2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems
Compared with other GMC Sierra 1500 years
More complaints than typical for this model
78/100 1.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.9× that of a typical GMC Sierra 1500 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 98 of its 484 complaints were filed by the end of 2022.
- Most reported problem: Engine knock, rattle and internal failure (177 complaints, median 76,000 mi).
- 12 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2017, 2018
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 484filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 35,930miles, 128 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 12campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4–5 / 5stars overall, 6 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 5.3L 8-cyl RWD · 17 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe engine problems — knocking or rattling noises, loss of power, and in some cases internal failures that led to engine replacement — many of them reported well past 60,000 miles but also at low mileage. A second cluster of complaints concerns hard or failed shifts and torque converter trouble in the transmission, and a third concerns warning-light clusters for the brakes, stability control and steering that appear at very low mileage, often on startup.
- Engine
Engine knock, rattle and internal failure
- 177 complaints (37%)
- median 76,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (39 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $9,454 (median of 30 quotes)
- filed 2020–2026
Complaints describe knocking, rattling or popping sounds from the engine, sometimes with a loss of power, reduced engine power messages, vibration, or stalling. Several owners say a dealer or independent shop diagnosed crankshaft, rod bearing, camshaft or valve-related damage and recommended engine replacement or repair; a few report the engine seized or shut off while driving. Some complaints reference NHTSA engine investigations rather than a specific repair, and a few owners say the cause was never confirmed. Reported from a few hundred miles up to roughly 175,000 miles, with many around 40,000 to 90,000 miles.
What to check: Listen for ticking or knocking at cold start and at idle, and ask whether the oil pump solenoid or any camshaft/engine work has been done. Check the oil level and condition, and ask for service records covering oil pressure warnings.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle equipped with l87 6.2l. At 197 miles engine suddenly ceased operating and would not restart. This occurred while stopped on private road. Vehicle had to be towed to dealership where they found p0300 and diagnosed broken #4 cylinder exhaust valve spring.”
NHTSA complaint #11361352, filed 2020-09, 197 miles“The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. Multiple warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The engine was repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11696142, filed 2025-10, 19,000 miles - Brakes
Brake, stability-control and steering warning lights
- 102 complaints (21%)
- median 10,733 mi at 1.4 yrs old (37 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $5,000 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2020–2026
Owners describe clusters of messages appearing together — service ESC, service parking brake, brake system failure, steering assist reduced, ABS — often on startup or shortly after pulling away, sometimes with a hard brake pedal and reduced power assist. Complaints say dealers recalibrated the brake system, replaced the electronic brake module, master cylinder or booster, or could not duplicate the fault, and in several cases the messages returned. Mostly reported under about 15,000 miles, frequently within the first months of ownership and sometimes on startup after the truck sat.
Recall 20V116000Recall 21V9850002 related service bulletins
What to check: Start the truck and watch the dash for brake, ESC or steering-assist messages before driving, and test the brake pedal feel. Ask whether the brake caliper bolt recall (20V116000) and any brake module or calibration work were completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“After having all sorts of warnings over time like service ESC, service parking brake, and more, I now see brake system failure: 62 MPH top speed flash across my dash. I am reading and hearing that this is a very dangerous problem. New truck. Brand new. Had it less than a year. Brake message always on start up.”
NHTSA complaint #11382957, filed 2020-12, 6,400 miles“On december 14, 2020 my sierra with 2339 miles displayed, at startup, the power steering was out, to drive with care. Also displayed service ESC and traction control failures. I drove with much difficulty, without power steering, ten miles to the nearest Gmc dealership, lafontaine in highland, mi. I picked up the vehicle on december 29, 2020 with an additional 60 miles. The service personnel said they were unable to duplicate the problem, therefore no repairs were made. …”
NHTSA complaint #11387889, filed 2021-01, 2,339 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Hard shifts, shudder and torque converter failure
- 118 complaints (24%)
- median 47,000 mi at 4.7 yrs old (28 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $5,000 (median of 11 quotes)
- filed 2020–2026
Complaints describe harsh or clunky gear changes, hesitation, unexpected downshifts, jerking while accelerating or slowing, and in some cases the transmission failing and being replaced. Several owners say a dealer diagnosed torque converter failure, and some report repeat repairs or that the transmission was replaced at very low mileage. Others say the dealer could not find a cause. Spread from a few thousand miles to roughly 130,000 miles, with many reports between 40,000 and 90,000 miles.
