Was driving on the interstate on [XXX]. While driving, the truck suddenly slowed down and lost power. The check engine light came on and then after about a minute a message popped up on the dash saying that the truck was in reduced-power mode to prevent engine damage, or something like that. It slowed to roughly 50mph and I had to drive for maybe 5 miles to reach the next exit, narrowly avoiding collision from behind with cars driving upwards of 75. Pulled off the road to the first parking lot, then got towed to the nearest Chevy dealership in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The diagnosis was a blown connecting rod that had occurred while driving on the interstate, resulting in a necessary total engine replacement. The truck was repaired in Shawnee, Oklahoma at the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine complaints
Page 6 of 10: complaints 131 to 160 of 272, newest first, as owners wrote them.
2020 Chevy Silverado LTZ 6.2 V8 10 Speed. Started having issues with hesitation/shudder. Dropped off at a Chevrolet dealership for a diagnostic. The dealership pointed to a potential transmission issue. After having the truck for several days, they reported nothing wrong. Said they drove the truck, checked the transmission fluid, and couldn't find any issues. Picked up the truck and took it to a local repair shop. That shop drove it, but could not re-create the issue I was describing. I opted to have the transmission fluid flushed in hopes of fixing the shudder/hesitation I was feeling. After picking up the truck and driving it a couple hundred miles, the issue was still present. I made another appointment at the same local shop. This time, they called me saying the issue I'm feeling is the same problem that's been happening to these engines, the dreaded AFM (Active Fuel Management) system is starting to fail. I was told by the shop it's only a matter of time before the entire engine fails. The only way to fix the issue is to delete the AFM system by removing the old parts within the engine and replacing with new parts that do not use the AFM system. This would cost approximately $6,000 to complete.
Was driving on highway and vehicle went into "engine power reduced" and dropped from 60mph down to 35mph and then steadily decelerated down and wouldn't go over 18mph. Per mechanic it is the engine coolant control valve and the part is not available and could be months to a year before the part is available. Online shows this is a widespread issue with GM / Chev vehicles but no recall has been ordered and parts not available anywhere. Completely unacceptable to pay $65000 for a vehicle that is just barely 5 years old and have this kind of issue and manufacturer doing nothing about it.
When a Check engine light is on it's for a low voltage on the charge air coolant sensor, took to the chevy dealer, they replaced a connector to the sensor, at a cost of $600 never got off lot, light returned, they then said I need a new engine wiring harness at a cost of $10.000, the dealership said this is a problem with these trucks and GM knows about it but won't recall them. Now I'm struck with a 5-year-old truck that I can't use, When this light is on, I also receive an Emission system warning, and the truck deregulates and goes in limp mode. as speed is reduced it becomes dangerous to drive in traffic, as GM knows about this, they should recall these trucks and fix the problem, they even say it's because cutting corners on the wiring harness cover causes this problem. as a senior living on a fixed income there's no way my wife or I can get this repaired, so were forced to drive it in limp mode until it dies on us, hopefully not in heavy traffic.
Oil pump went out. Got it repaired. Then, a few days later, while driving on the freeway at 70MPH the engine made a lot of noise then quit in middle of the freeway leaving me vulnerable to being hit. Was able to coast in neutral to the edge of the road. Has 73000 miles on it. Dealer says I need an engine replacement after just spending $5,500 for oil pump replacement. Has been at the dealer over a month and no replacement engine is available.
The engine seized up. Yeah, the truck is at a trusted mechanic and he told me that the engine seized. No warning signs. The truck wouldn't start and the engine light was on.
