This truck is 2 months old and only has 2300 miles on it. On sunday 12/27, the truck would not start. All dash panel and light indicator warnings came on including 4 wheel drive assist failure, brake system failure, tps failure, check engine, battery error, etc. After jump starting the battery, the truck turned on but the check engine light stayed on all day. On monday 12/28, the truck did not…
2020 Chevrolet Silverado electrical problems
severe 67 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
67
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2crashes
6fires
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 67 electrical complaints filed for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 67 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a cascade of electrical failures across the 2020 Silverado that Chevy dealers struggle to identify or repair. The most dangerous are complete brake system failures—several owners lost all braking on city streets and highways, with no codes and brake components in good condition. Transmission control module failures cause violent lurching and limp mode activation as early as 9,800 miles, forcing speeds down to 42–62 MPH on highways. Multiple fires have occurred: seat heaters that won't shut off, blower motor wiring that arcs, and wiring harnesses damaged by proximity to sharp dipsticks or mounting bolts. One Arctic owner's DEF tank connector melted in -41°F cold, stranding the truck in limp mode on icy roads—Chevy acknowledges this defect in 2500HD models but refuses to cover 1500 models. Battery drains are common, and the auto start-stop system has restarted vehicles with zero brake function, putting families in immediate danger. Infotainment systems randomly shut down mid-drive; backup cameras are washed out at night or fuzzy during day; and instrument clusters dim when drivers try to reduce screen glare. One new truck wouldn't start at 2,300 miles with all safety warnings illuminated; dealers have no answers. Dealers often claim electrical issues are "normal" or refuse to diagnose stored codes, leaving owners without transportation or paying $1,800–$3,000 for harness replacements that recur within weeks.
Same Chevrolet Silverado electrical reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Control Module (TCM) / Powertrain Loss of Communication
TCM or related electrical harness failure causing sudden loss of transmission control, engine power reduction, and limp mode activation. Multiple owners report violent lurching, gear shifting problems, and speed governors (42–62 MPH) triggered by warning codes. One dealer-confirmed case noted loss of communication codes persisting after TCM replacement, with a Chevy engineer requesting harness inspection in a specific location, suggesting a known manufacturing issue.
When: 9,840–9,905 miles; another case at 36,000 miles with recurring issues over 5 months
Symptoms owners cite: Violent transmission lurching or jumping; Transmission stuck in gear or shifting erratically; Engine power reduced or limp mode (42–62 MPH governor); Service ESC, Service Parking Brake, Traction Control Off messages; Check Engine Light; Manual transmission mode unresponsive
Codes mentioned: Loss of communication codes, C05B0, P25A2
Repairs/costs cited: TCM replacement performed in one case; dealer noted loss of communication codes still generating post-repair. Another case: lifters, CAM, torque converter, EBCM, master cylinder, calipers replaced without resolving issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevy engineer requested harness inspection; no TSB or recall issued despite known manufacturing issue noted by complainant.
Brake System Electrical Failure / Loss of Brake Function
Complete loss of brake function due to electrical system failure, often triggered by low battery voltage during auto start-stop restart cycle or other electrical glitches. Owners report total brake failure while driving, hard brake pedal, and brake system warning codes without actual brake component failure. Safety-critical loss of braking when vehicle is supposedly drivable.
When: Throughout ownership; one case at 5000 miles, another at 43,000 miles, recurring over months
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of brake function; Brake pedal unresponsive or extremely hard to depress; Brake System Failure warning message; Service Brake Assist warning; EBC (Electronic Brake Control) Failure message; Brake warning codes with no physical brake failure found
Codes mentioned: EBC Failure, Brake System Failure messages, Service Brake Assist
Repairs/costs cited: One case: emergency brake function returned after vehicle restart; dealer inspected brakes and found no issues; pads/rotors replaced as precaution. Another case: dealer unable to locate cause over extended service; multiple attempts (EBCM, master cylinder, calipers) unsuccessful. Brake bleed procedures unsuccessful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer intervention or TSB/recall noted in narratives.
