2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission problems

224 of the 1,075 complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are about the transmission — 21% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 60,000 miles.

C

224

Complaints

0

Crashes

2

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Power Train 221 98.7%
Automatic Transmission 2 0.9%
Torque Converter 1 0.4%

Transmission & Drivetrain across every Chevrolet Silverado 1500 year

1997 64 2.6%
1998 27 1.1%
1999 29 1.2%
2000 18 0.7%
2001 20 0.8%
2002 27 1.1%
2003 27 1.1%
2004 27 1.1%
2005 37 1.5%
2006 29 1.2%
2007 36 1.5%
2008 25 1.0%
2009 12 0.5%
2010 24 1.0%
2011 17 0.7%
2012 10 0.4%
2013 13 0.5%
2014 154 6.2%
2015 135 5.4%
2016 192 7.7%
2017 192 7.7%
2018 170 6.9%
2019 327 13.2%
2020 224 9.0%
2021 234 9.4%
2022 176 7.1%
2023 104 4.2%
2024 93 3.8%
2025 19 0.8%
2026 17 0.7%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Pasadena, TX

POWER TRAIN

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.

Wausau, WI

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving between 20 mph and 60 mph, the vehicle shudders a lot while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failure in the transmission. The contact stated he contacted a dealer where they confirmed the failure but stated there are no recalls nor TSBs related to the failure, although there are recalls for different model vehicles that have the exact same transmission as the contact's vehicle. The contact referenced TSB 19-NA-121 (powertrain); however, the VIN was not included in the repair. The contact stated he could feel the shaking shuddering. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.

NHTSA complaint #11763486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

East Earl, PA

POWER TRAIN

Purchased used in 02/2022. Pickup started to shutter when shifting at 35-45 MPH. Took it to Turnpike Chevy who found thrust bearing in reaction carrier broken and damaged planetary gear set. They replaced the reaction carrier ASM and Reconditioned the transmission ASM. Replaced the valve body ASM. Took to John Sauder Chevy numerous times between July 19 2024 and July 7 2025 due to the shutter when shifting having returned. They tried the GM approved fix of flashing the computer to reprogram and kept saying they could not duplicate. On June 18, 2025 while towing a trailer on the highway while going highway speeds in the middle of rush hour traffic the transmission suddenly started making a shrill noise. Transmission disengaged and lost power. John Sauder Chevrolet found a broken oil pump drive and drive gears on the 10L80E transmission. GMC refused to replace the transmission and now it is out of warranty and starting shutter again when it shifts

NHTSA complaint #11760264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 10,000 miles Port Charlotte, FL

POWER TRAIN

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.

at 79,000 miles Aldie, VA

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 55-65 MPH, a rattling sound was heard coming from the front passenger-side of the vehicle. No warning light illuminated; however, the contact noticed that the voltage levels were between 9 and 11 volts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and filed a case. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA complaint #11759909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clovis, NM

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle: 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4x4 LT (5.3L V8 Engine) Component: Engine (Piston Rings, Lifters, and Motor Assembly) / Powertrain Component Availability: Yes, the failed components/vehicle are available for inspection upon request. What Happened and Safety Risk: While operating the vehicle on Prince Street in Clovis, NM, the engine suddenly began knocking violently without any prior warning or symptoms. Immediately following the mechanical failure, dashboard warning lights illuminated (including the Check Engine light, ABS, and Traction Control) and the vehicle dropped into "Reduced Engine Power" mode. This caused an immediate and hazardous loss of acceleration on an active roadway, forcing an emergency maneuver to navigate out of traffic and pull over safely. This sudden powertrain failure poses an unreasonable and severe safety risk to the driver and surrounding traffic. Confirmation and Inspections: The mechanical failure has been confirmed and diagnosed by Hamilton Chevy in Portales, New Mexico, and Sanders Repair Services in Portales, New Mexico. The vehicle and components have not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms of any kind prior to the sudden failure.

NHTSA complaint #11760182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carroll, IA

POWER TRAIN

Transmission shudder/rumble strip vibration when accelerating

NHTSA complaint #11758608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Huntsville, AL

POWER TRAIN

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11758220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Corona, CA

