Problems · by component

2020 GMC Sierra 2500 power train problems

25 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 cite power train, 32% of all 79 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
25
32% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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
“A dealer "fixed" the P20EE code on this date, then the code came back a week later. Same dealer said they don't have qualified diesel technician, took vehicle to a 2nd dealer 9/22/2025, unable to determine cause of code. On 6/18/2026 same P20EE code came on again, took to dealer, dealer able to perform repairs on 7/30/2026 after ordering the correct parts. No on 9/23/2026 P20EE code is back.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2026Power trainODI 11766667
“While driving vehicle flashed engine power reduction signal and then the emergency brake automatic feature came on abruptly. Fortunately, I had been able to slow down after the reduced power, but if I wouldn't have quickly reacted to that, I think the emergency brake system would have caused a safety issue. Now. The vehicle is incapacitated. There were two recalls that describe this exact situation on the same year and model of truck, but my VIN number did not fall. Under that recall. The recall was for the sensor and then the second recall was because the first recall didn't correctly fix it. But the details of the faulty sensor are exactly what happened to my truck. So it sounds to me like they had more problems than just the recall that they acknowledged but they have not expanded it. My quest is to have them expand the recall to all of the vehicles that had the same problem.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 19, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11765548
“While driving down a highway doing between 45 and 55 mph the transmission suddenly and completely faulted causing the truck to come to a complete stop. Just enough power to get to the shoulder luckily. The transmission had basically completely blown out, fluid everywhere. The insurance company did not find any comprehensive damage. The entire transmission needs to be replaced. There were no indicators showing any problems, no alerts, no warning whatsoever. Mechanics said there was a lot of metal coming out of the transmission. The truck is currently in a mechanic shop awaiting the new transmission, so at this time it is available for inspection. The safety issue here is that it happened on a busy highway, and the vehicle was no longer drivable so it needed to be towed causing more time spent on the side of the road.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 10, 2026Power trainODI 11723197
“A couple times I heard loud clanking coming from rear brakes. One time in particular I was trying to stop and it felt line someone had ran into my truck but must have been the rear wheel locking up”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 15, 2026Power trainODI 11718162
“Torque converter in my transmission we out, causing my gears to grind and lose power. Slight rumbling sound under the front passenger seat, First dealer (Palmen Motors, Kenosha WI) told me there was nothing wrong with the vehicle and no transmission error codes exist. Second dealer (Parks GMC, Greenville SC) indicated that i need a complete new transmission. Part is on backorder for the last 4 weeks and I am without my vehicle. No ETA for new part or any information on why it failed prematurely.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2025Power trainODI 11693346

Showing 6 of 25 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

2 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 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
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026

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