CarModelProblems.com

2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 4.1× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
436Complaints
12Recalls
11Crashes
5Fires
13Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (48.2% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.

Engine complaints here are 4.1× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine210 · 48.2%not available
Power Train85 · 19.5%RecalledRecall 20V650000 · Recall 24V797000 · Recall 26V083000
Electrical System74 · 17%RecalledRecall 19V888000
Service Brakes47 · 10.8%RecalledRecall 20V116000
Steering36 · 8.3%not available
Fuel/propulsion System24 · 5.5%RecalledRecall 19V837000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE210 · 48.2%
POWER TRAIN85 · 19.5%
SERVICE BRAKES47 · 10.8%
Unspecified / other42 · 9.6%
STEERING36 · 8.3%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM24 · 5.5%
SUSPENSION17 · 3.9%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING13 · 3%
VISIBILITY/WIPER12 · 2.8%

Percentages are the share of the 436 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 12 campaigns

Tires

NHTSA campaign 21V115000 · 2021 · reported 02/25/2021

Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:cables

NHTSA campaign 19V888000 · 2019 · reported 12/12/2019

An intermittent electrical connection between the B+ battery cable and the alternator could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts

NHTSA campaign 20V792000 · 2020 · reported 12/17/2020

If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Tires

NHTSA campaign 20V684000 · 2020 · reported 11/05/2020

Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:side/window:curtain:inflator

NHTSA campaign 20V446000 · 2020 · reported 07/30/2020

If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts:pretensioner

NHTSA campaign 19V814000 · 2019 · reported 11/14/2019

A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

NHTSA campaign 19V837000 · 2019 · reported 11/21/2019

Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Tires:temporary/emergency Spare Tire

NHTSA campaign 21V985000 · 2021 · reported 12/16/2021

An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 20V650000 · 2020 · reported 10/22/2020

If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper

NHTSA campaign 20V116000 · 2020 · reported 02/27/2020

Broken caliper bolts can reduce brake performance or interfere with wheel rotation and increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module:software

NHTSA campaign 24V797000 · 2024 · reported 10/24/2024

Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module:software

NHTSA campaign 26V083000 · 2026 · reported 02/12/2026

Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“A VERY STRONG "AMMONIA" ODOR COMES INTO THE CABIN. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE DEF FLUID IS GOING INTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR THE REGEN PROCESS…”NHTSA complaint 11459875 — filed 04/06/2022 · ENGINE
“I have a lifters problem that the dealership takes more that three weeks to fixed without a loaner car, then i have electrical problems where…”NHTSA complaint 11449659 — filed 01/31/2022 · ENGINE
“The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that shortly after refueling while driving under 15 MPH, the check engine and service…”NHTSA complaint 11442892 — filed 12/06/2021 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

1201961202057202131202234202365202428720251142026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 210 of 436 NHTSA complaints (48.2%), followed by power train (85), electrical system (74), service brakes (47). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 have?

436 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 11 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 13 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 have any recalls?

Yes — 12 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V115000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.