2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 electrical problems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The A/C condenser and the vehicle battery failed. The failed components are available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The A/C failure causes the driver's side to blow warm air, creating severe window fogging and reducing visibility in extreme weather, while the electrical/battery failure compromises vehicle operation and safety features. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The A/C issue matches General Motors Technical Service Bulletin PIT5767A, caused by an internally bypassing condenser due to a mispositioned block-off plate. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has not yet been officially inspected by a manufacturer representative, but the defect aligns with known GM manufacturing specifications under bulletin PIT5767A. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Symptoms appeared suddenly with the air conditioning losing performance (driver's side blowing significantly warmer than the passenger side) alongside concurrent battery and electrical system failures.

NHTSA complaint #11764002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

rear axle locks up and transmission goes into limp mode , this happens when slow speed under acceleration, this happens almost any time in traffic , at stop light , acceleration to freeway. a safety issue, shows a p0700 code and p2729 code , engine service code light goes on , T/C and skid lights. also happen at hard brakes in traffic lights or fast slow downs

NHTSA complaint #11764253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Body to frame ground cables corroded in half two different times within about 6 months. First time engine wouldn’t start had to have it towed to dealer for repair, over 30 codes were shown when this happened. Next incident some of my lights were working intermittently and my steering was rendered inoperable for 20 to 30 seconds at a time making it impossible to steer the vehicle, several codes were found when this happened, I drove the truck to a Chevrolet dealer for repair. Both repairs were deemed to be corroded ground cables. Chevrolet has a “customer appreciation program” covering 2019-2024 Silverado trucks but for some reason my VIN number doesn’t land in the program even though it has the same issues that are covered for the other silverados.

NHTSA complaint #11762918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Rear windows water leak. May caue electrical issues and mold in the cab

NHTSA complaint #11762450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While stopped at a highway red light, the vehicle jolted forward and numerous dash lights came on, including messages saying “Brake System Failure, Service ESC, Service Trailer Brake, Service Parking Brake, Engine Power Reduced, Power Steering Reduced.” This is the first time any of these messages have ever appeared. This made the vehicle incredibly difficult to steer and the braking ability was almost non-existent. Had this happened one minute earlier or later, a multi-vehicle and potentially fatal accident would likely have occurred. Vehicle was towed to a dealer who confirmed the error messages and severely reduced performance. To me, this seems consistent with GM service bulletins PIT5730 and 20-NA-073. The dealer, however, is quoting me $3,700 to repair the master cylinder and electronic control braking module. Whatever the case, this absolutely needs to be upgraded to a recall before this happens to somebody at the wrong time.

NHTSA complaint #11761729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On July 22, 2026 took truck to dealership for oil change and reported getting random (trailer brake, power steering) service alarms. Was told it might be a ground strap issue and was sent on my way. After investigating, there is a GM service bulletin (#23-NA-201) on the issue but does not cover my truck. After a week of vacation, began driving truck again and alarms became more frequent, including loss of power steering and jerking of steering wheel while driving. Arranged with dealership to replace the ground strap (at my expense). By the time they could schedule, the alarms were constant and the truck had completely lost power steering. One of the power steering failures nearly resulted in an accident while turning.

NHTSA complaint #11760322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the infotainment center intermittently went black, and there was water leaking into the vehicle through the top and lower center of the front windshield and the rear windshield. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the rear windshield was replaced without a diagnostic being performed; however, the failures persisted. Additionally, the side view mirrors intermittently failed to unfold when starting the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, white smoke emitted from the exhaust, the vehicle hesitated, and it lost power. The Check Engine warning light illuminated, along with "Service Electronic Stability Control", "Trailer Brake System", "Steering Assist Reduced", "Service Brake Assist", and "Brake System Failure" messages, and the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, Arcadia Chevrolet Buick (210 S Brevard Ave, Arcadia, FL 34266), where it was diagnosed that the lifter and torque converter had failed. The lifter and torque converter were replaced, and the system was flushed. Approximately 800 miles later, the engine failed again. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the torque converter and transmission had fractured. The torque converter and transmission were replaced; however, the warning lights and messages illuminated again, and the vehicle continued to hesitate when driven over 42 MPH. After being parked for a few days, the warning lights were no longer illuminated and the mirrors opened, but the engine hesitation persisted. The vehicle was not further diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA complaint #11760384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I went to the store and my brakes were working as normal. When I started my truck to leave I had a hard pedal and there we several warnings on the dash. One said to get service and the other said to limit speed to 43 MPH. I had almost no braking power. Fortunately, I was close to home and the speed limit was 30 MPH all the way home. Once I arrived home I cleared the code with my ODBII scanner and the brakes worked as expected. If I was towing my boat this could have been a bad situation resulting in an accident. I haven't had the same issue in several days however this has to be a huge liability for GM. I'm sure that this is a known failure mode for GM.