Recall 24V797000Recall 26V0830004 related service bulletins
What to check: Drive at low speed and at highway speed and feel for shudder, delayed engagement or harsh downshifts, and check whether the transmission fluid service is documented. Ask whether recalls 24V797 and 26V083 were completed and whether a torque converter has already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The truck randomly gets stuck in park. Cannot put it into drive, neutral or reverse. The car has been at the dealership since january 27, 2020. Gmc wont send them the part, the dealship believes it must be a problem with the part and they are trying to fix or redesign the part before its sent out. Also I was told by my dealership another 2020 at4 came in with the same problem. It was towed to them.”
NHTSA complaint #11307331, filed 2020-02, 250 miles“Car was idling and parked. Warning code showed up on dashboard ESC, electronic stability control, reduced engine power. Vehicle then displayed transmission disruption, warning light displayed as well. I was able to drive it to the dealership but the performance of the vehicle was limited by the reduced engine power. Transmission was hesitating and clunky during gear changes. My sierra has 5,000 miles on it and the transmission was already replaced at 2,000 miles. Gmc has a serious problem with this make and model. …”
NHTSA complaint #11385700, filed 2020-12, 5,000 miles - Electrical system
Battery drain and no-start / electrical faults
- 66 complaints (14%)
- median 27,500 mi at 2.0 yrs old (24 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $7,800 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2020–2026
Owners report the truck failing to start or going completely dead after sitting, sometimes with no accessories left on, and in one case a battery replaced early in ownership. Complaints also describe warning lights, a burning odor, sparks, inoperative radio and rearview camera, and a dealer diagnosing wiring harness or module faults. Some complaints link a dead battery to an aftermarket auto-stop device or taillight wiring. Usually reported under about 15,000 miles, often within the first year.
Recall 19V8880003 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether the battery positive cable recall (19V888000) was done, and whether any aftermarket auto-stop or lighting accessories were installed. Check that the truck starts readily after sitting overnight and that the camera and radio work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Everything was fine for about 6 months after having purchased vehicle as new. Then I got warning lights asking me to both service the parking break and service ESC with a warning that driving would be compromised just over 60mph. I notified dealer who says they fixed the glitch but it happened again. The last time, most recently, I tried to start the truck the next day and all the warning lights came on. This was followed by a complete shut down. No engine, no lights - not even lock/unlock with key fob. It had to be towed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11360829, filed 2020-09, 5,000 miles“On two separate occasions, the truck has been dead when attempting to crank. There were no lights or devices left on after the previous time the truck had been used. Something is drawing power from the battery causing it to be dead. After recharging the battery, the check engine codes read that there is a problem with 'brake light illumination.' help in determining wha t is causing the battery to die on such a new vehicle would greatly appreciated! …”
NHTSA complaint #11384265, filed 2020-12, 15,000 miles - Steering
Pulling or loss of power steering assist
- 83 complaints (17%)
- median 10,516 mi at 1.4 yrs old (24 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $7,000 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2020–2026
Complaints describe the truck pulling to one side while driving and, in a few cases, the steering locking up or losing power assist at startup with a steering-assist warning. Owners say dealers were often unable to duplicate the fault or cleared codes without a lasting fix, and some report the problem returning within a short distance. Mostly reported under about 20,000 miles, and in some cases at startup in cold weather.
