Problems · by component

2020 Chevrolet Silverado electrical system problems

117 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado cite electrical system, 16% of all 749 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
117
16% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
8
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Truck would not start - it left me stranded. The main body to engine ground strap had rotted off. I found there is a Chevrolet Customer Satisfaction Program (N252515590) for ground straps rotting for the same make/model/year as my vehicle, but for some reason mine isn’t listed by VIN number in the program.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026Electrical systemODI 11773760
“It said on the dash, "Brake System Failure 43MPH Top Speed," "Service ESC," and lights on were the ABS light, BRAKE light, Engine Light, and Wheel Traction light. My wife and my [XXX] son's safety were at risk while driving on a busy 75mph highway and trying to turn around and make it home as the brakes did not work and having to cross busy streets. It was not able to reproduce but my local mechanic found the bulletin from way back that had not been addressed by GM after numerous times to a dealer for other repairs. I then took it to a local GM dealer that confirmed software update was not applied and they did the repair and I was charged to pay even though this was a known GM issue that never contacted me about this potential fatal random occurrence that could happen after I have taken great care of this truck. There not any warnings before randomly losing power on the highway once she hit 60mph on the on ramp and just started failing slowly.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 23, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, Service brakesODI 11773208
“1. Transmission Issue: Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced ongoing transmission problems. The transmission exhibits noticeable shifting issues, including delayed response, harsh/rough gear engagement, and erratic shifting behavior while driving. 2. Intermittent Electrical & Sound Failure: In addition to the transmission issue, the vehicle has developed a severe intermittent electrical malfunction. Without warning, all audio and electronic sounds in the cabin completely turn off ("go mute"). This includes the loss of interior warning chimes, system alerts, and the audible turn signal clicker. The system restores itself randomly ("goes back when it wants to"), making the issue unpredictable. Safety Concern: The sudden loss of audible turn signals and safety warning chimes presents a driver distraction and safety hazard while operating the vehicle on public roads.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2026Power train, Electrical systemODI 11772341
“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the torque converter and transmission needed to be flushed. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering and the transmission seized, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure had occurred briefly, and the failure was self-corrected, and the contact continued driving. The failure reoccurred approximately 2 - 3 times. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, and the transmission was replaced. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was returned to the dealer, and the transmission was replaced a second time. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle an additional 20,000 miles before the vehicle received additional repairs. The manufacturer was informed of the issue several times. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11768914
“While driving I lost the power steering on the vehicle. I took my truck to a chevy dealership and scheduled an appointment for the following day. I research the problem and found that there was a Customer Satisfaction Program bulletin (N252515590) issued covering this specific issue for my trucks model year but it did not cover my specific VIN. I contacted Chevrolet Customer Assistance and they told me to file a complaint with NHTSA.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 15, 2026Steering, Electrical systemODI 11764335
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The A/C condenser and the vehicle battery failed. The failed components are available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The A/C failure causes the driver's side to blow warm air, creating severe window fogging and reducing visibility in extreme weather, while the electrical/battery failure compromises vehicle operation and safety features. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The A/C issue matches General Motors Technical Service Bulletin PIT5767A, caused by an internally bypassing condenser due to a mispositioned block-off plate. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has not yet been officially inspected by a manufacturer representative, but the defect aligns with known GM manufacturing specifications under bulletin PIT5767A. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Symptoms appeared suddenly…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 14, 2026Electrical systemODI 11764002

Showing 6 of 117 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Electrical system: 12v

Remedy pending

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. The battery positive (B+) cable rings may have been manufactured with excessive glue, potentially causing an intermittent electrical connection between the B+ cable and alternator.

Electrical systemReported Dec 12, 2019NHTSA 19V888000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.