2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 244about this part
- Share
- 51%of 483 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 244 complaints about the engine of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, 51% of the 483 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“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“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“At about 3500 miles lifters on two cylinders colasped. Took to dealer that dealer had three weeks but fixed it. 1500 miles later at 5036 miles it happened again on a different cylinder. Number 8. The first time it was 3 and 5. The first time the dealer replaced all 8 cylinders. So cylinder number 8 was new as well. Gmc has said there is nothing else that can be done to fix the issue. The second dealer service manager states that he would not trust it either to go any long distance . Also stated that they have put 3 sets in to one vehicle before. …”
NHTSA complaint #11394363, filed 2021-02, 5,036 miles“Within 3 months (<4000 miles) from purchase vehicle began sputtering with hesitation, and ticking noise from engine while in motion followed by multiple alerts posting on driver display. Vehicle displays loss of power, and struggles to keep up with traffic. Check engine light flashing followed by constantly staying on, service ESC system activated, service parking brake, and steering assist reduced drive with caution lights all activated during this episode. Dealer worked on vehicle engine ( and completed on or around 1/08/2021), and replaced lifters, and oil control valve. …”
NHTSA complaint #11388120, filed 2021-01, 3,800 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11024332Sep 6, 2025This informational bulletin advises the technician of a part number change for long block engines used in the trucks noted.
- 11024330Sep 6, 2025This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024486May 16, 2025This bulletin advises the tech to inspect deeper into what may be to main cause of an engine failure.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
- 11019748Apr 30, 2025This bulletin advises the tech that the Exhaust Roller Follower may be the issue with the engine Ticking noise, misfire or rough run and what to replace if found the cause.
- 11019503Apr 18, 2025This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California…
- 11017443Apr 2, 2025This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated - DTC P3055 Set.
- 11017302Mar 29, 2025This informational bulletin advises the technician that the gasket for the timing chain tensioner is not required.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 101 | 69% |
| 2025 | 59 | 48% |
| 2024 | 190 | 50% |
| 2023 | 212 | 42% |
| 2022 | 241 | 40% |
| 2021 | 322 | 54% |
| 2020 | 244 | 51% |
| 2019 | 313 | 48% |
| 2018 | 67 | 22% |
| 2017 | 58 | 16% |
| 2016 | 39 | 11% |
| 2015 | 84 | 12% |
| 2014 | 69 | 9% |
| 2013 | 8 | 7% |
| 2012 | 6 | 6% |
| 2011 | 16 | 6% |
| 2010 | 11 | 7% |
| 2009 | 13 | 6% |
| 2008 | 19 | 5% |
| 2007 | 19 | 7% |
| 2006 | 5 | 3% |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
99 complaintsElectrical system
81 complaintsBrakes
55 complaintsOther or unknown
46 complaintsSteering
38 complaintsFuel system
27 complaintsEngine cooling
21 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 29, 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