What to check: Test the steering on a straight road for pull or wander, and start the truck cold to see whether a steering-assist message appears. Ask whether the steering gear or any software calibration has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The steering will completely lock up, this is the 2nd occurrence. It was at the dealer 1143 miles ago and codes were cleared, problem reoccurred. I was able to start the vehicle, put in drive/reverse neutral etc without issues, however the steering was completely locked up and would not allow steering/control of the vehicle. The vehicle was parked in driveway, cold outside both times. I have video evidence. The first occurrence 12/26/2020 at 9591 miles, 2nd occurrence 2/16/2021 at 10733 miles (1142 miles later)”
NHTSA complaint #11396687, filed 2021-02, 10,733 miles“Parked truck for one hour, engine off. Came back and upon startup, received multiple errors that power steering and ESC required dealer attention. Brake pedal would depress to floor. Gmc SIERRA 1500 elevation trim”
NHTSA complaint #11352041, filed 2020-08, 3,000 miles
Buying note. Ask for a full service history and confirm which open recalls have been completed, especially the brake caliper, battery cable and transmission valve recalls. A cold start, a highway test drive and a scan for stored codes will show most of what owners describe here.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 484 consumer complaints for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. 128 of the complaints include a mileage, and 59% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 35,930 miles. Of all complaints, 12 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 13 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns and 1,539 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 GMC Sierra 1500 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 78 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine245 51%
- Electrical system81 17%
- Brakes55 11%
- Other or unknown46 9.5%
- Steering38 7.8%
- Fuel system27 5.6%
- Engine cooling21 4.3%
- Suspension18 3.7%
Also reported: Forward collision avoidance (14), Body and structure (13), Vehicle speed control (12), Air bags (6), Electronic stability control (6), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (5), Lane departure (5), Exterior lighting (3), Equipment (2), Seat belts (2), Tires (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “There is no way to permanently disable the auto start stop on the vehicle. Several others have complained about this, no response from GM. There needs to be a firmware upgrade to the ECM to allow the owner make the decision on if that is enabled or disabled. On mine, I have to push a button each time I start the engine to disable that. Some GM vehicles don't have that option.”
NHTSA complaint #11377941, filed 2020-12, 2 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Transmission valve control malfunctioned, causing rear wheels to temporarily lock, skidding the tires. This almost caused me to loose control, endangering myself and others around me. This is the second time this problem has happened. A recall related to this was addressed on this truck, though it has clearly done nothing to prevent it from happening.”
NHTSA complaint #11662870, filed 2025-05Electrical system: “Odometer Fraud. The contact attempted to purchase a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 75,000. At the time of registration, the Carfax Report indicated that the mileage was 175,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11724546, filed 2026-03, 175,000 milesBrakes: “My truck tuesday march 16th had me update software as soon as I got to work, after it was done I got out of my truck and it would not lock with push button or fob. When I got into my truck to go home 10hrs later it made a bunch of clicking noises and after a minute it showed update complete on screen then started. The very next day I drove back to work which is 22 miles. When I took my truck to lunch three blocks away I had ESC service light and service parking brake accompanied by check engine light. …”
NHTSA complaint #11403691, filed 2021-03, 20,500 milesMileage when problems were reported
59% of the 128 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 4,395 and 80,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra 1500 · regular cab 2WD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| Sierra 1500 · extended cab 2WD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| Sierra 1500 · extended cab 4WD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.8% risk |
| Sierra 1500 · regular cab 4WD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.8% risk |
| Sierra 1500 · crew cab 2WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| Sierra 1500 · crew cab 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.8% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2019: same overall rating; 2021: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra 2WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Sierra 2WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 19 | 22 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Sierra 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Sierra 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Sierra 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Sierra 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Sierra 4WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 19 | 22 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Sierra 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Sierra 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Sierra 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Sierra 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Sierra 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $4,850 |
| Sierra 4WD AT4 | 5.3L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Sierra 4WD AT4 | 5.3L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
7 more EPA-rated versions are not shown.
