2020 GMC Sierra 2500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 31%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 113,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500, 31% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 113,000 miles. 2 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.
“After the transmission recall was completed, I’m now having erratic shifting. Having the recall adding software monitoring for a hardware issue is inadequate. Now that I am out of warrentee, gm has not resolved the issue and now I am having shifting problems.”
NHTSA complaint #11661620, filed 2025-05“A couple times I heard loud clanking coming from rear brakes. One time in particular I was trying to stop and it felt line someone had ran into my truck but must have been the rear wheel locking up”
NHTSA complaint #11718162, filed 2026-02“Torque converter in my transmission we out, causing my gears to grind and lose power. Slight rumbling sound under the front passenger seat, First dealer (Palmen Motors, Kenosha WI) told me there was nothing wrong with the vehicle and no transmission error codes exist. Second dealer (Parks GMC, Greenville SC) indicated that i need a complete new transmission. Part is on backorder for the last 4 weeks and I am without my vehicle. No ETA for new part or any information on why it failed prematurely.”
NHTSA complaint #11693346, filed 2025-10“My truck had been sitting idling for about 20 minutes on a job site on flat level ground. I turn around for whatever reason and my truck is driving forward with on one in it but my dog. The truck ran into an out rigger on my crane. I had 3 of my employees there that witnessed this happen. I got into my truck and the shifter was in drive. Somehow my dog was able to shift my truck into drive from park while it was sitting idle. I have 3 eye witnesses as well as pictures of the incident. I have pictures but was no able to upload them to they portal.”
NHTSA complaint #11646739, filed 2025-03“While driving vehicle flashed engine power reduction signal and then the emergency brake automatic feature came on abruptly. Fortunately, I had been able to slow down after the reduced power, but if I wouldn't have quickly reacted to that, I think the emergency brake system would have caused a safety issue. Now. The vehicle is incapacitated. There were two recalls that describe this exact situation on the same year and model of truck, but my VIN number did not fall. Under that recall. The recall was for the sensor and then the second recall was because the first recall didn't correctly fix it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11765548, filed 2026-09Related 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 2500 2020, Sierra 1500 2020–2022, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2020–2022 +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 2500 2020–2022, Sierra 3500 2020–2022, Sierra 1500 2020–2022 +9 more
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…
- 11026024Jun 3, 2025This bulletin helps aid the tech in possible 10L100 transmission noise that may be normal or abnormal depending on the concern noted.
- 11020259May 8, 2025This technical bulletin provides a procedure to inspect the front pump of the transmission for a possible leak.
- 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…
- 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.
- 11011880Dec 17, 2024Certain 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…
- 11011826Dec 13, 2024Certain 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…
- 11011780Dec 12, 2024Certain 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…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 7% |
| 2025 | 3 | 11% |
| 2024 | 27 | 25% |
| 2023 | 20 | 61% |
| 2022 | 7 | 16% |
| 2021 | 13 | 25% |
| 2020 | 25 | 31% |
| 2019 | 2 | 6% |
| 2018 | 3 | 9% |
| 2017 | 6 | 16% |
| 2016 | 1 | 2% |
| 2015 | 8 | 9% |
| 2014 | 3 | 10% |
| 2013 | 5 | 11% |
| 2012 | 4 | 13% |
| 2011 | 6 | 10% |
| 2008 | 3 | 5% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 12 | 18% |
| 2005 | 7 | 6% |
| 2004 | 9 | 6% |
| 2003 | 13 | 8% |
| 2002 | 14 | 10% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
| 2000 | 1 | 2% |
| 1999 | 1 | 3% |
| 1998 | 3 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500
18 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500
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