2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: engine overheating

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Engine · CA

Incident: Twice our Chevrolet Silverado 2020 Duramax has experienced while operating, sudden with no warning "reduced engine power" and "check engine light" the engine sounds very different and does not operate as it should and presents a safety issue when you are driving and traveling at a high rate of speed. These incidences occurred on 10-4-2026 and 10-23-2026. The vehicle experienced a sudden failure of the engine coolant control valve, triggering Diagnostic Trouble Code P1006. This component failure restricts proper engine thermal management and poses a risk of sudden engine overheating while driving. General Motors has formally acknowledged this identical part failure as a chronic manufacturing and safety defect via Special Coverage Bulletins N252508341 and N252508340, which extend warranty coverage to 15 years/150,000 miles. However, GM has arbitrarily excluded the 2020 model year from this coverage, despite the vehicle utilizing the exact same defective part assembly number as the covered 2021-2023 models. This identical component failure across model years constitutes an unaddressed defect pool that requires immediate regulatory expansion to protect consumers from unsafe engine component failure. please fix this situation TY

Filed Apr 13, 2026 · Engine · MI

* same part gone bad as other recalled vehicles. "Coolant control flow valve bad". Engine fan is staying on high blast, message displaying " engine power is reduced" truck will not drive at full power because the truck thinks its overheating because of bad part. If i remember correctly, it is code p1098. Bad part is intermittent. It Will happen randomly driving down the road. It comes and goes. I believe this is a safety factor . There is a special warranty or recall regarding this part with my year truck, but not my vin? Why not? Same part going bad with same codes and same problem ? Please consider looking into this concern and expanding the recall or concern for this reduced engine power safety concern. Thank you for looking into this.

Filed Feb 24, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · AK

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.

Filed Jan 12, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 29,354 miles · AK

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.

Filed Dec 29, 2025 · FL

6L80 transmission shift flared when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear and shuddered when driving at 45 - 50 mph and about 1400 rpm’s. The Torque Converter Clutch was spasming out causing the the torque converter to shudder which caused the torque converter to overheat at 250 degrees therefore exploding the torque converter that shot metal inside of the transmission blowing it up.

Filed Dec 9, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 88,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware of coolant leaking from the front of the vehicle near the transmission, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact retrieved DTC: P0016. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the coolant control valve, motor mount, and camshaft timing had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the coolant control valve, motor mount, and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

Filed Nov 9, 2025 · Engine · WA

Fan started running non stop, we overheated, engine cut out and says reduced power. This diesel engine has 80k miles which is nothing for a diesel.

Filed Jul 21, 2025 · Engine · MD

Having failure with the engine coolant control valve. Have taken my truck to the dealership for overheating and they always come and say that they can’t find an issue. They also informed me that I need to bring it back when my motor blows a head gasket which is complete bull.

Filed May 14, 2025 · Engine · 79,400 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a ticking sound coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the sound was evident when the vehicle was started, and while the vehicle was idling. The check engine warning light was flashing, and the vehicle was shaking while idling and while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the engine had failed due to a failure with the lifters. Additionally, there was coolant leaking into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,400.

Filed Dec 24, 2024 · Transmission · NY

First incident was when the vehicle had under 7,000 miles. Transmission module went. Vehicle wouldn't move. A few months prior, when we pulled our camping trailer, the integrated brake didn't work and the truck brakes overheated. Took vehicle to dealer, couldn't find a problem. A few months later the truck would not move, and found to be the transmission module. After a month and they finally got the part and repaired, no problems with pulling the camper. Than last week, we pulled out on the road, and we couldn't accelerate. A little over 45,000 miles on it. Had towed to dealer, they have diagnosed Transmission Valve Body. No warning lights. Maybe the transmission was hesitating some before it went. Waiting for the part, which no clue how long it will take.

Filed Feb 20, 2024 · Engine · FL

Notice the engine temp was rising, had notice I was slowly losing coolant in my overflow tank. Then while driving it started making noise that the engine overheated need to idle vehicle then as I pulled to a stop light the rims bogged down the whole vehicle shut down The radiator has a small leak in the plastic reservoir on the driver's side of radiator. Could have cause a big problem if I was in traffic when it shut down cause I had no control to turn the wheel or anything else once that happened.The vehicle got extremely hot very fast.

Filed Sep 1, 2023 · Brakes · AK

About a month ago I noticed some intense shaking in my 2020 Silverado 1500 RST when braking. The shaking is not only felt in the seat and steering wheel, but is also observable in the dash and in the gear shifter. Due to the obvious concern, I made an appointment with the dealer who, after inspection, stated that all 4 rotors were warped due to overheating. I mostly use the truck on the highway, tow a river raft (easily carried by 2 people) on a small trailer 2 times a year (about 70 miles roundtrip), have never used the bed with excess weight, do not ride my brakes when driving, and I live in Alaska where the temperature is cool (high temps rarely exceeding mid 60's). The brake status report on my dash presently shows my original brake pad life to be 83% on the front and 89% on the rear which was inline with the dealer report that the brake pads were still quite thick. These prove that the brakes have not been overused or abused. According to Kaufman and Associates website, "General Motors is recalling over 350,000 2020 Chevrolet Silverado and GM Sierra pick-up trucks due to a fault in the brake system....The issue involved a lack of heat-treatment for the bolts used to attach both the front and rear calipers.....The issue comes down to long-term performance and safety....Untreated bolts run the risk of breaking under loads, and this can result in braking issues, wheel rotation problems, and internal damage to other parts of the truck. These trucks also suffered from brake system control module and premature brake wear issues, and countless owners have reported brake system issues as varied as check engine lights to outright brake failure." According to the local dealer, my VIN isn't included in the recall and they cannot fix it until it is included (or I dish out $2k). It seems obvious that the issue in my truck is the same that led to the recall of the other 350,000 trucks and I simply need my VIN added so that it can be fixed before catastrophic brake failure.