The lifters failed which caused the camshaft to destroy itself. I am now looking at having to replace my entire motor because of this. This is a similar problem to the current recall going on with the 2021 through 2024 trucks with the same motor. I have 146,000 mi on my truck
Cylinder Four misfire code. PO304 Dealer has discovered lifter failure. Total to replace all lifters on effected side $4300.00 Vehicle is garage kept and serviced per required dealership. All service records have been kept. No other issues with Truck 83K miles.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that several safety features failed to operate. The contact stated that there was a popping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to turned off the vehicle and waited before restarting the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
A few month ago this 2020 Silverado check engine came on in the middle of driving. It stopped shifting and almost caused an accident because it wouldn’t stop. I took it to the dealer and they found nothing wrong. Today, it is doing the same thing with faulty shifting, especially during first and second gears and when I initially accelerate. It is jumpy and worried and accident will happen if the car stops shifting like before. The check engine light is on again
My husband was driving our family truck onto the highway to merge into traffic, when he lost all engine power, several dash lights turned on, and a clanking noise started. This was an extremely dangerous situation because the truck stalled, while trying speed up into highway traffic. He swerved to avoid cars and pulled off to the right shoulder. This a major safety issue because if either of my teenage daughters had been driving the truck, they would likely not have been able to avoid an accident! Mechanics confirmed the truck had suffered a catastrophic engine failure while driving. The dealership confirmed a lifter failed causing the damage. They said the whole engine had to be replaced. GM offered to pay half of cost, proving they know this is an issue. The truck's not even 5 years old, so the fact that engine would just stop while driving, when we had kept up with regular maintenance, sounded bizarre to me. I researched online and learned of 2 class action lawsuits (CA & MI) claiming GM knows about this defect in their engine and continuing to sell trucks with the same safety issue. Not more than 2 weeks after our incident, hundreds of thousands of the 6.3L engines were recalled after a the federal safety agency investigatio. GM has issued several service bulletins internally on "failing lifters", but has not told the public of the safety hazard. The service bulletins acknowledge the issue, recommending GM mechanics use a lighter oil (SAE-0W20 instead of the customary SAE-0W40) or change the oil more frequently. (service update N212353840). But car owners don't know this! GM is putting lives at risk, as no one expects their engine to completely give out while on the highway. Thankfully, my husband has been driving for 35 years. Had it been a younger, more inexperienced driver, they would not have been able to recover from the engine failure, especially while merging into high speed traffic - causing a crash, injuries and possibly death. The public deserves to know.
I’m reporting a safety concern involving a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. The vehicle went into limp mode and died on the side of the road. AAA installed a new battery, which temporarily restored operation, though the “Service Charging System” warning remained. I drove it home, let it sit for several days, and then took it to a Chevrolet dealership. Although the warning light had cleared, I brought it in out of caution. The first dealer diagnosed a failed alternator and recommended replacement at a cost of $2,158.75. I was also told the vehicle was not included in any active recalls related to this issue. Believing the price was high and wanting a second opinion, I went to another Chevrolet dealer. They ran the same diagnostic and found no issue with the alternator or generator, charging only a diagnostic fee. They also said if the alternator had needed replacement, the cost would have been around $1,300. I mentioned to both dealers that I had seen similar alternator/charging system failures recalled on other 2020 Silverado models. Online forums and customer complaints suggest that many Silverado 1500 trucks with the 3.0L Duramax are experiencing similar problems, indicating a potentially broader issue. Given the inconsistency in diagnostics, the significant cost discrepancy, and the number of similar consumer reports, I believe this issue may be more widespread than current recalls reflect. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate whether the existing recall should be expanded or if a new recall should be issued for 2020 Silverado 1500 models equipped with the 3.0L Duramax. This issue occurred shortly after a separate failure related to the NOx sensor, which I am submitting under a separate complaint.
I am reporting an issue with a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. The vehicle experienced a failure of the NOx Sensor Position 2, which significantly impacted performance and emissions compliance. GM previously issued Emission Recall N212351211 (March 7, 2023) for other diesel Silverado models regarding improper ECM detection of NOx sensor faults. The issue in my vehicle appears functionally identical, yet this engine and model were not included in that recall. The sensor was replaced and reprogrammed at a Chevrolet dealership at the owner's expense. After contacting Chevrolet, a customer retention check was provided, covering roughly half of the total cost. While appreciated, the remaining cost burden remains significant. If this model is eventually included in the recall, it may allow for full reimbursement and support for other affected owners. Online forums show that many 3.0L Duramax owners are experiencing similar failures, suggesting this may be a widespread and systemic defect. Due to the strong similarities with the recalled condition in other models, I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate whether this recall should be expanded to cover additional affected vehicles. This issue presents both reliability and emissions compliance concerns. In addition, the vehicle developed a separate mechanical/electrical problem shortly after the NOx sensor failure. Because it involves different systems, I will file a separate complaint regarding that issue.