POWER TRAIN

While driving at highway speed, my vehicle developed a serious transmission problem. At approximately 75 mph, it suddenly lost the ability to maintain speed and dropped to about 55 mph despite throttle input. Engine RPM increased significantly and the vehicle had greatly reduced propulsion. Normal operation temporarily returned after the vehicle was shut off and restarted. The vehicle has also experienced harsh shifting, vibration, limp-mode behavior, a check-engine light, and I reported a momentary wheel-lock event. These symptoms create a safety concern because an unexpected loss of propulsion or abnormal transmission behavior at freeway speeds can increase the risk of a collision. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Chevrolet dealer. The dealer documented transmission-related diagnostic codes including P0700, P0970, P0968, and P0711. The dealer's repair order specifically referenced GM program N242454441-03, described transmission control-valve wear and pressure loss, and recommended replacement of the valve body. A separate repair estimate included the valve-body assembly and related transmission service parts. Despite the dealer recommending valve-body replacement, GM/dealer coverage was denied primarily because P0747 was not present at the time of diagnosis. I am reporting this because I am concerned that transmission control-valve/valve-body deterioration may cause harsh shifting, reduced propulsion, limp mode, or other safety-related symptoms before or without P0747 being stored. I am asking NHTSA to review whether vehicles with the same underlying valve-body failure may remain on the road because the specific qualifying diagnostic code is not present during a dealer scan. The vehicle and transmission are available for further inspection if requested.

NHTSA complaint #11758115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Monroe, ME

POWER TRAIN

On the transmission for the 8-speed I'm wondering why mine hasn't been recalled when all the others have been recalled were made the same basically time. And I'm having the same issues as those other transmissions

NHTSA complaint #11756684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 76,000 miles Decatur, GA

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was running rough and the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the transmission made an abnormal sound while starting the vehicle and while driving, and the torque converter was shuddering. The contact and his father diagnosed the vehicle as having a cylinder misfire and performed a compression test on the engine. The contact replaced the lifter and push rods, deactivated and removed the Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), modified the engine, replaced transmission fluid, and used Lube Gard Instant Shudder Fixx for the torque converter shudder. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

NHTSA complaint #11756458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gun Barrel City, TX

POWER TRAIN

While driving my transmission has a shutter. The shutter started about yr and half ago and I have just maintained with shutter stop. I know there is a recall on manufactured parts for other Chevrolet trucks in the same yr

NHTSA complaint #11750487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 84,000 miles Mobile, AL

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and downshifted independently. No warning lights illuminated. Additionally, an OBD2 diagnostic scan retrieved diagnostic trouble codes: U0146, U0101, and U0100. A local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the VIN was not included in any recall. Additionally, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA complaint #11749281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Springfield, MO

POWER TRAIN

I'm experiencing all the documented issues with the 10L80 10 speed transmission. Identical to all the recalls. It's shifting poorly, torque converter shudder, lose of power, unreliability, and serious safety concerns. I've tried to communicate and find a resolution to these issues through the dealership and GM. Of course getting nowhere. I don't feel a 60k dollar truck should be in this kind of condition. Recently the ac compressor went out. Conveniently after the 6.2 was considered faulty and was replaced but transmission denied. Which the dealership GM expressed in no way was any factors the warranty companies claims of a taller tire being on the truck. Being the issue at all for the transmission failure. Also the dealership didn't check a box. One that I can not physically check. Which they put on me. They swapped the stock tires to the taller brand new set I'd just bought for my trade in. Never stating anything about the tires being taller voiding the warranty I just paid for. Why would I deny the part of the extended warranty that I wanted. Cause of the suspension and drivetrain. Either way this truck is not safe to be on the road. It struggles to maintain speed on the highway. Eventually leading to the torque converter free spinning and making all kinds of noises and vibration. Of course once I've assisted it to violently shift through the gears and hopefully into 10th. On occasions it never makes it that far. Either way I feel this falls directly into the recalls with the same model and year. They replaced the 6.2 cause of cylinder failure and oil consumption. Well the next in line for the drive train is the junk 10 speed. Not sure how it can't be related. The long and stressful time. I've put into finding a solution with the dealer or manufacturer. They blow me off or just don't give me any info. I feel that's their way of dismissing not only the failure of the salesman not properly doing his job. Which the GManager also stated mistakes happen. Not OK

NHTSA complaint #11743651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Panama City Beach, FL

POWER TRAIN

GM has a known recall and special coverage N242454441 to cover the exact same issue I experienced on my way home from work. However, I am informed my model is not included in this special coverage. The issue I experienced while attempting to turn into my apartment complex on a busy road [XXX] my rear wheels locked up mid turn no warning signs, no lamps, no messages or other symptoms were present. Almost causing me to get into an accident had traffic not stopped. I was able to shift it into park and then to drive to immediately pull off to the side into a parking lot and put my OBD reader I have P0747 solenoid 1 failed locked on. I was informed by GM that they could attempt to reprogram the transmission control model, however based on research this is not the root cause of the issue it is due to the soft aluminum bores causing the transmission module to ware and fail. I have a service appointment on 6-12-26 at 10 am at Bill Cramer GM in Panama City, FL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11743405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Boca Raton, FL

POWER TRAIN

Torque converter disintegrating, metal contamination in transmission fluid.

