6.2 liter engine failed at 59,300 miles. Being replaced right now with remanufactured engine. 2020 GMC Sierra is not part of recall but others have had problems as well
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems
260 complaints (54% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 65,000. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 260
- of this car's complaints
- 54%
- typical mileage
- 65,000
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Exhaust system: emission control: urea injection system (DEF)2
- Exhaust system: emission control1
- Exhaust system1
- Engine: crank/camshaft position sensor1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Engine failure 86Check engine light 85Loss of power 54Knocking 50Misfire 26Stalling 18Won't start 15Oil consumption 10
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V‑274. These engines are installed in Model Years (MY) 2019â2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigated as part of a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001). GM determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM issued recall 25V‑274 to address the supplier manufacturing and quality issues produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. Based on the issuance of recall 25V‑274, the federal safety agency has closed PE25001. ODI continues to receive a significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of 25V‑274. This presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis (EA) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues of vehicles built outside the recall scope. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
EA25007
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GMâs full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engineâs bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. On April 24, 2025, GM issued recall 25V‑274 to address the concern with L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GMâs recall remedy will be either an oil change to an oil with a different viscosity or engine replacement depending on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. To date, ODI has received 1,157 allegations of engine bearing failure. GM submitted 55,464 reports in total, with 29,752 unique VINs. ODI continues to receive allegations of L87 engine failures which fall outside of the scope of recall 25V‑274. Based on GMâs recall, ODI will close this PE. the federal safety agency will continue to investigate complaints of engine failure outside the scope of recall 25V‑274 as part ofEngineering Analysis (EA25007). To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
PE25001
What 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I own a 2020 GMC sierra AT4. It has developed a shudder when cruising on the highway or driving in town around 1500rpm. I believe it is coming from the transmission. A local shop mentioned the torque converter. The shudder feels like a delay in power and makes it difficult to hold speed or accelerate when needed.
This morning it seems as if my 6.2L GM motor threw a rod. All the initial sounds and check engine information point toward that. I will be taking it to a dealer to confirm the issue. Data center driving ability and sounds indicate steering was affected as well or is somehow connected.
I was driving and my truck shut down on me while I was driving down the road, I had to get it towed to the dealership where it was confirmed that the motor would need to be replaced. There was no warning, it just turned off and luckily I was able to coast to a safe area to wait for the tow truck.
[XXX] General Motors Company P.O. Box 33170 Detroit, MI 48232-5170 c/o Franklin, Customer Support Re: Formal Demand for Buyback – 2020 GMC Sierra AT4 Black Widow VIN: [XXX] | 6.2L Engine Recall ~ 25V‑274. Plus ~ GM 10-Speed Transmission, Multiple Recalls Dear GMC Legal, I am providing written notice as required by 15 U.S.C. §2310 and New York State Lemon Law. This vehicle substantially impairs the safety, use, and value of my truck, and I am requesting a full buyback. The Facts: On [XXX], the vehicle was taken out of service and remained at the shop for 11 weeks. It was returned with yellow marking paint splattered on the exterior, floor mats, and brake pedal. On [XXX] — with fewer than 400 miles on the replacement engine — the engine and/or transmission suddenly shut off at 55 mph on [XXX]. It restarted with a violent boom, then cycled between shutting off and restarting with loud clacking and shaking for the remainder of the drive. I was forced to drive at 25 mph with hazard lights to reach home. The Legal Basis: This is a safety defect on a vehicle subject to Recall 25V‑274. GM was on notice of this known, concealed defect. The vehicle has been out of service for 30+ cumulative days. I have been denied a reasonable opportunity to cure. The vehicle has caused me severe and ongoing psychological distress, imminent and uncontrolled danger to my life, and total and continuing loss of use for its fundamental purpose. My Demand: 1.Full buyback under New York State Lemon Law — full purchase price, loan payoff, taxes, registration, and all incidental and consequential damages. 2.$5,000 additional compensation for the safety hazard and loss of use. 3.Attorney's fees and costs under 15 U.S.C. §2310(d)(2). I reserve all rights under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, New York State Lemon Law, and all applicable consumer protection statutes. Please respond in writing within 10 business days. If unresolved, I will join the c INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driving down road started to hear a weird growling knocking sound and noticed a reduction of power. also noticed lower then normal oil pressure. Changed oil found metal shavings in the oil. sent to chevy dealership. Diagnosed "rod bearing failure" needs new engine.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly entered Limp mode without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the computer was reflashed and the vehicle temporarily returned to normal operation; however, the failure recurred and the vehicle was returned to the dealer. The contact noticed a burnt odor coming from the engine compartment, along with engine bay cooling fans running at an unusual rate. Upon further inspection, the dealer diagnosed the failure as a defective coolant valve. The contact associated the failure with GM Special Coverage TSB N252508341; however, the VIN was not included in the coverage program. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,000.
I have a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 with the L87 6.2L V8. The cam shaft and lifters have failed for a 2nd time. The first time happened in 2022. It was under warranty and happened at approximately 40,000 miles. This last time it happened in 2026 and was at 125,000 miles - both for the same thing - cam shaft and lifters. Both were sudden failures and luckily I was on a highway that wasn't buy at the time. This time it is costing me $10,000 to fix. They have had the truck for two months now. My understanding is the significant recall that occurred was being investigated to see if it should be expanded. I believe it should have been expanded. Whatever came of that decision? GM told me they could offer no help as my truck was out of warranty and my truck was not on the recall list. I'm curious if it will be expanded and what would happen in my situation if it is expanded. GM has deleted the support message chain that went on for four weeks where I was trying to get them to cover it under the recall and/or explaining the entire situation. Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving down interstate noticed drop in oil pressure and immediately a noise in engine with loss of power. immediately took it to dealership and they diagnosed rod bearing failure. Gm refuses to pay for engine.
My 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT with the 6.2L L87 engine experienced complete engine failure at approximately 129,000 miles. The vehicle is currently at Trent Cadillac GMC in New Bern, NC and is available for inspection upon request. The dealer confirmed the engine requires replacement along with timing-chain-related repairs, estimated at approximately $11,000. Before the failure, I had previously reported concerns involving oil pressure/engine operation to a Chevrolet dealer. At one visit, the dealer documented that it could not duplicate the oil-pressure concern. The vehicle was later serviced again, but the problem ultimately progressed to complete engine failure. When the truck arrived at Trent after the failure, no oil registered on the dipstick. This presents a safety concern because sudden engine failure and loss of power can leave a driver unable to maintain normal vehicle operation or safely exit traffic, particularly at highway speeds. After the failure, the truck was evaluated by Big Boys in Grimesland, NC and then towed to Trent Cadillac GMC for authorized GM dealer diagnosis. GM Customer Care has also reviewed my case. I am concerned this failure may be related to known failure patterns involving GM 6.2L L87 engines and internal engine components. Although my 2020 model is outside the current recall population, it experienced complete engine failure after earlier oil-pressure concerns. I am requesting this failure be documented and evaluated as a potential safety defect, including whether earlier-model L87 engines may experience similar failure mechanisms.
Questions about the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 engine
Does the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 have engine problems?
Owners have filed 260 complaints about the engine of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, 54% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 65,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the GMC Sierra 1500 have bad engine?
The GMC Sierra 1500 model years with the most engine complaints are 2021 (372 complaints), 2019 (335 complaints) and 2022 (270 complaints).
Other 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 problems
Transmission 99Electrical 81Brakes 55Steering 38Driver assistance 27Fuel system 27Suspension 18Visibility 15Body 13Acceleration 12Airbags 6Lights 3Seat belts 2Tires 2Locks 1Wheels 1
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