NHTSA complaint #11759742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The wiring harness failed causing erratic and unpredictable behavior at 65 MPH on this 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 77,500 miles on the odometer. General Motors no longer makes the wiring harness and there are none available in the market. This otherwise flawless truck (for which I paid $40,000 at a reseller in 2024) is essentially now totaled (undrivable) and GM will not take any responsibility or provide any other remedy beside $750 toward the purchase of a brand new truck.

NHTSA complaint #11758051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Unknown which system failed. While driving on the freeway, truck lost power for a few seconds. Dash lights turned off and back on. Our safety and the safety of others on the freeway were at risk as we had no control of the vehicle. Have not had the truck checked for the problem. Scared to drive it. No warnings appeared.

NHTSA complaint #11756271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The contact stated that at the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 54,753. The current mileage was approximately 56,000. As per a Carfax report, the contact discovered the vehicle was reported stolen on May 2nd, 2025, with the vehicle mileage at 102,610. The contact was concerned that the odometer was altered prior to the purchase.

NHTSA complaint #11754960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Electronic Parking Brake System on my 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 continuously malfunctions. Chevy/ GM Customer Support has been made aware of this issue and continues to disregard it entirely. The Electronic Parking Brake, which is an automatic function that cannot be turned off or bypassed, fails to fully disengage when the vehicle is taken out of Park. The Electronic Parking Brake remains very slightly engaged, producing a slight noise while driving and causing excessively premature wear on the vehicles pads and rotors. My vehicle has about 64,000 miles on it, and I have had to replace my rear brakes twice now already, due to this issue. The majority of those 64,000 miles are from uninterrupted highway driving. Each time the rear brakes were replaced, I had the dealership inspect the braking system. The dealership was not able to definitively confirm for some reason but was able to speculate that the aforementioned is likely what is going on. I find that any malfunction of such a critical part of the vehicle and the safety of it's operators and passengers poses a major safety risk.

NHTSA complaint #11751449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have a Trial Boss and it wont shut off when the key is off, KEEPS RUNNING. Did some research and it gave a couple of thing to check.

NHTSA complaint #11748224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The rear camera view is skewed resulting in inaccurate reference angles of the vehicle. When used to assist in reversing results in improper placement of vehicle and can cause collision of vehicle with objects.

NHTSA complaint #11745731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When a trailer is connected while parked and vehicle is off, trailer lights flicker, blink and sometimes remain on. Sometimes these events will set off alarm also draining battery down.

NHTSA complaint #11743066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelrate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, howeve the failure was not duplicated. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed wiring harness and a failed coolant oump. The contact was informed that the wirng harness and the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated thirteen days later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission and failed coolant pump. The contact was informed that the transmission and the coolant pumo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred three days later. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an indpendent mechanic or dealer. The failure reoccurred. The failure was persistent. The contact stated tht within a year, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for ellectrical , transmission and engine failures. The contact stated that the wiring harness, transmission and coolant pump were replaced. In addition, the coolant ump was repalced two times. The vehicle was . The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

NHTSA complaint #11741287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I purchased this vehicle from Ghent Chevrolet in Greeley Colorado, since I have owned the vehicle I have had several transmission problems which caused the vehicle to stick in fourth gear and I have also have issues with the transmission violently shifting into first gear to the point it feels like I’ve been rear ended. I have had to replace the entire wiring harness and the water pump module as well as the thermostat module and the louvres in the front of the vehicle. I have service records for the vehicle for all the repairs and that state the amount of repairs has far exceeded the value of the vehicle and I’m currently having transmission issues again. Please help me find some sort of resolution to this situation! I have already tried to use and was rejected from the Colorado lemon law

NHTSA complaint #11739350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am writing to formally report a persistent and dangerous manufacturing defect regarding the rear window and seating assemblies in my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. I have already had GM replace the rear window in 2023, it needs replaced again now in 2026. The rear window seal is failing, allowing a significant amount of rainwater to leak into the cab. Because of this ongoing water intrusion, the structural base and brackets of the rear seats have developed severe rust. Furthermore, I am deeply concerned that this constant moisture saturation is creating an unseen mold hazard within the cabin, which poses a direct health and respiratory risk to my passengers.This leak also risks damaging sensitive electrical components and wiring harnesses located under the rear seats and trim panels, potentially causing short circuits and sudden failures of critical safety systems while driving.Many other owners of this generation Silverado have reported identical issues, including cracked plastic frames around the sliding rear glass that cause the leaks. Because this defect compromises vehicle integrity, creates a risk of electrical failure, and poses health hazards from mold, I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this issue as a potential safety defect requiring a manufacturer recall.

