2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 99about this part
- Share
- 20%of 484 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,600miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 99 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, 20% of the 484 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,600 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 2025-05“I own a 2020 GMC sierra AT4. It has developed a shudder when cruising on the highway or driving in town around 1500rpm. I believe it is coming from the transmission. A local shop mentioned the torque converter. The shudder feels like a delay in power and makes it difficult to hold speed or accelerate when needed.”
NHTSA complaint #11773333, filed 2026-10“The AFM/DFM system in these trucks are making the engines and transmissions go out around 70k miles. The lifters fail right around the same time factory warranty runs out then your left with a 6 thousand dollar bill to have it fixed. I hope this becomes a recall because numerous people I talk to are getting rid of they're gmcs and chevys and going elsewhere.”
NHTSA complaint #11604873, filed 2024-07Related recalls
- 26V083000Feb 12, 2026General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra…Covers: GMC Sierra 1500 2020–2022, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2020–2022, GMC Sierra 2500 2020 +3 more
- 24V797000Oct 24, 2024General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade…Covers: GMC Sierra 1500 2020–2022, Sierra 2500 2020–2022, Sierra 3500 2020–2022 +9 more
- 20V650000Oct 22, 2020General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 and 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 trucks. One of the…Covers: GMC Sierra 1500 2019–2020, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2019–2020, Silverado 2500 2020
Related service bulletins
- 11024189Oct 9, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause…
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11017255Mar 25, 2025This service bulletin helps diagnose/reduce possible CCND issues on Transfer Cases - Service 4WD on DIC, Intermittent Failures, Noise Concerns, Driveline/Steering…
- 11014622Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014621Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014565Feb 13, 2025This bulletin helps aid the tech in possible noise that may be normal or abnormal depending on the concern noted.
- 11014353Feb 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
- 11014044Feb 3, 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the…
- 11013150Jan 28, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 35 | 24% |
| 2025 | 28 | 22% |
| 2024 | 73 | 19% |
| 2023 | 92 | 18% |
| 2022 | 113 | 19% |
| 2021 | 145 | 24% |
| 2020 | 99 | 20% |
| 2019 | 140 | 21% |
| 2018 | 131 | 43% |
| 2017 | 118 | 33% |
| 2016 | 84 | 24% |
| 2015 | 99 | 14% |
| 2014 | 69 | 9% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2012 | 6 | 6% |
| 2011 | 24 | 8% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 4% |
| 2008 | 6 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 2% |
| 2006 | 13 | 9% |
| 2005 | 11 | 6% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 6 | 3% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 9 | 5% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 7 | 12% |
| 1997 | 8 | 10% |
| 1994 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
245 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 31, 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