufacturing, potentially affecting their durability and performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your vehicle and replace any affected tires at no cost based on tire identification numbers.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A driveshaft joint may not be properly welded, allowing the driveshaft to separate while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driveshaft at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The diffuser on the roof-rail air bag inflator may not be properly crimped and could separate during air bag deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the roof-rail air bag modules at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts that hold the front and/or rear brake calipers in place may not have been properly heat treated, which could cause them to break when braking.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake caliper bolts at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The battery positive cable connector rings may have excessive glue that prevents a solid electrical connection to the alternator, causing intermittent power delivery.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and clean the battery cable connection at the alternator, reattach it, and replace any components damaged by arcing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump may lack a pressure regulator, causing the fuel system to build up excessive pressure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump at no cost to restore proper fuel system pressure control.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When front seat belt pretensioners deploy, hot gas vents through an opening in the bracket and may ignite the carpet floor covering.
What the fix does
Dealers will close off the opening in the pretensioner bracket to prevent hot gas from reaching the carpet.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.