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) Tank Heater Connector Thermal Failure
Melting of DEF tank electrical connector terminal pins due to undersized terminals and Joule heating during high-amperage heater operation in arctic temperatures. Failure triggers EPA-mandated limp mode, reducing speed to 5 MPH or rendering vehicle inoperable. Acute risk of rear-end collision on high-speed icy roads or cold-weather immobilization in remote areas. GM TSB 21-NA-006 references this defect; confirmed in 2500HD but excluded 1500 models despite similar complaints.
When: At 29,354 miles (less than 30% of warranty life); -41°F and -45°F conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine lamp; Service Emission System message; Speed Limited countdown and limp mode activation; Electrical disconnect of DEF heater
Codes mentioned: P20B9 (Heater Control Circuit Open), P20C1, P205D, P204C
Repairs/costs cited: Parts preserved for forensic inspection. Lithia Chevrolet GMC of Fairbanks confirmed failure Jan 7, 2026.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM TSB 21-NA-006 acknowledges latent design defect in 2500HD models under Special Coverage N212342980; but excluded 1500 models. GM DMA and Customer Assistance notified.
Engine Wiring Harness Damage / Arcing
Wiring harness installed in engine area punctured by dipstick metal piece or chafing against mounting bolts, cutting internal wires and creating fire hazard. One case documented harness chafing on thread side of tie bar bolt causing fire behind passenger-side fuse box. Another case: sharp dipstick metal punctured harness, confirmed by certified mechanic.
When: Various mileages; one case at vehicle fire (100,000 miles); another harness damage discovered early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Random dashboard light flashing; Dim headlights; Android Auto / hands-free failure; Cruise control failure; Fuel pump error codes; Fire originating in wiring harness; Smoke from engine area
Codes mentioned: Fuel pump failure codes
Repairs/costs cited: One case: Philips Chevy mechanic confirmed puncture at dipstick; harness damage reproduced and inspected. Another: fire behind passenger-side fuse box (GM# 84717166); dealership determined bolt needed shortening to reduce chafing; burnt harness available for inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall issued. Dealership could not obtain repair information from GM TAC in one case.
Seat Heater Electrical Malfunction / Fire Hazard
Seat heater fails to disengage or malfunctions, keeping seat hot and creating fire risk. Two separate fires started in seat heating elements—one behind rear passenger seat and one under driver seat—neither with warning lights. Both vehicles totaled.
When: At 5000 miles and at 100,000 miles; one fire started while parked and running
Symptoms owners cite: Seat heater disengaged but remained hot; Popping sound from vehicle; Smoke and fire originating under seat; No warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: One case: fire extinguished with assistance of emergency units; owner sustained mild burns. Both vehicles towed and totaled.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One vehicle related to NHTSA Campaign 19V814000 (Seat Belts), but already repaired; manufacturer not notified. Second case: manufacturer notified but provided no assistance.
Electrical Fire in Blower Motor / Undersash Wiring
A/C blower motor overheated and ignited electrical wires under the dashboard on the passenger side near the glovebox, creating a fire that spread in the vehicle cabin.
When: Approximately 1 mile from home; timing suggests new vehicle or early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Dash smoking; Fire under passenger-side glovebox; Fire confirmed as electrical in nature by fire department
Repairs/costs cited: Fire extinguished by owner with water; fire department confirmed electrical fire with no remaining heat. Vehicle towed to Sunset Chevrolet (point of purchase).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Rear Wiring Harness Failure / Electrical Fire
Rear wiring harness failure while vehicle parked, turned off, and unoccupied, initiating fire in rear of vehicle. Fire department unable to determine cause. Rear bumper and tailgate damaged. Diagnostic at dealer confirmed rear wiring harness failure requiring replacement.
When: Mileage not available; parked and unoccupied
Symptoms owners cite: Fire in rear of vehicle while parked and off; Rear bumper and tailgate damage
Repairs/costs cited: Rear wiring harness and rear bumper/tailgate replacement required; vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified.
Instrument Cluster / Infotainment System Brightness Control Hazard
Infotainment screen brightness linked to instrument cluster backlighting; reducing infotainment brightness to safe levels for night driving makes instrument cluster nearly unreadable. Backup camera brightness also excessive at night, creating visibility hazard. No independent brightness controls for nighttime operation.
