NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
This page covers 12 recalls, 419 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, making up the largest share of what owners report by a wide margin. The most common pattern involves the 6.2L V8, owners frequently describe a knocking noise that develops and worsens over time, often traced to lifter failure and camshaft damage. Several owners report the engine failing outright, sometimes with no warning lights beforehand, and a number of these failures occur well under 100,000 miles. Powertrain complaints are the second most-reported area, generally overlapping with the engine concerns around drivetrain behavior following repairs or engine replacements. Electrical system complaints come in third but at notably lower volume. The lifter failure pattern is the clearest recurring theme: multiple owners describe the problem recurring even after dealer repairs, with some requiring a full engine replacement to resolve it.
419
Total Complaints
11
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 has 12 recalls, the most serious involving a transmission control valve that can lock the rear wheels without warning, and a fuel pump that can crack and leak, raising the risk of fire.
Both issues apply to specific configurations: the transmission recall covers diesel-equipped trucks only, and a prior repair attempt for that defect did not fully resolve the problem for some vehicles. On the tire side, Continental tires on certain trucks were overcured and can develop a sidewall break or lose tread suddenly. A driveshaft weld may also be incomplete, allowing the shaft to separate while driving and cutting propulsion. The battery positive cable can make intermittent contact with the alternator and cause the engine to stall, and brake caliper bolts may break under load, reducing stopping power or interfering with wheel rotation.
Several safety equipment recalls round out the list. The front seatbelt pretensioners can vent hot gas through a bracket gap and ignite the carpet during 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. The curtain airbag inflator diffuser can separate during deployment and reduce airbag effectiveness. Trucks equipped with certain accessory wheels also have a spare tire compatibility issue where the 17-inch spare can interfere with anti-lock brake function.
At a glance
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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 →
What can fail
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.