ruck hesitated when shifting at lower speeds and created a hazard while driving. Transmission isssues are known to Chevrolet and nothing is being done about it. My son’s Chevy Colorado did the same thing in 08/26 (got fixed at a Chevy dealer and was reported to the federal safety agency). This needs to stop and needs to be further looked into with Chevy! I have receipts and proof if needed (keeps giving me an error when I try to upload it)
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: hesitation when accelerating
23 of the 755 complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 describe hesitation when accelerating.
- owner complaints
- 23
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- typical mileage
- 60,000
- recalls
- 3
Hesitation when accelerating by model year
What owners say
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.
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 federal safety agency to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Intermittented,not all the time but I get a hesitation when I put the tran in drive press the accerator then it lurch forward unexpected......
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started to hesitate with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that there was a misfire in the engine, and her husband pulled off the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and driven back to the residence at speeds no greater than 50 MPH. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the left engine lifters had collapsed and needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the dealer that the right-side engine lifters should be replaced while the engine was disassembled. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
The transmission quite working while I was driving down the road. Took my foot off of the gas pedal and my truck bogged down completely and had no power to it. It is at an auto repair shop so I am unaware if it could be inspected under request. Took time but was able to safely get off the roadway and out of traffic. It did the out of no where. Started having some issues this summer but no warnings lights ever came on, so I didn’t think much about it. Completely stopped in the middle of the road and had little to no power from the transmission to the truck to move off of the road. My truck is currently in an auto repair shop waiting on a new transmission to be installed. I had it towed to an independent auto shop from where it stalled. There were not warning lamps or anything at the time of my transmission quitting. Truck started to run rough and shifting hard this summer but without warning lamps I didn’t take it anywhere. When running on the interstate it was shuttering which I thought was due to possible tire out of balance. It would also hesitate to take off when put into drive. It had several of the same issues that Chevy had on other transmissions that were recalled within this same time frame.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at a moderate speed, the fuel warning light had appeared on the instrument panel. After fueling the vehicle at a gas station, the vehicle began to hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal, with several warning lights, including the "Engine Power Reduced" and "Service ESC" illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the starter needed to be replaced because the vehicle had failed to start. The mechanic performed a diagnostic test and discovered that the fuel injectors were defective and leaking fuel into the engine. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure and provided the contact with an estimate for repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was then referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly shuddered and hesitated. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 96,000.
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.
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.
Component/system that failed: The transmission control module in my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has malfunctioned. The vehicle has issues with slipping between gears, rough shifting, and hesitation when accelerating. This component has already been inspected and diagnosed by a certified Chevrolet dealership, and the part is currently on backorder. The vehicle is available for further inspection upon request. Safety risk: This issue poses a serious safety risk to myself and others. The gear slipping and delayed response when driving—especially when merging onto highways or changing lanes—creates unpredictable behavior that can lead to an accident. The truck sometimes fails to engage gears properly, which makes it dangerous in traffic situations. Diagnosis confirmation: Yes, the problem has been confirmed by a Chevy dealership service advisor (Jose Diaz), who provided a formal quote and diagnosis for the replacement of the transmission control module. Inspection by others: The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives, but Chevrolet Customer Assistance is currently reviewing the case, and I was advised to submit this documentation. Warning lamps or symptoms: There were no warning lamps initially, Symptoms include slipping gears, hesitation when pressing the gas pedal, jerky shifting, and difficulty accelerating smoothly. These symptoms have progressively worsened over time. Additional context: I have learned that many 2020 Chevrolet Silverado trucks have been recalled for the exact same issue, but my VIN is currently not included. I believe this is a manufacturing defect and that my vehicle should be considered for inclusion in the recall or further investigation.
In November 2023 my check engine light suddenly started flashing, my service parking brake light came on, traction control light came on and service ESC message was on the DIC. Then my truck started running really rough. At the time I was going roughly 10 mph. I took it to the dealership and they found a lifter had failed. My truck was at the dealership for a month. Fast forward to now, February 2025 and today I got the exact same lights appear on my cluster and same message. I was driving approximately 50 mph and my truck felt like there was a lack of power and there was hesitation in the engine.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within...
- This service bulletin helps diagnose/reduce possible CCND issues on Transfer Cases
- Power train
- This bulletin helps aid the tech in possible noise that may be normal or abnormal depending on the concern...
- This service bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage...
- Power train
- Condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within...
- This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve body
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
- Risk
- Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on February 12, 2026.
Recall number 26V083000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve body
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
- Risk
- Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1‑800‑462‑8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
Recall number 24V797000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 and 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 trucks. One of the driveshaft joints may not have been properly welded, causing the driveshaft to separate while the vehicle is moving.
- Risk
- If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267. GM's number for this recall is N202314870.
Recall number 20V650000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 hesitation
Is hesitation when accelerating a common problem on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
23 of 755 owner complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (3%) mention hesitation when accelerating. The model year with the most reports is 2019.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
There are 3 recalls and 133 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Check engine light 142Engine failure 75Loss of power 70Shudder 45Knocking 41Jerking 38Transmission failure 30Harsh shifting 29Brake failure 28Misfire 28Power steering loss 27Stalling 27Won't shift 21ABS 18Backup camera 18Warning lights 16Won't start 15Ball joint 14Fire or smoke 14Slipping 14Fuel pump 12Overheating 12Water leak 11Adaptive cruise 8No deployment 6Fuel leak 5Oil consumption 5Whining noise 5
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