The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the engine was previously rebuilt. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and lost motive power, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road and towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine had low compression, and that the engine and transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: jerking or lurching
38 of the 755 complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 describe jerking or lurching.
- owner complaints
- 38
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- typical mileage
- 78,442
- recalls
- 3
Jerking or lurching by model year
What owners say
have notice that the car jerks hard from time to time and when try to accelerate the car does a quick/short stop then accelerates hards very jerky. Also I smell coolant and my check engine light came on..
I have notice that the car jerks hard from time to time and when try to accelerate the car does a quick/short stop then accelerates hards very jerky.
Vehicle sent alert on phone saying battery critically low, then the vehicle started having fuel gauge issue and started lurching. Shut the vehicle down saw a P129F in the alerts. Checked battery vehicle was a no start. Luckily near a shop so it wasn't catastrophic and was able to r eplace the fuel pump control module and it instantly started. This part NEEDS to be recalled it is a safety hazard that chevy does not aknowledge
On July 22, 2026 took truck to dealership for oil change and reported getting random (trailer brake, power steering) service alarms. Was told it might be a ground strap issue and was sent on my way. After investigating, there is a GM service bulletin (#23-NA-201) on the issue but does not cover my truck. After a week of vacation, began driving truck again and alarms became more frequent, including loss of power steering and jerking of steering wheel while driving. Arranged with dealership to replace the ground strap (at my expense). By the time they could schedule, the alarms were constant and the truck had completely lost power steering. One of the power steering failures nearly resulted in an accident while turning.
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked forward extremely hard. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. Additionally, the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the vehicle shuddered and jerked erratically. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the Toyota dealer where it was purchased, where it was diagnosed with a failed torque converter. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed torque converter. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated with the unknown recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,442.
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.
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......
My truck started acting sluggish like the parking brake was applied while driving. At a traffic light I put the vehicle in park applied and released the parking brake. I put the vehicle back in gear an let off the brake. The vehicle did not move so slightly pressed the accelerator. The vehicle still acted as if the brakes were applied. I could feel the slight movement and torque being applied but only slightly lurching. The traffic light turned green so I proceeded up to 45mph. A vehicle in front of me slowed to make a turn. Applied the brakes and nothing happened. I pressed the brake so hard that I lifted myself off the seat. I swerved to miss the vehicle avoiding a collision. Then warnings started popping up; "brake system failure max speed 62mph", "brake system failure max speed 42mph", Brake system failure", service traction control", "service trailer baking system". among others I was too busy to see all of them. I coasted to a stop in a nearby parking lot with visual and audible warnings still going. I shut the vehicle off then restarted it. Some warnings remained like traction control and the engine light. The vehicle appeared to be operating correctly so I drove it to a local dealer. they said there was a code for low voltage in the brake control module but couldn't get me an appointment for over two weeks. I took the vehicle to a regular mechanic who said what I described was impossible. That mechanic kept my truck for the balance of the day but could find nothing wrong. I no longer trust this vehicles brake system. In many scenarios the failure, were it to happen again could be catastrophic.
Transmission jerky or slipping
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 jerking
Is jerking or lurching a common problem on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
38 of 755 owner complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (5%) mention jerking or lurching. 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 41Transmission failure 30Harsh shifting 29Brake failure 28Misfire 28Power steering loss 27Stalling 27Hesitation 23Won'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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