Problems · by component

2020 GMC Sierra power train problems

99 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 GMC Sierra cite power train, 20% of all 495 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 3 recalls on this component.

Complaints
99
20% of all complaints
Crashes
1
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
“I own a 2020 GMC sierra AT4. It has developed a shudder when cruising on the highway or driving in town around 1500rpm. I believe it is coming from the transmission. A local shop mentioned the torque converter. The shudder feels like a delay in power and makes it difficult to hold speed or accelerate when needed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 23, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11773333
“[XXX] General Motors Company P.O. Box 33170 Detroit, MI 48232-5170 c/o Franklin, Customer Support Re: Formal Demand for Buyback – 2020 GMC Sierra AT4 Black Widow VIN: [XXX] | 6.2L Engine Recall ~ 25V-274. Plus ~ GM 10-Speed Transmission, Multiple Recalls Dear GMC Legal, I am providing written notice as required by 15 U.S.C. §2310 and New York State Lemon Law. This vehicle substantially impairs the safety, use, and value of my truck, and I am requesting a full buyback. The Facts: On [XXX], the vehicle was taken out of service and remained at the shop for 11 weeks. It was returned with yellow marking paint splattered on the exterior, floor mats, and brake pedal. On [XXX] — with fewer than 400 miles on the replacement engine — the engine and/or transmission suddenly shut off at 55 mph on [XXX]. It restarted with a violent boom, then cycled between shutting off and restarting with loud clacking and shaking for the remainder of the drive. I was forced to drive at 25 mph with hazard lights to reach home. The Legal Basis: This is a safety defect on a vehicle subject to Recall 25V-274. GM was on notice of this known, concealed defect. The vehicle has been out of…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 17, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11771820
“The vehicle in questions was purchased with less than 5 miles in year 2020. This vehicle was dropped off at MAC HAIK CHEVOLET MADISON MS on September 25, 2026. I was advised on September 28, 2026, that the vehicle was test driven with the scan tool connected, Graph Torque converter slip, found over 100 RPM slip when torque converter engaged and causing shutter at highway speeds, also felt 1-2 and 2-1 harsh downshift, check fluid condition was black and smelled burnt, replace transmission assembly, flush cooler, program transmission control module and perform clutch fast learn. Estimated cost of $8k”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 28, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed controlODI 11767451
“5/5/25 woke up back seat entire truck flooring soaking wet back glass cracked. 4/8/25 transmission went out 117,000 miles 7/3/25 exhaust leak and placed nox 1. 7/8/25 127551 mileage exhaust leak replace gaskets, belt , tensioner, and pulley, 6/8/2025 3 knock sensors replaced and replaced intake manifold.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 15, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11764362
“Powertrain issues and a chassis issue that is extremely dangerous.Tailgate on rare occasions falls open by itself. There is a design flaw in the placement of the catalytic converters. The heat is burning up the fluid. I could not believe my eyes when I serviced the transmission. This is another shortcut by GM to save on the extra wiring needed for the oxygen sensors (2)in the converters and the two oxygen sensors downstream of the converters. There is plenty of room for the converters further down by the tail shaft to drive shaft connections. This is GM’s way of being cheap. Here’s the problem. The converters get way too hot. The fill plug for the transmission which is behind a low rent heat shield crumbled into my hands from excessive heat buildup. GM knows there is a problem with the fluid breaking down. Their bandaid answer is to use Mobil 1 fluid instead of the recommended Dexron 6. What needs to happen is a safety recall issued for the unwanted tailgate deploying all by itself. There needs to be a redesign in the exhaust system. The Transmission (8 Speed) has a catalytic converter exactly on both sides and the crossover pipe runs directly under the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 9, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11763015
“This truck was bought brand new by my father. Around 38,000 miles it begin having issues with shifting which eventually got worse. When I searched google for issues many others on different pages have had the same issues. The shifting would be so rough it feels like you're being hit by another vehicle. This could cause accidents for anyone who cannot afford to fix these known issues by GMC. I was told today by my local dealership their transmissions for my specific truck is on backorder. Should that not indicate an issue when this truck is a 2020. But to my father having a stroke I was not able to handle this issue sooner as he was very ill for four years and passed last year. The truck was not the priority at the time.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 26, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed control, Unknown or otherODI 11759816

Showing 6 of 99 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 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 4, 2026

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