Problems · NHTSA complaints
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems
Owners filed 28 complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with NHTSA between Sep 2020 and Jul 2025. The most-cited component is power train (9).
Complaints
28
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Power train9
- Service brakes7
- Engine6
- Electrical system5
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Engine and engine cooling2
- Latches/locks/linkages1
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Forward collision avoidance1
- Tires1
- Fuel system, diesel1
- Other / unknown1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
1
3
5
8
10
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 10 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Power train
9 reports1 crash2 related recalls
“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.”
Service brakes
7 reports
“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.”
Engine
6 reports
“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…”
Electrical system
5 reports1 fire
“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.”
Fuel/propulsion system
3 reports
“Received a code P10D9. Infotainment center says 157 miles until 65 mph max speed. Dealer has no idea what’s wrong”
Engine and engine cooling
2 reports
“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that after driving at an undisclosed speed and towing a fifth wheel, after visual inspection, the contact observed that due to the routing of exhaust system, heat from the exhaust had started to melt the front wall of the trailer. The contact was concerned that the trailer battery and propane tank were resting on the other side wall, which could potentially cause a fire. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but advised the contact that the exhaust could not be rerouted. The failure mileage was 40,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.