When: Throughout ownership; nighttime driving situations
Symptoms owners cite: Infotainment screen too bright during day/night; Instrument cluster backlighting dims excessively when infotainment brightness lowered; Backup camera washed out and too bright at night; Backup camera completely dark in low-light conditions; Inability to read instruments while maintaining forward visibility
Backup Camera Malfunction / Poor Image Quality
Backup camera fails in various conditions: intermittent operation, poor resolution in low light (comparable to 1950s tube TV), washed-out or overexposed image at night, fuzzy/out-of-focus image during day, fish-eye distortion, and inability to perceive depth accurately. Multiple owners report this makes safe backing hazardous, especially with children nearby.
When: Early ownership (before 2500 miles in one case); intermittent throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Camera intermittent or non-functional in rain/clouds; Extreme poor resolution in darkness; Washed-out/overexposed display at night; Fuzzy or out-of-focus image during day; Fish-eye distortion affecting depth perception; No image in poor lighting conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed defective infotainment system requiring replacement in one case; no parts available for 3 months. Dealer claiming normal behavior in other cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall; dealers refusing repair in some cases, claiming normal operation.
Infotainment System Shutdown / Connectivity Loss
Infotainment system randomly shuts down completely—screen goes black, all audio cuts, connected devices disconnect. USB port refuses to connect or randomly disconnects. Happens unpredictably in all conditions (highway, city, parked) and all weather (hot summer, cold winter). Chevrolet aware but refused repair for over one year.
When: Throughout ownership; random timing and conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Complete infotainment system shutdown while driving or parked; Screen turns black; Audio cuts out; Bluetooth/phone connections lost; USB port disconnection or refusal to connect; 100% random occurrence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet aware of issue; refused repair for over one year.
Alternator / Charging System Failure
Alternator or charging system failure causing Service Charging System warning. Battery replaced by AAA, and alternator diagnosed as failed at one dealer ($2,158.75), while second dealer found no issue. Inconsistent diagnostics and significant price discrepancy suggest potential systemic issue on 2020 Silverado 1500 3.0L Duramax models.
When: Early ownership; shortly after vehicle sit period
Symptoms owners cite: Service Charging System warning; Battery drain/discharge; Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: First dealer: alternator replacement recommended at $2,158.75; second dealer found no alternator issue and charged only diagnostic fee. Second dealer estimated alternator replacement at $1,300 if needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No active recalls for this issue on either 1500 or 2500 models per dealer statements; online forums indicate broader issue among 3.0L Duramax 1500 owners.
Battery Drain / Excessive Discharge
Battery completely discharged in 3–4 days without engine running or lights left on. Multiple occurrences of battery unable to start vehicle due to low voltage, compounded by auto start-stop system draining power when attempting restart.
When: Various points in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Total battery discharge in 3–4 days at rest; Battery cannot provide sufficient power for engine start; Repeated jump-start requirements
Codes mentioned: Battery Error messages
Repairs/costs cited: One case: AAA installed new battery; another: jump-start required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer attributed drain to auto start-stop system pulling from low voltage on startup.
Engine Start Failure / No-Start Condition
Vehicle fails to start despite full electrical system engagement. Instrument panel lights fully illuminate, but pushing start button dims panel and produces no cranking. Requires multiple attempts to start. Related to broader electrical system instability.
When: Very early ownership (2–3 months, ~2300 miles); recurring at low mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard and warning lights come on fully; Pressing start button causes instrument panel to dim; No engine cranking; After multiple attempts, engine finally cranks and starts; Random and repeated occurrences
Codes mentioned: 4-Wheel Drive Assist Failure, Brake System Failure, TPS Failure, Check Engine, Battery Error
Repairs/costs cited: One case: towed to dealer after 2 days of diagnosis with no determination yet. Another: multiple start attempts required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer indicated clear problem exists but unable to identify root cause.
Trailer Wiring Harness Electrical Faults
Installed trailer wiring harness has documented electrical issues affecting trailer brake lights and turn signals. Problems occur when trailer or camper first hooked up. Dealer narrowed problem to area between plug and fuse. Not corrected under warranty despite being a known issue.
When: Discovery upon trailer hookup; not apparent until trailer use
Symptoms owners cite: Trailer brake lights not functioning properly; Trailer turn signals affected; Erratic trailer electrical behavior
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer narrowed problem to area between plug and fuse.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not corrected under warranty despite being described as known issue by other owners.
