Problems · by component

2020 Chevrolet Silverado power train problems

235 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado cite power train, 31% of all 749 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 3 recalls on this component.

Complaints
235
31% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“Transmission started slipping for no reason around 100 thousand miles. All maintenance had been done no code was ever shown on dash no check engine light took it to 3 different places and had it tested all said the same thing they couldn't find anything wrong. Now its sitting at the shop and they are saying its the Transmission and it needs a new one.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2026Power trainODI 11772560
“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle accelerated independently. The check engine warning light and transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine and transmission required replacement. e. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2026Power trainODI 11772232
“What failed: The automatic transmission on my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom 4WD, 2.7L turbo (VIN [XXX]). It has an intermittent shudder, a stuttering vibration felt through the truck, under light throttle and under load. The truck is in my possession and available for inspection on request. Safety risk: The shudder happens during acceleration and under load, when smooth power delivery matters most, such as merging or climbing grades. I tow a 20-foot camper in the summer, which puts the transmission under heavy load, and a driveline problem while towing raises the risk. No crash or injury has occurred. Confirmed by a dealer: Yes. On XXX, at 44,934 miles, Serra Chevrolet in [XXX] confirmed the transmission concern under GM service bulletin 20-NA-142, which the dealer confirmed applies to my VIN (repair order XXX). The technician performed a transmission fluid exchange as the recommended repair. I will update this report if the shudder returns. The technician confirmed the contaminated fluid from the factory. Manufacturer or others: The dealer submitted a goodwill request to GM, which GM declined, so I paid for the diagnosis and repair myself. No police or…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2026Power trainODI 11771260
“My transmission was shuttering from about 10,000 miles to 67,000. I reported it multiple times to the dealership and they did nothing about it until the 67,000 mark when they finally replaced it. the new transmission started to downshift very hard as soon as I got it back from the dealer and it just got worse I took it back and they had diagnosed that it was bad. They are in the process of replacing the transmission, a second time which would be my third transmission They’ve had my truck for 36 days. Clearly, General Motors and the dealership cannot figure out how to get my transmission to work properly. It’s a danger to my family and those on the road if it fails while on the highway.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2026Power trainODI 11769368
“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the engine was previously rebuilt. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and lost motive power, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road and towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine had low compression, and that the engine and transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11769332

Showing 6 of 235 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

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

3 recalls on this component

Power train: software

Free remedy

General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.

Power trainReported Feb 13, 2026NHTSA 26V083000

Power train: software

Free remedy

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.

Power trainReported Oct 24, 2024NHTSA 24V797000

Power train: driveshaft

Free remedy

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 and 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 trucks. One of the driveshaft joints may not have been properly welded, causing the driveshaft to separate while the vehicle is moving.

Power trainReported Oct 22, 2020NHTSA 20V650000
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.