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.
I am reporting an issue with a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. The vehicle experienced a failure of the NOx Sensor Position 2, which significantly impacted performance and emissions compliance. GM previously issued Emission Recall N212351211 (March 7, 2023) for other diesel Silverado models regarding improper ECM detection of NOx sensor faults. The issue in my vehicle appears functionally identical, yet this engine and model were not included in that recall. The sensor was replaced and reprogrammed at a Chevrolet dealership at the owner’s expense. After contacting Chevrolet, a customer retention check was provided, covering roughly half of the total cost. While appreciated, the remaining cost burden remains significant. If this model is eventually included in the recall, it may allow for full reimbursement and support for other affected owners. Online forums show that many 3.0L Duramax owners are experiencing similar failures, suggesting this may be a widespread and systemic defect. Due to the strong similarities with the recalled condition in other models, I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate whether this recall should be expanded to cover additional affected vehicles. This issue presents both reliability and emissions compliance concerns. In addition, the vehicle developed a separate mechanical/electrical problem shortly after the NOx sensor failure. Because it involves different systems, I will file a separate complaint regarding that issue.
I have the L87 6.2 liter V8 engine from General Motors. I had sudden engine failure. Apparently the rods and bearings are bad. It is the same problem as the recall issued for 2021-2024 vehicles, exept for my truck is a year 2020. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On [XXX] I pulled off from a Red Light and vehicle started flashing codes. I slowed down and engine was missing. I had vehicle towed to Gilmore's Auto Center in Culpeper Virginia. The truck was diagnosed later that day as a Rod Bearing failure. The engine gave no warnings prior to that day. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Lifter issues, loss of power, flashing check engine light
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated after an independent mechanic had performed an oil change on the vehicle, the vehicle was moved and parked. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The mechanic diagnosed that the engine had seized and there were metal shavings in the oil. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had denied coverage because the vehicle was previously serviced by an independent mechanic. The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Action Number: PE25001 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). Additionally, the contact stated while idling and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal whining sound. The vehicle was taken to Bomnin Chevrolet Dadeland (8455 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33143), where it was diagnosed that the transmission was failing and there were metal shavings found in the transmission. The dealer replaced the transmission. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
The vehicle was being used in a normal daily driving routine. I was stopped(fortunately) at a traffic light. The light turned green and I went to proceed and began to press the gas pedal and the engine made a loud pop noise and began to barely stay running. I brought the vehicle to the shop(GM dealership) for diagnosis and repair. The motor had to be rebuilt new camshaft, lifters, etc. The vehicle is also having transmission issues, heavy vibration, hard shifts and constant fluctuations in the rpms while maintaining a set speed. The transmission issue still has not been resolved.
chevy has a well known issue with lifters failing in the 5.3 motor because of the afm. it has failed on me twice and had to pay twice to get this fixed and i’m concern one day the engine will just blow like other people have complained about. i even went to the dealership and even spoke to the part department and they have admitted this but no fix for it has been put in place. we need a recall on this motor that’s effecting thousands of people.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine, Service ESC, and the “Service Parking Brake” warning lights were flashing. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was blown, and the engine needed to be taken apart for additional diagnostic tests. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam phaser and lifters had failed and the engine long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.
