The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact noticed an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact observed that the roof, rear seats, and rear carpet were saturated with water. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the rear sliding window frame connected to the roof was fractured, causing water to leak into the vehicle. The contact was informed that the failure was a factory defect associated with an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and referred the contact to the dealer. The contact was advised that the repair was not covered because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 90,320.
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 visibility problems
15 complaints (3% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 31,000.
- owner complaints
- 15
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- typical mileage
- 31,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Glass, side/rear: critical fasteners1
- Defroster/defogger/HVAC system: rear window1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
GMC Sierra 1500 visibility problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The frame of the back window is cracking allowing water to come in through the back glass. This is causing the headliner and other components such as air bags and other electrical components to get wet and damaged. This could cause risk of fire or failure of safety components within the vehicle such as air bags, cameras and other sensors. With water intrusion comes the high risk for mold to develop and cause serious health risks. GMC is aware of this issue and will not agree to repair it. A GMC dealer has inspected the glass and said it was a faulty seal but since it's not in the 3 year warranty window, it's not covered. Independent auto glass companies state they have seen this issue many times and the glass seal is faulty. GMC should do the right thing and fix this issue. This devalues the vehicle and the GMC brand and poses serious risks to driver. I have created a case with GMC and submitted photos, videos and dealership estimates for proof.
Back window leaks down onto electrical compents and causes mold behind rear seat, plus staining mold on headliner
The morning of December 12th, 2025 I used my vehicle to transport my daughter approximately 5 miles round trip from our home to drop her off at daycare and then I returned home. I used my front and rear defrost elements to expedite removal of heavy condensation which had formed on all windows overnight. This was approximately 7 AM. I parked my truck in the driveway and went inside until approximately 11:45 AM when I went to leave in my truck and noticed the rear sliding window had shattered. The window shattered and distributed tempered glass fragments all over the inside of the cab. Only approximately 10% of the window remained intact. I then reviewed the security camera footage from my driveway and discovered that the window failed entirely on its own with nothing hitting/striking/touching the window, nor any humans or animals in the vicinity. I attempted to take the vehicle to a GMC service department this morning (Dec 13) but due to their demand to keep the vehicle for 2-3 days to investigate yet unable to provide a loaner vehicle, I was unable to leave the vehicle in their possession and returned home. I plan to continue to contact GMC dealership service departments in hope I can find one which can provide a loaner vehicle, as I will need transportation to and from work in the coming days. I do have video footage of the incident although I am unable to add it below.
The rear back glass is leaking water excessively in to the inside of the vehicle when it rains or gets washed. The vehicle is available at any time for inspection. The amount of condensation that accumulates on all the interior windows makes it impossible to see out of the vehicle. The defrost can not handle the amount of moisture build up. The Dealer knows about this condition and it has been verified by a window company. The manufacture knows and understands there is a problem and has put out a Technical Service Bulletin ( TSB 18‑NA‑383 ) for this issue but will not cover the repairs. GM knows that every single vehicle with this window designs from 2019-20121 will leak just outside the 3 year 36k mile warranty coverage. The cost of repair is approximately $2k. Dealer will not cover repair.
Back window frame crack led to water intrusion which flooded electric module controlling speedometer and adaptive settings. Extremely unsafe driving with faulty electrical components unknown to me. Insurance and Dealership told me this is a common GMC occurrence. Cost is near $10,000 to make truck drivable.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while detailing the rear interior of the vehicle, the contact discovered water surrounding the rear windshield casing and the water was leaking into the rear seating. Additionally, the rear carpet was soiled with water. The contact used towels while attempting to soak up the water. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to the failed rear windshield glass fasteners. The contact was informed that the failure had damaged the rear carpet, padding, and the rear seat. In addition, the contact was informed that the carpet and padding needed to be replaced due to mold build up. The contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty coverage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
The rear window was leaking a substantial amount of water soaking the back seat. Had the service bulletin done, which did not work. Then under further inspection found cracks in the rear power window track. Dealer told me GM would not cover replacement because it was out of the 3 year warranty. Then was told it would cost me 1200 dollars to replace. GM should cover this because it will lead to black mold.
The rear window on this vehicle is leaking water and has been for some time. It has become quite bad and is causing an odor and discoloration in the carpet. I could not find the cause of the problem until recently with the plastic cracking more. The vehicle has 41,000 miles and the dealer stated that is out of warranty and all repairs would be a cost to me. I researched this and have found it is a common fault this this vehicle.
My rear window leaks there is a bulletin on it Call GM says it is not responsible for the repair because it is over on the years but not the mileage it’s clear they know about the problem it’s in many pickups that gm manufacture here is the bulletin file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/97/07/3010617D-BBB0-4FB8-859B-4BA5E2BE3F3A/Ed%20blakeslees%20truck.png
Questions about the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 visibility
Does the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 have visibility problems?
Owners have filed 15 complaints about the visibility of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, 3% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 visibility problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 31,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 visibility?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the GMC Sierra 1500 have the most visibility problems?
The GMC Sierra 1500 model years with the most visibility complaints are 2015 (26 complaints), 2014 (21 complaints) and 2020 (15 complaints).
Other 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 problems
Engine 260Transmission 99Electrical 81Brakes 55Steering 38Driver assistance 27Fuel system 27Suspension 18Body 13Acceleration 12Airbags 6Lights 3Seat belts 2Tires 2Locks 1Wheels 1
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