NHTSA complaint #11738396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Sliding rear window leaking, causing mold and ruined seats. Had it "fixed" in 2023 only 3 years of owing it. Now here 3 years later the same issue is occurring and they're not willing to make it right. Mold causes a safety hazard for my children and anyone in my vehicle. My truck only has 30,000 miles on it and I shouldn't be having this issue

NHTSA complaint #11737946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. The VIN plate was missing from the original location. The contact was able to locate a small VIN plate on the inside of the door. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 88,000, and at the time of obtaining a Carfax report, it was discovered that the mileage was 137,164. The contact called the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11735782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the engine shut off as intended in the fuel saver mode, but when the brake pedal was released, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and was repaired but the repair information was unavailable. The contact stated that failure recently reoccurred and the vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on a busy roadway while the contact’s young daughter was a passenger inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 40,000.

NHTSA complaint #11730102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

During an extreme cold event in Interior Alaska (–44°F), the vehicle experienced a sudden emissions‑system failure that triggered an EPA‑mandated Limp Mode, limiting the vehicle to 5 MPH on high‑speed highways. This created an immediate life‑safety hazard because it was impossible to maintain a safe speed or exit the roadway due to snow berms. Prior to the failure, the vehicle displayed “Service Emission System” warnings and multiple DTCs related to the reductant heaters and sensors. A dealership technician later confirmed a “burnt pin” at the reductant pump connector, consistent with thermal‑electrical overload. This failure mode matches GM’s TSB 21‑NA‑006, describing connector overheating in cold climates. After the repair, the vehicle continued to exhibit safety‑critical symptoms, including harsh downshifts, delayed engagement, and jerking during deceleration, consistent with Recall 26V083000 (rear‑wheel lock‑up risk). The vehicle also continues to emit an electrical burning odor in cold temperatures, consistent with Recall N192206310 (block‑heater fire risk). The only GM dealership in the region issued a “Termination of Business Relationship,” preventing access to all recall and warranty repairs. This has created a 321‑mile “Service Desert,” making it impossible to obtain federally mandated recall remedies. The vehicle remains unsafe to operate due to unresolved transmission, electrical, and propulsion issues.

NHTSA complaint #11720241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On September 27, 2025 while driving to my nieces soccer game my 2020 Silverado Traill Boss LT started losing power while driving. I was at a Red light when I felt the truck not properly responding to me pushing the gas pedal once it turned green. It slowly started accelerating and then with all the lights still illuminated on the dash, the truck completely stopped working with No response to the gas pedal. I had to let the truck coast forward while driving through an intersection. Thank God there was not that much traffic behind me and any cross traffic. I managed to pull the truck over stuck on the side of the road. My wife had to get a ride from a family member to reach the destination while I had to call a tow truck and have it towed home. Ironically, I believe the truck had just got out of Warranty, what a complete waste of thousands of dollars including the warranty that is always useless. I did not reach out to the dealership because I knew it was going to cost me an arm and a leg just for a diagnostic only for them not to find a problem. There was No Warning Light Flashing to notify me that my truck was taking a dump or any error code of any sort for a diagnostic to pinpoint the issue. I am surprised this has not turned into a Class Action Lawsuit (not yet anyways). My Father made me a Chevrolet person but with all the recent Engine/Powertrain problems with General Motors. I always believed the slogan "The longest lasting dependable trucks on the road". Tanks to YouTuber "@Donslife" for keeping the Public informed of all the latest updates with all these issues. This might be my last Chevrolet ever unless they could fix these issues and take some type of customer reimbursement/assurance/future or current incentives.

NHTSA complaint #11716155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Diesel and to request immediate review and assistance from General Motors. I purchased this vehicle from a GM dealership in 2024 with approximately 70,000 miles for roughly $42,000. The vehicle currently has approximately 121,000 miles. Since purchasing the vehicle, it has suffered major breakdowns approximately every three months, requiring repeated costly repairs and making the vehicle unreliable for regular use. Most notably, the vehicle experienced a full transmission failure at approximately 103,000 miles — just after the factory warranty expired, requiring complete transmission replacement at my expense. To date, I have spent nearly $20,000 in repairs, including but not limited to: •Full transmission replacement •Two alternator replacements •Glow plug system failure •Coolant control valve failure •Engine control / computer module failure •Transmission cooling system failures •Ongoing electrical system issues •Additional drivetrain and mechanical problems These are critical powertrain, electrical, and engine management components — not routine maintenance items. The repeated failure of such systems strongly suggests underlying manufacturing or design defects. The vehicle has been properly maintained and serviced, yet continues to experience serious and recurring defects well beyond what would be considered normal wear and tear for a modern diesel truck. At this point, my total investment in this vehicle exceeds $62,000, and I am left with a truck that I cannot trust and that has become financially unsustainable to own.

