10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
4,447 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2020 GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems

engine problem

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2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #28

Dec 302022

Sierra 1500

  • 44,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was stuck in gear. While driving there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle failed to start on several occasions. There were sparks from the passenger's side front seat. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with electrical, transmission module, wiring harness, air alternator cooler, and exhaust system failures. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a failure with the vault meter. The OnStar system provided an error with the antilock braking system. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

- Brighton, MI, USA

problem #27

Apr 282024

Sierra 1500 6-cyl Diesel

  • miles
My wiring harness which affects all systems. I was on the Interstate when out of nowhere any and all warning lights came on. The power was cut and rapidly slowed down. I also pulled into traffic and the truck just lost power. The problem was confirmed by dealership. The vehicle was inspected by dealership and wiring harness was the issue. The issues appeared out of nowhere. All the warnings lights came on at once. There has been numerous issues with this part and it-??s even recognized by just.

- Folsom, LA, USA

problem #26

Dec 012023

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Vehicle has excessive oil consumption. Within 5000k oil change interval, no oil on dip stick around 3000k miles.

- Dorchester , MA, USA

problem #25

Jan 132024

Sierra 1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

1. Valve Lifter Failure 2. While entering the [XXX] freeway and trying to merge into traffic the engine lost power and I had to swerve and brake to avoid an adjacent vehicle, and freeway traffic had to avoid my slowing down to pull over. 3.Yes, Van GMC in Scottsdale, confirmed lifter failure. 4. Yes, GMC Dealership 5. Absolutely no warning given INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #24

Nov 142023

Sierra 1500

  • miles
timing chain failure, timing chain components are available for inspection. Costly premature repair/failure. Could leave occupants stranded in unsafe environment which could lead to death. The vehicle has been diagnosed by the dealership and OEM manufacturer has been notified. There was a warning lamp.

- Bay City , MI, USA

problem #23

Sep 062023

Sierra 1500

  • miles
I have a 202 GMC Sierra 1500 with a 3.0 Duramax with 95,000 miles. I have hade 2 glow plugs replaced under warranty and took in for a third glow plug. They stated that the there was a software update that could fix it, but I would have to pay for it. The vehicle has a 100,000 mile warranty and the software update is to fix a powertrain item that is covered under the 100,000 mile warranty. This is also an issue with bad software that disables the remote start. Not sure why I have to pay for this software upgrade to to a GM issue from day 1.

- Perrysburg, OH, USA

problem #22

Feb 102023

Sierra 1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Camera always stays on even when i am driving camera still on my dashboard

- Deming, NM, USA

problem #21

Feb 032023

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Diesel exhaust fluid heater short circuits due to poor design. This issue occurs multiple times, including after being repaired. The failure limits the trucks capabilities until it is entirely unusable.

- Plum, PA, USA

problem #20

May 142022

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Vehicle engine went out on truck.

- Cache, OK, USA

problem #19

Apr 042022

Sierra 1500

  • miles
A very strong "ammonia" odor comes into the cabin. This happens when the def fluid is going into the exhaust system for the regen process. The odor makes people inside nauseous and dizzy. Must open widows or stop and get out of the vehicle. Our GMC dealer can find no codes or problems with the exhaust system. We have also noticed that the def fluid has gone down very quickly sometimes during this event. It is random. Some days nothing, other trips 3 and four times that the odor occurs. Looking online- there have been many post about this problem.

- Frederick, MD, USA

problem #18

Jan 012022

Sierra 1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have a lifters problem that the dealership takes more that three weeks to fixed without a loaner car, then i have electrical problems where the truck doesn't start at all without any warning and that's it's dangerous, never now where its going happen

- Fort Worth , TX, USA

problem #17

Dec 012021

Sierra 1500 6-cyl Diesel

  • 46,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that shortly after refueling while driving under 15 MPH, the check engine and service emissions warning light illuminated. The contact stated that an unknown reset was performed related to TSB: 10173675 (Engine). The vehicle was not yet fully repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.