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 26V083000Feb 12, 2026Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module › SoftwareCovers: GMC Sierra 1500 2020–2022, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2020–2022, GMC Sierra 2500 2020 +3 more
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…
- 24V797000Oct 24, 2024Power train › Automatic transmission › Fluid/lubricant › Valves/valve bodyCovers: GMC Sierra 1500 2020–2022, Sierra 2500 2020–2022, Sierra 3500 2020–2022 +9 more
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…
- 21V985000Dec 16, 2021Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tireCovers: GMC Sierra 1500 2019–2021, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2019–2021
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 vehicles equipped with certain accessory road tires and a 17" spare tire. The 17" spare tire provided with the vehicle is not compatible for use with the accessory wheels…
- 21V115000Feb 25, 2021TiresCovers: GMC Sierra 1500 2019–2020, Savana 2018–2021, Chevrolet Express 2018–2021 +13 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC…
- 20V792000Dec 17, 2020Seat belts › Critical fastenersCovers: GMC Sierra 1500 2019–2021, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2019–2021, GMC Sierra 2500 2020–2021 +6 more
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt…
- 20V684000Nov 5, 2020TiresCovers: GMC Sierra 1500 2020–2021, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2020–2021, GMC Acadia 2020 +3 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that…
See all 12 recalls for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,539 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038463Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown. This document assists GM dealer technicians with diagnosing torque converter concerns to ensure torque converter replacement is necessary. The torque converter part number will be placed on order…
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037550Sep 21, 2026Other or unknown. This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11036713Aug 27, 2026Other or unknown. This document assists GM dealer technicians with diagnosing torque converter concerns to ensure torque converter replacement is necessary. The torque converter part number will be placed on order…
- 11036196Aug 7, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates an issue where an aftermarket autostop device or rear taillights is causing a dead battery.
- 11035709Jul 31, 2026Other or unknown. This document assists GM dealer technicians with diagnosing torque converter concerns to ensure torque converter replacement is necessary. The torque converter part number will be placed on order…
- 11035350Jul 23, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides information to repair the door water deflector which is not sealed properly allows water into the door jam/sill area.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11035308Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
Other model years of the GMC Sierra 1500
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 147 | 3,900 | 2 | 5 | 19 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 124 | 16,000 | 1 | 5 | 19 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 378 | 19,650 | 1 | 5 | 18 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 503 | 30,115 | 3 | 5 | 18 | 81 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 602 | 39,770 | 6 | 4–5 | 18 | 82 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 598 | 50,000 | 7 | 4–5 | 17 | 76 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 484 | 35,930 | 12 | 4–5 | 19 | 78 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 658 | 14,250 | 10 | 4–5 | 19 | 89 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 305 | 34,000 | 7 | 5 | 19 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 355 | 38,984 | 6 | 5 | 19 | 43 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 343 | 47,000 | 8 | 5 | 19 | 54 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 720 | 47,000 | 9 | 5 | 19 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 743 | 55,000 | 9 | 5 | 19 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 116 | 70,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 107 | 60,440 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 284 | 55,250 | 5 | 4 | 17 | 16 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 168 | 63,750 | 4 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 234 | 72,750 | 4 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 381 | 75,000 | 2 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 263 | 73,462 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 145 | 52,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 177 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 212 | 60,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 180 | 75,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2002 | 166 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 140 | 97,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 181 | 90,506 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 158 | 107,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 59 | 80,500 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 83 | 82,500 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 5 | 132,500 | 0 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1994 | 13 | 129,775 | 0 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
All GMC Sierra 1500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500?
Owners of this model year most often describe engine problems — knocking or rattling noises, loss of power, and in some cases internal failures that led to engine replacement — many of them reported well past 60,000 miles but also at low mileage. The issues reported most often: Engine knock, rattle and internal failure; Brake, stability-control and steering warning lights; Hard shifts, shudder and torque converter failure.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
NHTSA recorded 484 consumer complaints for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 245 complaints (51% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 99.
Has the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 4–5 out of 5 stars overall, across 6 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 get?
The EPA rates the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 (Sierra 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 reported?
Among the 128 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 35,930 miles and the middle half falls between 4,395 and 80,000 miles; 59% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.