I just saw a recall for 2021-2024 vehicles for connecting rod/crankshaft engine components. I am not 100% sure that i have the same problem but my warning signs are the same. For example, there is a knocking sound in engin, it shifts abnormally and it hesitates and has reduced propulsion. I talked to several other Trail boss owners that had to have their Lifters repaired so maybe it is that? These problems are happening to everyone prior to even hitting 70k miles. I cannot afford to fix this if it is a problem that shouldnt be happening in the first place, due to crappy manufacturing.
While traveling on a rural state highway, the #8 lifter bearing failed, causing the engine to lose considerable power and the dash light to come on. No advanced warning of engine problems was noticed prior. The transmission also went into limp mode not allowing the vehicle to shift gears. At the same time the ABS and ESC systems also went into a safety mode diminishing the stopping power of the vehicle. Upon inspection by a licensed mechanic it was discovered that the #8 lifter bearing and the camshaft were both damaged at that time. Total replacement cost was over 10k and it took almost 6 months to find a rebuilt L87 engine at that time because there was almost no supply available as a result of these engines having multiple failures nationwide
While highway driving on 4/8/2025, for the 3rd time in 3 months, engine light came on and I lost all control of my cruise control, parking brake disabled and loss of engine power immediately reducing my highway speed to approximately 50 mph which was very dangerous. I had to cautiously return home & called the Chevy dealer immediately. They had repaired the lifters twice before, with the most recent repair on the lifters and push rod just one month earlier. This second repair was covered under their repair warranty. Currently, it took about 10 days before a loaner car was available (after a poor google review). To date (4/30/2025) I have not received ANY feedback from the dealer (Starling Chevrolet in Mt. Pleasant, SC) regarding any repair or engine diagnosis. The symptoms of this third failure was just like the previous two failures (3 failures in 3 months!). I feel like this vehicle has Major issues as I have also had to have the radio/infotainment system replaced twice since the original purchase. PLEASE have Chevrolet do an engine recall on their 5.7 liter engine!!
On Feb 10, 2025 while in busy mid-day traffic on the highway going 55mph my vehicle without any warning signs or warning messages on dash, or dash indicator lights suddenly went into limp mode , began making a loud knocking from the engine, and started shutting down. I stopped the vehicle as soon as I safely could do so and had it towed back to the selling dealer for them to diagnose the issue. The dealer then informed me that i had a bent lifter on the left bank but they did this based on codes and not any tear down. They referred me to another local dealer. I had my vehicle towed there where they also stated lifter. Once they began to replace the lifters on the left bank scarring was found on my #3 cylinder wall and at that point I was told that my truck had catastrophic engine failure and the engine would have to be replaced. They also told me that my truck had no oil in it and the issue was caused from carbon build up. I have had every maintenance service performed on time and at the selling dealer and have all service records. I was not overdue on maintenance. I have never been told about any oil leaks or any other issues that needed to be resolved on my vehicle. I had driven the truck the night before with no issues.. There was no oil on the ground or under the vehicle for them to say there was no oil in the vehicle. I was never told that i needed spark plugs due to carbon. I believe that this has to due with the AFM issue that GM is well aware of. I had to purchase another vehicle due to the damage that was found on this required an engine replacement
Driving vehicle down freeway about 75mph heard noise and truck shut speeds down to about 60mph on a major freeway. Per mechanic lifter has collapsed and it has been a common issue that Chevy knows about. He said that it could have been alot worse by seizing the engine and causing harm to drive or other people around causing a major accident. There is a major safety issue to life and or death caused by this issue that has NOT been a concern and causing people to pay over $5000.00 for repairs. Chevy has known about the faulty lifters for years and doesn't seem to care about safety concerns.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the engine made ticking and knocking sounds while idling. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the year and VIN were not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
The engine failed while I was driving. It started to run very rough and then the check engine light came on as well as multiple other lights. I limped it to my mechanic who found that cylinder #4 had failed and rotated which tore up the cam shaft. Total damages came to 10,404.28. I have all receipts. Safety for myself and others were impacted because it lost power immediately and could have put me or other motorists in a position to react quickly not to crash.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam shaft, rod bearings, and lifters had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Safety Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 71,773.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history