Complaint volume
437 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2020 GMC Sierra Complaints
437 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2020 GMC Sierra, grouped by component category.
437 Total complaints
11 Crash reports
5 Fire reports
6 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are engine, power train, electrical system. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 11 crash reports, 5 fire reports, 6 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 121 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 45,188 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to engine, power train, electrical system?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2020 GMC Sierra?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2020 GMC Sierra
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2020 GMC Sierra complaints?
11 Crash
5 Fire
6 Injury
0 Fatality
29 Towed
4 Medical attention
What are the most common 2020 GMC Sierra complaint categories?
ENGINE 130
POWER TRAIN 38
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 22
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 17
SERVICE BRAKES 16
STEERING 14
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 10
SUSPENSION 9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 8
437 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | On [XXX], I was driving my truck on [XXX] through Phoenix, AZ. It was 5 days after I had purchased the vehicle and only had 250 miles on the odometer. I was in the left lane was traveling at approximately 75mph. Within the span of about 20 seconds, several lights on the dash annunciated and several messages including a message about a brake failure and steering assist failure and then the engine suddenly turned off. The steering seemed heavy and the brakes seemed less responsive. I was able to coast to a stop on the side of the road thanks to the help of a couple truckers who blocked traffic across multiple lanes. The truck was towed to the dealer and they told me the entire engine needed to be replaced. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | LANE DEPARTURE | The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving at speeds over 38 MPH, and the Lane Departure Warning System was activated the seat indicator did not vibrate or sound an alert as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the software was reset but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 47,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 47,000 |
| Dec 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | GDI fuel pump went bad needed replacement. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was a loud clanking sound underneath the vehicle while starting the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact stated that the transmission had been repaired twice however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again and the transmission was replaced. The dealer was contacted about the recall and confirmed that the VIN was included in the recall however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 50,000. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | 50,000 |
| Dec 2024 | BACK OVER PREVENTION | The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while reversing the vehicle, the rearview camera image failed to display as needed, and the radio was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 3,500. | Crash: No Fire: No | 3,500 |
| Dec 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | My pickup was specifically purchased to pull a duel axle trailer ( brakes required by Fl. Law). The trailer weights more than the pick up. They stopped working with the electric /hydrolic Trailer brake system. I have had the Sierra in three times for Warren Ty repair. They never fixed the system. I have thoroughly test the trailer system - it works fine with another pickup. Dealer won’t return my calls. Multiple trips taking it in for this problem. Have a case filed with GM. All just placating me, now ignoring my problem. I am stuck and they are not acting in good faith. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE | Tailgate releases on its own while parked, without the use of the switch. Tailgate released on its own with my trailer attached while parked on many occasions. The result of the Tailgate releasing caused damage to the upper section of the Tailgate, the "kicker speaker system" in the Tailgate and Tailgate switch located on the upper section of the Tailgate. There also have been multiple times when attaching the trailer that the Tailgate has released and struck me in the head. The Tailgate also fills with water during rain, and carwashes. The damage caused by the Tailgate releasing is a dent on the upper section of the multi-pro Tailgate and rust and malfunction of the " kicker speaker system " as well as the occasional hickey and headache on my head. The Tailgate has filled up with water since I purchased it new in December of 2020 which I believe has been electricly shorting the Tailgate switch/button releasing the Tailgate randomly. Due to my particular 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 CarbonPro having the " kicker speaker system " in my opinion makes the Tailgate so much heavier than one without it that it made the damages such as the dent in the face above the Tailgate switch much worse than trucks without it also causing more water to enter the Tailgate causing more damage to the switch and components of the " kicker speaker system ", such as the amp and buttons for it not to mention my head on several occasions. | Crash: No Fire: No Injuries: 1 | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Shuttering while in motion at a speed of 35mph or above. My 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500 AT4 CarbonPro while driving at or above speeds of 35mph experiences a hesitation and severe Shuttering while trying to maintain any speed of 35mph or above. The hesitation causes extreme vibrations and hesitation when lifting or applying foot to the accelerator. This happens in any drive mode also with cruise control on or off as well as shifting into low and being in any gear trying to prevent it. It also does this on any road and condition. It feels like a slip in the transmission or torque converter, possibly could be the rear end or variable valve timing as well. And when taking of from a red-light or stop sign it slips as if the truck has lost traction, but it hasn't. This is very dangerous and could be the cause of a serious accident when trying to accelerate. If your traveling at hwy speeds it feels as if the brakes are being applied and the tires are going over a washboard which could cause a collision, tire wear, or driveline damage. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ENGINE | The contact's son owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted and resumed normal operation moments after the failure. The contact stated that the failure recently started occurring more frequently. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 40,000 |
| Nov 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | DEF Emissions warning and Engine Emissions warning lights suddenly appeared. DEF Emissions warning went on and off multiple times in the two days before bringing to a GMC service location. Informed that the DEF Tank heater failed, a known problem, but that they likely would not have a repair available for over a month and would not be covered by any warranty. The vehicle is now speed limited to unsafe speeds on highways while waiting for the repair. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | There has been a recall on the 2020 sierra 1500 for the driveshaft which causes shuddering and vibration which my vehicle is exibiting but my vin is not on the recall list | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | At 103,000 my 2020 AT4 5.3L V8 had a P0307 code thrown. Cylinder 7 misfire. Driving highway speeds, sudden loud pop and then the service engine light came on and automatic braking engaged, and the idle got extremely rough. Ended up being a bad lifter, bent rod, tore lobe off of the camshaft. Roughly 8,000 for the repair, new cam, new lifters, spark plugs and coil packs. Now only about 3,000 miles later, driving, sped up to pass on the interstate and another misfire, P0306 this time Cylinder 6. Same symptoms check engine light, automatic braking, rough idle. Seems to be another failed lifter and bent rod. Currently awaiting diagnostic for this second misfire issue. When speaking with the tow truck driver and the mechanic both mentioned a significant rise in cases like this. There is definitely something wrong with the design that the manufacturer needs to be help responsible for. I have less than a month ago replaced all the lifters only to have another one fail again. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission failed at 75,000 miles, yes it is available for inspection. Truck went into limp mode on the highway and turned into a very dangerous situation, I was barely able to exit the highway. Yes the dealership Martys GMC in Kingston MA has confirmed that it is transmission failure. My vehicle has been sitting on the lot of Marty's GMC since September 13, 2024 waiting for a backordered part to fix the transmission at an estimated cost of $2,500. The warning check engine light followed by every single lamp on the dash appearing on [XXX] which is the date of transmission failure. After careful research of this issue I have found this is a widespread problem with this particular 10 speed GMC transmission in my 2020 GMC Sierra that I am still paying car payments on. I have rented a vehicle at my own cost for the past 4 plus weeks to get back and forth to work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and being driven, the vehicle was shaking violently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin: 22-NA-186. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the motor mount brackets needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 100,000 |
| Oct 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The battery was replaced, and the failure was remedied. On another occasion, the contact stated that the brake percentage was low on the instrument panel and that the lights were becoming dim. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the brakes were replaced; however, the computer failed to detect the repair; and the message "1 More Mile Left to Drive" was displayed. The contact also stated that two weeks later while driving 45 MPH, the brake pedal failed to respond and felt abnormally loose. The vehicle was driven over a concrete sidewalk to stop the vehicle. There was no crash, and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 102,000 |
| Oct 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | On two separate occasions, while traveling at highway speeds with the adaptive cruise control system on, my truck randomly started braking hard as if it was sensing a vehicle or obstacle in front of me but my lane was completely clear. The most recent time, I was almost rear ended because of this issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES | My truck 2020 gmc sierra 1500 AT4 denali is not working properly since July 2024. I took it to 2 different dealership to get a diagnostic and i finally ended doing the repairs for brake issues. I have been towed 6 or more times and almost experienced 2 car accidents since I drive the truck after the supposedly repairs where done but i ended stranded again with no brakes. The dealership has repair the truck 3 times but im still getting sevaral codes the fact that i had to pay out of pocket and have to deal with this and expose myself to danger and my family in driving a vehicle that is no safety condition its absurd. I call several times the recall GM hotline and i was told GMC 1500 are included in the recalls just not the AT4 and i have a family member with the same truck and same issues she ended up trading in the truck recently since she kept experiencing the same issues over and over again just like me. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES | My brakes failed 2 times. One time I almost got into a horrible wreck with my daughter in the truck. "Brake system failure" " max speed 43mph" I have not had any brake work or anything done. The dealer is trying to charge me to replace the whole brake system when [XXX] this says to reprogram. Still waiting on gmc to tell me if it's covered under warranty. From my own research this has been a major problem for hundreds of people if not more. I could have died because of a faulty brake system or a bad software update. I need help with this and so do the countless other 2020 gm owners. There is a recall on the 2019 for the exact problem but not the 2020s. GM safety recall N192268090 please advise INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | STEERING | Without warning power steering went out. Flashed code: service power steering; service esm and traction control light. After two restarts, went away like it never happened. I was backing a 24 ft trailer at the time of occurrence. There are numerous other people with the same problem in online forums. I cannot believe that there has not been a recall or even service bulletin regarding this problem. It is a MAJOR safety concern | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The AFM/DFM system in these trucks are making the engines and transmissions go out around 70k miles. The lifters fail right around the same time factory warranty runs out then your left with a 6 thousand dollar bill to have it fixed. I hope this becomes a recall because numerous people I talk to are getting rid of they're gmcs and chevys and going elsewhere. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The transmission went at 67,000 miles and posed a safety issue when my husband was driving & suddenly couldn't drive above 1st gear. Vehicle is at the GM dealer and has been for weeks, but there have been so many issues with the transmissions of this year, make & model, that the transmissions are on back order and we are told it can be MONTHS before they get one in. The dealer already has another one that has been waiting for once since April. We know of others with this same issue on this make/model/yr, as well as engine issues, but yet there are NO recalls for this issue. The only warning that came on was when the issue occurred- no prior warning or indications. GM is involved but make no comment on why there isn't a recall for an obvious known issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was stuck in gear. While driving there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle failed to start on several occasions. There were sparks from the passenger's side front seat. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with electrical, transmission module, wiring harness, air alternator cooler, and exhaust system failures. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a failure with the vault meter. The OnStar system provided an error with the antilock braking system. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 44,000 |
| May 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | My wiring harness which affects all systems. I was on the Interstate when out of nowhere any and all warning lights came on. The power was cut and rapidly slowed down. I also pulled into traffic and the truck just lost power. The problem was confirmed by dealership. The vehicle was inspected by dealership and wiring harness was the issue. The issues appeared out of nowhere. All the warnings lights came on at once. There has been numerous issues with this part and it’s even recognized by just. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Has happened three times. 1st and 2nd time driving down road towing trailer, rear wheels locked up for 12-15’ while driving 50-55mph. I had thought it was my trailer axel. Happened twice within 6 miles. 3rd time was 1 month later. Rear Wheels locked up driving on interstate at 70-75 mph. I estimate that i traveled 1,800 miles between the 2nd and third incident. Vehicle is at the dealership getting inspected for repairs No warning lamps before, almost every warning light came on after incident If this happened on a wet, ice, snow or dirt road this could have caused a serious accident. It would also be bad in a curve. Dealer took for road test but did not have any luck recreating the issue. They checked the differential oil And it didn't have any heavy metals. They are going to take the differential apart to inspect it to verify. They checked my battery and said it needed to be replaced. Also a wheel speed sensor needed to be replaced. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The rear sliding window leaks water inside the cab every time it rains. With water getting into the cab the issue of mold has begun and that could be a serious factor to any children or adults that ride inside the cab of the truck. There is also rust issues that are notable under the rear seats of the vehicle. Water inside the cab can also interact negatively with any electrical components of the vehicle. I tried to get ahold of the dealer and they always say they don't have time to get my truck in. I have read that this has happened to other vehicles that are the same year and model and they just fix it with caulk which does not seem appropriate for a almost new vehicle. The vehicle has not been inspected. There were no warning lamps prior to this issue. A possible symptom was that my back up camera stopped working for a day right after a rain. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |