Research

2020 GMC Sierra 2500Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 79 owner complaints for the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500. Most complaints involve power train (25) and electrical system (13).

Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
9campaigns
Latest Feb 2026
Owner complaints
79
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

9 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

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 12, 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

Latches

Free remedy

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in park.

Latches/locks/linkagesReported Feb 1, 2024NHTSA 24V060000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

79 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2019 – Oct 2026
  1. Power train25
  2. Electrical system13
  3. Service brakes12
  4. Engine10
  5. Structure6
  6. Steering6
  7. Forward collision avoidance5
  8. Vehicle speed control4
  9. Engine and engine cooling2

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

By model year

Complaints for each Sierra 2500 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
199936
201932
202079
202152
202245
202333
2024108
202528
202612
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

25 reports
“The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light and making a left turn at approximately 20 MPH, the transmission failed. The vehicle was unable to exceed 10 MPH. The check engine warning light illuminated, and a dinging sound was heard following the incident. The vehicle shifted erratically, jumped gears, and made unusual noises. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The dealer confirmed an internal transmission failure and clutch lockup, with DTC P2732. Additionally, the transmission fluid was burnt and contained metal shavings. The dealer contacted General Motors after informing the contact of the repair costs. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 13, 2026Power trainODI 11770894

Electrical system

13 reports2 fires
“The main tailgate will not go down or function properly and it says online there is a national recall for this, but does not come up when I search my vehicle. When I turn on my left turn signal the brights flash for no reason and this is a known major issue with the vehicles as well. The trucks computer is telling me low on coolant even though it is not that has already been fixed through a 3rd pARTY WARRANTY Parking brake was stuck on when I bought the vehicle and had been for a long time you could tell and I had to pay over $1100 to fix it at GM. The Ford collision system does not work properly and the cameras will come on at certain times when they're not supposed to be and not come on when they are supposed to be”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 20, 2025Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11706292

Service brakes

12 reports
“I HAVE A 5TH WHEEL WITH SOLAR AND MY BRAKE CONTROLER STOPS WORKING PERIODICALLY. I HAVE A CASE# WITH GM 9-13676268071. I ALSO HJAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WITH GM AND IT'S NOT COVERED DUE TO MY VIN# NOT BEING ON A BULLENTIN# 23-NA-149. GM ALSO HAS A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGREAM # N232414840 AND STILL WON'T COVER IT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ITEM AND CONCERN FOR ME.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 20, 2024Unknown or other, Service brakesODI 11615574
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

6 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 14380Vehicle 14378Vehicle 14376
05 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
07 —FAQ

2020 Sierra 2500 questions

How many recalls does the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 have?

9 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 problems?

Owners filed 79 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (25), electrical system (13), service brakes (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026