2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 4%of 483 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, 4% of the 483 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the oil pump solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but after the repair was performed, the engine seized. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11721474, filed 2026-03, 45,000 miles“The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35-40 MPH and hauling a trailer in stop-and-go traffic, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, and the vehicle started losing power. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, where the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The parking brake was engaging and disengaging independently. …”
NHTSA complaint #11690794, filed 2025-10, 93,000 miles“The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine hesitated while turning over. The vehicle started with the check engine warning light illuminated, and the DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) sensor light was illuminated. The message “94 miles before vehicle enters LIMP Mode was displayed and instructed the contact to see the Diesel Exhaust Fluid section of the Owner's Manual. The vehicle was restricted to a 65 MPH max speed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11725236, filed 2026-03, 121,000 miles“The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 74 MPH, the vehicle made a loud banging sound, reduced engine power, and was losing oil pressure. The dealer associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: EA25007 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was contacted and the vehicle was diagnosed with rod bearing failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11768586, filed 2026-10, 124,000 miles“The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made an abnormal popping and crackling sound. The traction control, check engine, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message Service Emergency Brake was displayed. The engine later made knocking sounds, and the vehicle vibrated while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11716131, filed 2026-02, 138,000 milesEngine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 2% |
| 2024 | 31 | 8% |
| 2023 | 23 | 5% |
| 2022 | 29 | 5% |
| 2021 | 49 | 8% |
| 2020 | 21 | 4% |
| 2019 | 26 | 4% |
| 2018 | 6 | 2% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 4 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 7 | 3% |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 8 | 5% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 5 | 3% |
| 1999 | 6 | 4% |
| 1998 | 3 | 5% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
244 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
99 complaintsElectrical system
81 complaintsBrakes
55 complaintsOther or unknown
46 complaintsSteering
38 complaintsFuel system
27 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsForward collision avoidance
14 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology