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2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: complete transmission failure

30 of the 755 complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 describe complete transmission failure.

owner complaints
30
of this car's complaints
4%
typical mileage
73,000
recalls
3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 133 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Complete transmission failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Transmission · CA

My transmission was shuttering from about 10,000 miles to 67,000. I reported it multiple times to the dealership and they did nothing about it until the 67,000 mark when they finally replaced it. the new transmission started to downshift very hard as soon as I got it back from the dealer and it just got worse I took it back and they had diagnosed that it was bad. They are in the process of replacing the transmission, a second time which would be my third transmission They’ve had my truck for 36 days. Clearly, General Motors and the dealership cannot figure out how to get my transmission to work properly. It’s a danger to my family and those on the road if it fails while on the highway.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 73,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the torque converter and transmission needed to be flushed. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering and the transmission seized, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure had occurred briefly, and the failure was self-corrected, and the contact continued driving. The failure reoccurred approximately 2 - 3 times. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, and the transmission was replaced. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was returned to the dealer, and the transmission was replaced a second time. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle an additional 20,000 miles before the vehicle received additional repairs. The manufacturer was informed of the issue several times. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Transmission · GA

Transmission failure around 63000miles. Jasper rebuilt transmission having issues at 130000

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Transmission · PA

Purchased used in 02/2022. Pickup started to shutter when shifting at 35-45 MPH. Took it to Turnpike Chevy who found thrust bearing in reaction carrier broken and damaged planetary gear set. They replaced the reaction carrier ASM and Reconditioned the transmission ASM. Replaced the valve body ASM. Took to John Sauder Chevy numerous times between July 19 2024 and July 7 2025 due to the shutter when shifting having returned. They tried the GM approved fix of flashing the computer to reprogram and kept saying they could not duplicate. On June 18, 2025 while towing a trailer on the highway while going highway speeds in the middle of rush hour traffic the transmission suddenly started making a shrill noise. Transmission disengaged and lost power. John Sauder Chevrolet found a broken oil pump drive and drive gears on the 10L80E transmission. GMC refused to replace the transmission and now it is out of warranty and starting shutter again when it shifts

Filed Aug 12, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 76,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was running rough and the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the transmission made an abnormal sound while starting the vehicle and while driving, and the torque converter was shuddering. The contact and his father diagnosed the vehicle as having a cylinder misfire and performed a compression test on the engine. The contact replaced the lifter and push rods, deactivated and removed the Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), modified the engine, replaced transmission fluid, and used Lube Gard Instant Shudder Fixx for the torque converter shudder. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

Filed Jun 12, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MO

I'm experiencing all the documented issues with the 10L80 10 speed transmission. Identical to all the recalls. It's shifting poorly, torque converter shudder, lose of power, unreliability, and serious safety concerns. I've tried to communicate and find a resolution to these issues through the dealership and GM. Of course getting nowhere. I don't feel a 60k dollar truck should be in this kind of condition. Recently the ac compressor went out. Conveniently after the 6.2 was considered faulty and was replaced but transmission denied. Which the dealership GM expressed in no way was any factors the warranty companies claims of a taller tire being on the truck. Being the issue at all for the transmission failure. Also the dealership didn't check a box. One that I can not physically check. Which they put on me. They swapped the stock tires to the taller brand new set I'd just bought for my trade in. Never stating anything about the tires being taller voiding the warranty I just paid for. Why would I deny the part of the extended warranty that I wanted. Cause of the suspension and drivetrain. Either way this truck is not safe to be on the road. It struggles to maintain speed on the highway. Eventually leading to the torque converter free spinning and making all kinds of noises and vibration. Of course once I've assisted it to violently shift through the gears and hopefully into 10th. On occasions it never makes it that far. Either way I feel this falls directly into the recalls with the same model and year. They replaced the 6.2 cause of cylinder failure and oil consumption. Well the next in line for the drive train is the junk 10 speed. Not sure how it can't be related. The long and stressful time. I've put into finding a solution with the dealer or manufacturer. They blow me off or just don't give me any info. I feel that's their way of dismissing not only the failure of the salesman not properly doing his job. Which the GManager also stated mistakes happen. Not OK

Filed Jun 5, 2026 · Transmission · TX

Transmission failed before 100,000 miles. All service was complete throughout the life of the vehicle. Problems shifting to next gear causing pulling or slipping on the vehicle. If not able to accelerate properly could cause a safety concern on the road. Repairs were made costing $9,000.

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 70,000 miles · GA

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.

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Transmission · 78,442 miles · GA

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.

Filed Feb 3, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Diesel and to request immediate review and assistance from General Motors. I purchased this vehicle from a GM dealership in 2024 with approximately 70,000 miles for roughly $42,000. The vehicle currently has approximately 121,000 miles. Since purchasing the vehicle, it has suffered major breakdowns approximately every three months, requiring repeated costly repairs and making the vehicle unreliable for regular use. Most notably, the vehicle experienced a full transmission failure at approximately 103,000 miles — just after the factory warranty expired, requiring complete transmission replacement at my expense. To date, I have spent nearly $20,000 in repairs, including but not limited to: •Full transmission replacement •Two alternator replacements •Glow plug system failure •Coolant control valve failure •Engine control / computer module failure •Transmission cooling system failures •Ongoing electrical system issues •Additional drivetrain and mechanical problems These are critical powertrain, electrical, and engine management components — not routine maintenance items. The repeated failure of such systems strongly suggests underlying manufacturing or design defects. The vehicle has been properly maintained and serviced, yet continues to experience serious and recurring defects well beyond what would be considered normal wear and tear for a modern diesel truck. At this point, my total investment in this vehicle exceeds $62,000, and I am left with a truck that I cannot trust and that has become financially unsustainable to own.

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Transmission · NY

THIS IS A RECALL REMEDY FAILURE REPORT UNDER 49 U.S.C. §30120. My 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (VIN: [XXX] ) received Recall 24V797000 on June 9, 2025. The ECM update is intended to detect incipient clutch-pressure or gear-ratio deviations—early signs of a developing slip—and automatically force limp mode to prevent rear-wheel lockup. On August 23, 2025, after the recall was performed, the truck experienced rear-wheel lockup at highway speed. Limp mode did not activate, which shows the recall remedy failed to operate as required. Mangino Chevrolet documented symptoms matching the recall defect, including abnormal ratio behavior. No metal debris was found in the pan, indicating the failure was not caused by wear. GM TAC also noted behavior consistent with a developing slip. GM first recommended full transmission replacement at my expense before acknowledging the recall. GM later authorized a valve-body replacement, which also failed. The dealership owner provided a written statement confirming that: (1) the recall remedy did not correct the defect, and (2) the valve-body repair did not correct it. On December 3, 2025, GM Customer Assistance attempted to close my case as “not recall-related,” despite the post-remedy lockup, limp-mode failure, dealer findings, and the written admission that the recall remedy was ineffective. The safety defect persists after recall completion, and GM has not provided a remedy that corrects it, as required under federal law. I am reporting this as a failed recall remedy and an ongoing safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 11, 2025 · Transmission · OK

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.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve bodyReported February 12, 2026 · 1,055 vehicles affected
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 bodyReported October 24, 2024 · 463,295 vehicles affected
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: driveshaftReported October 22, 2020 · 42 vehicles affected
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 transmission failure

Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

30 of 755 owner complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (4%) mention complete transmission failure. The model year with the most reports is 2017.

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 38Harsh 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

All model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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