NHTSA complaint #11743433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Strongsville, OH

POWER TRAIN

57,400 miles transmission shudder

NHTSA complaint #11742818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Crestview, FL

POWER TRAIN

While driving my truck it started flashing all the service lights on the dash, and then started shaking bad and making a loud ratcheting noise from the transfer case/transmission and a loud knock/tick from the engine. I scanned for codes and it has all loss of communication codes for engine/transmission/transfer case/brakes/steering

NHTSA complaint #11742549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cedar Lake, IN

POWER TRAIN

Transmission shutter had to have torque converter replaced aug of last year and valve body may of this year replaced on the 8l90. Which has a know issue with 2015-2019 but i have the same problem those years are having

NHTSA complaint #11742414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Azle, TX

POWER TRAIN

Transmission failed before 100,000 miles. All service was complete throughout the life of the vehicle. Problems shifting to next gear causing pulling or slipping on the vehicle. If not able to accelerate properly could cause a safety concern on the road. Repairs were made costing $9,000.

NHTSA complaint #11742292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Conyers, GA

POWER TRAIN

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11742095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 97,000 miles Bourbonnais, IL

POWER TRAIN

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.

Grand Forks, ND

POWER TRAIN

Our truck started hard shifting and lurching almost a year ago, the check engine light will come on, sometimes the truck will go into safety mode, then the check engine will be off. The problem progressed and we had it diagnosed as a bad transmission control valve which we were made aware is not available to get replaced because of the ongoing recall on other vehicles in the same year range as ours, just not ours specifically. We need to get this fixed and if others are getting it fixed on recall ours should be as well. Otherwise we have a barely usable vehicle, that my husband relies on to get to work, sometimes hours from home, with no way to fix it, a year left of payments, and diminished value because of the transmission issue...that again others are getting fixed at no cost to them. Even without the recall we can't get it fixed because all available parts are going towards the recall. We deserve to have our vehicle added to this recall so we can get in line to fix it. We have been loyal customers for over 20 years to our local dealership Rydell Cheverolet. The incident date is ongoing for over a year but I will put in the most recent date where my husband was almost stranded 300 miles from home.

NHTSA complaint #11741328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Irving, TX

POWER TRAIN

Transmission is starting to shudder when maintaining 40-45 mph and will have to let off the gas or accelerate for the gear to shift.

NHTSA complaint #11740846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Angelo, TX

POWER TRAIN

Transmission shutters while driving at speed.

NHTSA complaint #11739893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Greeley, CO

POWER TRAIN

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.

Charleston, WV

POWER TRAIN

I had transmission serviced 9 months ago. Transmission has always shifted hard ( like it was going to shift up to next gear , but then downshift back ) Had serviced and a transmissiom check 5/21/26 and now saying I need it replaced. Truck has 106,000 miles. I’ve heard so many reports of Chevy Silverado transmission going out right after 100,000 miles. If it’s a common problem , I feel GM should recall and repair/replace.

NHTSA complaint #11739376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Holly Springs, GA

POWER TRAIN

I had been driving my truck for multiple days, after a knocking sound suddenly started from under the hood. It was evident at any speed that wasn't idle. There were no check engine lights displayed on the dash. The sound was annoying enough that I took it in. According to the dealer technician, the transmission pump "completely detached" and was "rolling around inside the transmission." They found metal fragments in the transmission fluid, and they declared the transmission a total loss. I have no idea how my truck was still driving, but if the transmission really had failed so catastrophically, I was driving a ticking time bomb. What if it decided to completely give out while driving my kids to school as soon as I made a left turn across traffic?

NHTSA complaint #11739168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Holbrook, MA

POWER TRAIN

The defective manufacturer lifters on my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 went on my truck damaging the lifters, camshaft, oil pump and I'm sure more than that. I know it's an ongoing investigation/lawsuit with General Motors, but they need to held accountable and should fix this issue free of charge. Not everyone has $5k-$10k+ to repair their engine due to their negligence. Thank you

NHTSA complaint #11738647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Woodstock, GA

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and lost automotive power. The check engine, ABS, and several other unknown warning lights were displayed before an engine misfire. The vehicle regained automotive power before hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, there was an abnormal humming sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was eventually driven to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The dealer determined there was a lifter failure in cylinder #2, and there was debris in both the engine and transmission, which caused engine and transmission failures. The dealer agreed to a goodwill repair, to cover part of the cost of the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and transferred the contact to the NHTSA to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #11733957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems

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