NHTSA complaint #11715382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving home from work the truck displayed numerous trouble codes including ebc failure, braking failure, traction control failure and trailer brake failure as well as vehicle governed to 42 mph. I took it to the dealership and they checked all of the braking system and could not find any issues. They reset the codes, and changed all 4 pads and rotors as all 4 wheels were 1/32 out of true as a precaution. I drove it home about 5 miles with no issues. The next morning I was on my way to work and the codes reappeared with me being governed to 62 mph. At the stop sign I had no braking at all. Pumping the brakes resulted in no braking or pressure in the pedal. Luckily there was no traffic and I was able to use a hill to stop. I turned around and went the mile back to my house and was unable to stop again ending up with the front end in my neighbors yard. I had the vehicle towed back to the dealership where they still have not found a cause or a solution to the issue

NHTSA complaint #11712219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The component that failed was the wiring harness installed in the engine area. the harness was installed right next to a dip stick. The dip stick has a sharp metal piece welded to it and it punctured the harness cutting wires on the inside. This could have been a potential fire hazard. The problem was able to be reproduced, inspected and confirmed by a certified chevy mechanic at Philips Chevy in Frankfort, IL. The mechanic also showed me the failure point on the vehicle upon a visit. The dashboard lights were flashing randomly, headlights were very dim which it very difficult to see, android auto stopped working and not able to use hands free, so that became a safety issue, cruise control stopped working, and was receiving errors for a failed fuel pump.

NHTSA complaint #11710771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While operating in negative (-41°F) degree winter conditions, the "Service Emission System" entered an EPA-mandated speed limitation in LIMP Mode messages were displayed. Dealer diagnostics confirmed DTC: P20B9 (Heater Control Circuit Open) and P20C1. The failure was identified as the melting of the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank electrical connector due to undersized terminal pins overheating (Joule heating). The contact stated that it was a latent design defect that posed a fire risk and a safety hazard due to sudden loss of motive power in arctic climates (-45°F). General Motors acknowledged the defect in 2500HD models, Special Coverage: N212342980; but excluded the 1500 models. The failure mileage was 29,354.

NHTSA complaint #11710279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

What happened: In mid-December 2025, my 2020 Silverado 1500 (VIN: [XXX] ) suffered a catastrophic failure of the DEF Tank Assembly (P/N 84914535) at 29,354 miles—less than 30% of its warranted life. This is a latent design defect involving undersized terminal pins that suffer thermal degradation and melt the connector during high-amperage heater operation in arctic conditions (Ref: GM TSB 21-NA-006). Component Availability: The failed assembly is held at the dealership. I have submitted a "Part Preservation Request" to ensure it is available for forensic inspection by federal regulators. Safety Risk: The failure triggers an EPA-mandated "Limp Mode," initiating a software-forced reduction in speed. Unexpectedly losing speed on high-speed, icy Alaskan highways—where roadside snowbanks prevent safe egress—creates an extreme risk of rear-end collisions. Furthermore, a vehicle restricted to 5 MPH or rendered inoperable in temperatures of -30°F to -50°F poses a direct, life-threatening risk of cold-weather exposure in remote areas. Confirmation: Failure was confirmed by Lithia Chevrolet GMC of Fairbanks on Jan 7, 2026. GDS2 diagnostic verified DTCs P20B9, P20C1, P205D, and P204C. Data was reviewed by the GM District Manager of Aftersales (DMA) and GM Customer Assistance (Case #[XXX]). Warning Symptoms: Check Engine lamp and "Service Emission System" message appeared in mid-Dec 2025, followed by a "Speed Limited" countdown. The electrical disconnect was abrupt due to terminal pin melting, as documented in my forensic engineering report. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11710280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Bad shuttering, slow acceleration, clunking noise, check engine light flashing all started while driving home. Took it to a transmission shop and they said it was the TC and transmission. I then called the dealership to see if there was a recall, and looked up any recalls. Since I have had fluid flushed and changed, and still have the problems. This has been an on going problem for a couple of years now. It was just out of warranty for dealership to fix. It started while I was on a highway and had very poor acceleration control.

NHTSA complaint #11707310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.