- Castle Rock, CO, USA

problem #16

Sep 182021

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Two times while on the freeway the service parking brake and engine lights came on and starting braking. Could not drive over 20 mile an hour. Both times taking to dealer the lights where not on and they could not find anything wrong. I even have video of it happening.

- Pasadena, TX, USA

problem #15

Oct 052020

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Repeated issues with exhaust and emissions components.

- St James City, FL, USA

problem #14

May 212021

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Found improperly installed rear seals. The truck leaked oil and had to be towed to gmc dealership in Monahans Texas to be repaired. 1 month later the truck leaked oil again.

- Kermit , TX, USA

problem #13

Jul 172021

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Rear main oil seal failure causing truck to lose all oil, leaking all over truck, trail leading to drive and garage; possibility of engine seizing up while driving causing an accident, confirmed by dealer, covered by warrenty, is a known issue, no warning lights, messages, or other symptoms of problem, NHSTA has issued a bulletin for this problem

- Lockbourne, OH, USA

problem #12

May 222021

Sierra 1500

  • miles
On Saturday, May 22, 2021, My wife was returning from fairgrounds in Waxahachie, TX. She remote-started the car, and the vehicle started. As it started to rain and was getting muddy, and the grounds are in a grass field (No large rocks, hills or debris to climb as it's cleared land), she shifted the vehicle into 4wd high incase the field was slick. She started to drive and received several warning lights, "Service ESC, Service traction control, brake light warning and check engine light". The vehicle also had a noticeable wobble to the wheel and felt off balance, jerky, and had speed limited. My wife turned the vehicle off and back on and some of the lights went off, and the vehicle did not lurch or wobble anymore. The vehicle had a tire changed at the dealer the day prior, so I am unsure if that tire change is related or not. Now the vehicle shows an alert "check engine, service emissions system". I am having the vehicle towed to the dealership tomorrow for diagnostics. All lights except the check engine light have since turned off since powering off the vehicle.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #11

Jan 292021

Sierra 1500

  • 5,036 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. As an ase master certified technician I find this disturbing. I also was a GMC, Pontiac, Oldsmobile master technician. This is unexceptable for GM to think this is ok to take people's hard earn money and not fix there issues or make it right. I owned a 2014,2016,2018 Silverado's that had no issues what so ever. To make things worst GMC road side assistance forgot about the truck broke down in 7 degree weather with 35 mile an hour winds. For over 24 hours and several calls back to finally get a supervisor to speak to. Two dealers say that it is unacceptable except the current dealer that is dealing directly with GMC. Anyone can do a search on GM truck lifters collapsing and you immediately overwhelmed with info. It is also disturbing that a dealership service manager says we could put a new engine in and the same thing could happen. That to me is poor quality control and poor customer service. I have always been a GM enthusiasts but this will be my last one. Horrible customer service and do not build a good product or stand behind it. GM should be ashamed of there fall from grace. This all happened just driving once to work and once hauling a atv on a trailer.

- Sebago, ME, USA

problem #10

Jan 022021

Sierra 1500

  • 3,800 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. On 01/13/2021 noticed that vehicles lane keep assist is now working sporadically, will not activate consistently when vehicle veers off the properly marked lanes on high-way/roads, and inconsistently alerts driver while in motion. The lane keep assist is suppose to correct steering, but this does not happen consistently. The collision alert system does not activate or work correctly. Noticed while driving that vehicles in front are not detected correctly, and informs the driver they are within safe distance (green this suddenly changes to yellow). In addition when vehicles in front apply brake, the collision alert system does not alert as it is supposed to, it stays in green even at extremely close range. Safety mechanisms don't appear to work correctly, and detects items that are not present. Noticed that vehicle detects lanes even on unmarked roads, and the front pedestrian alert system activates sporadically even if no pedestrians are in front of vehicle while driving. Concerned about safety features leading to hazardous driving conditions.

- Los Fresnos, TX, USA

problem #9

Dec 232020

Sierra 1500

  • 5,100 miles
The engine failed at 5100 miles and is currently being repaired by the dealership. I requested a new car replacement.

- Mauldin, SC, USA

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