Check a VIN

2020 GMC Sierra 1500: complete transmission failure

20 of the 484 complaints about the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 describe complete transmission failure.

owner complaints
20
of this car's complaints
4%
typical mileage
80,000
recalls
3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 132 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Complete transmission failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 28, 2026 · Acceleration, Transmission · MS

The vehicle in questions was purchased with less than 5 miles in year 2020. This vehicle was dropped off at MAC HAIK CHEVOLET MADISON MS on September 25, 2026. I was advised on September 28, 2026, that the vehicle was test driven with the scan tool connected, Graph Torque converter slip, found over 100 RPM slip when torque converter engaged and causing shutter at highway speeds, also felt 1-2 and 2-1 harsh downshift, check fluid condition was black and smelled burnt, replace transmission assembly, flush cooler, program transmission control module and perform clutch fast learn. Estimated cost of $8k

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MS

5/5/25 woke up back seat entire truck flooring soaking wet back glass cracked. 4/8/25 transmission went out 117,000 miles 7/3/25 exhaust leak and placed nox 1. 7/8/25 127551 mileage exhaust leak replace gaskets, belt , tensioner, and pulley, 6/8/2025 3 knock sensors replaced and replaced intake manifold.

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · Suspension, Transmission · MD

My truck transmission beed jerking off and on for over a year. One time it lose power when i was driving and could have caused an accident. I took it to the dealership and they said i new a new transmission for $12000. Something just doesn’t seem right about this! I brought a brand new truck thats unsafe and its no recall for my model but other models with the same issue had a recall. I would just like some answers. I feel like i brought a lemon. Thanks for listening.

Filed Jun 23, 2026 · Transmission · 85,165 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for a transmission fluid flush and refill, the contact was informed that the transmission was inoperable, and the vehicle could not be driven to the residence. The dealer determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the torque converter and advised the contact to drive over 1,000 miles for the issue to self-correct. The contact stated that the vehicle continued to shudder and drive bumpy while driving after 1,000 miles. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the torque converter was replaced a second time; however, the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact that the diagnostic test results were sent to the warranty company for the transmission replacement approval. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,165.

Filed Jun 3, 2026 · Transmission · MI

Transmission, going towards home up a mild hill, broke top of hill trans shifted to next gear, rear wheels locked up and tires squealed. doing around 40 mph. Took it directly into the shop, and the trans was destroyed inside. broken parts in the pan. Trans could not be repaired, had to get a new transmission. I limped to the dealership, just noisey under vehicle. There was special coverage till 115,000 mile, had 97,062 miles on it. Just like it blew up inside. I was without a vehicle for 5 weeks, but I did have an extended warranty which it paid all of it except $ 1404.01, and I had to pay 2 weeks of car rental for 893.00. The transmission $ 6782.97 , and I would like reimbursement for what I paid. I could only go 10 to 15 mph to the repair shop, which was 7 miles away. GM states it was something else at the dealership, but it was parts all over inside of the pan when they took it apart.

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · SC

After owning this truck a little over a year I’ve had to replace the transmission and now it’s in the because the motor sounds like a bag of marbles was put in it and the warranty company is a joke they only want to replace just the cam and lifters but yet the dealership hasn’t be authorized to go to the bottom of the motor to check it out this truck has been nothing but a lemon!!!!!

Filed Mar 27, 2026 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle started shaking and slipped in and out of gear, with the message "Idle Transmission" displayed. The vehicle was pulled over and shifted into park(P) and then to drive(D). There was a loud banging sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Feb 7, 2026 · Transmission · AL

My 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 experienced a premature transmission failure consistent with GM’s known 8-speed transmission defect. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk if/when the transmission occurs a temporary lockup which can/will cause the vehicle to stall on the highway, and potentially create a minor/major automobile incident if vehicle stalls. The vehicle was taken to dealership Capital Chevrolet Montgomery, AL where dealership technician diagnosed/confirmed the issue along with pictures of internal transmission failed components as well as recommended resolution for fix. The vehicle has been inspected by my out-of-pocket expense extended warranty company Endurance Warranty Services sub-contracted repair claims adjuster. No warning lamps, vehicle messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure were noticeable; the vehicle had multiple diagnostic scans prior to original sale and after sale to present no issues or trouble scans. the first issue appeared or was noticeable 12/08/2025. GM has refused action by asserting warranty expiration despite widespread knowledge of this defect. The vehicle has been out of service since December 8, 2025.

Filed Jun 8, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · GA

Transmission has slipped and shuddered multiple times. We have had it diagnosed at gmc dealership and our mechanic, advising that it is 8L90 transmission failure. It will slip to lower gear abruptly, causing for possible safety issues especially on the highways.

Filed Jun 2, 2025 · Electrical, Suspension · 68,000 miles · MS

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the horn failed to function as intended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the right lane sensor stopped working as intended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 60 MPH in the rain or on rough asphalt, the rear suspension caused the vehicle to fishtail to the right. The contact turned to the left to control the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle returned to normal functionality after the failure. The low transmission fluid warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with an electrical systems failure. The independent mechanic informed the contact that there was adequate transmission fluid inside the transmission, and it was unclear why the warning light was illuminated. The contact was informed that weights were added to the wheels to balance each wheel. The vehicle was not yet repaired for the other failures. The contact stated that the transmission was replaced a year prior to the failure, and the horn had failed to function soon after the transmission replacement. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Filed May 19, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · CA

This car had lifter motor failure at 135K miles and Transmission failure at 145k miles, the torque converter of this truck is the culprit of many issues as the lifter issues.

Filed Apr 29, 2025 · Transmission · TX

The transmission is jerking and sometimes it will not shift enough to get out of others ways. Severe slippage in the transmission I have taken the truck to the shop 3 times for the same issue. Now they tell me I need a new transmission.

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 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission failure

Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500?

20 of 484 owner complaints about the 2020 GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra 1500?

There are 3 recalls and 132 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500

Engine failure 86Check engine light 85Loss of power 54Knocking 50Misfire 26Won't shift 19Stalling 18Power steering loss 15Won't start 15Brake failure 14Warning lights 12ABS 11Fuel pump 11Harsh shifting 11Shudder 11Backup camera 10Jerking 10Oil consumption 10Ball joint 9Fire or smoke 9Hesitation 9Adaptive cruise 7Water leak 7Headlights 5

All model years of the GMC Sierra 1500

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2020 GMC Sierra 1500?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history