Electrical Power Loss / Momentary Dropout
Momentary loss of electrical power when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces, causing complete loss of cabin power, engine power, and power steering. Stabilitrak warning triggered. Power restored within approximately 1 second.
When: While driving over bumps
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of cabin power; Loss of engine power; Loss of power steering; Stabilitrak warning; Power restored after ~1 second
Codes mentioned: Stabilitrak warning
Transmission Valve / Speed Sensor Electrical Issue Post-Recall
Vehicle developed check engine light and rear wheel lockup immediately after dealer installed transmission valve during recall work. Repeated occurrences; dealer now claims speed sensor issue. Vehicle perfectly functional before recall work. Three weeks without transportation.
When: Immediately after recall service
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light; Rear wheels locked up; Transmission control issues
Repairs/costs cited: New transmission valve installed during recall; speed sensor now suspected; owner responsible for speed sensor cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall work performed; transmission valve installed; no resolution of subsequent failures.
Fuse Box and Electrical Connector Issues
Blown fuse in instrument cluster; attempts to replace fuse resulted in fire originating in wiring harness behind fuse box. Harness chafing on tie bar bolt caused ignition. No warning signs before fire.
When: During routine fuse replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Fire behind fuse box; Burnt wiring harness
Repairs/costs cited: Fire started behind passenger-side fuse box (GM# 84717166) due to harness chafing on tie bar bolt thread; dealership concluded bolt needed shortening to reduce chafing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: General Motors did not respond to dealership request for repair information via TAC.
Engine Power Reduction / Limp Mode (Non-Transmission)
Engine power reduction mode activated while driving at low speeds (15–20 MPH), causing vehicle shaking and deceleration. Message 'Engine Power Reduced' displayed. Dealer diagnosed faulty engine wiring harness requiring replacement. Separate incident at highway speed (55+ MPH) with Service Parking Brake, Check Engine Light, and Traction Control messages.
When: At ~124,000 miles in one case; another at 55+ MPH highway speed with recurring issue 6 months prior
Symptoms owners cite: Engine Power Reduced message; Vehicle shaking and decelerating; Service Parking Brake warning; Check Engine Light; Traction Control Light; Unable to accelerate
Repairs/costs cited: Engine wiring harness replacement recommended; another part replacement needed but not recalled by owner. One case: Chevrolet stated wiring issue not covered by warranty at 42k miles; cost $1,800 to repair. Issue recurred after 6 months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet stated known issue but not at recall level; manufacturer opened case in one instance.
Electrical Tailgate Actuator Failure / No Manual Override
Electrically operated tailgate fails to respond to any control method—interior controls, key fob, or button activation. No manual override exists. Safety risk if child becomes trapped in bed.
When: At low mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate will not lower; Interior controls non-responsive; Key fob controls non-responsive; No manual override available
Alternator Cable Loose / Intermittent Connection
Alternator cable loose and intermittently failing, causing instrument cluster to become inoperable and provide incorrect information. No warning lights illuminated to alert driver to electrical system failure.
When: At approximately 19,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster inoperative; Incorrect instrument cluster display information; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer found alternator cable loose; no open recalls on VIN.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to NHTSA Campaign 19V888000 (Electrical System); manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA Hotline.
Auto Start-Stop Restart Failure
Vehicle shuts off normally in auto stop-start mode at traffic light, but fails to restart when brake pedal released. Vehicle must be towed. Failure occurred on busy roadway with young child passenger. Repeated occurrence in recent past.
When: At 40,000 miles; recent recurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to restart after auto start-stop shutdown; Engine shut off as intended; No engine cranking on restart attempt
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer and repaired; repair information unavailable. Failure has reoccurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not yet contacted.
Fuel Pump Electrical Error / False Codes
Multiple electrical diagnostics resulting in fuel pump failure codes displayed despite no actual fuel pump failure occurring. Related to broader wiring harness and electrical system instability.
When: Various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel pump failure error codes; No actual fuel pump failure confirmed
Codes mentioned: Fuel pump error codes
StabiliTrak / ABS / Safety System Electrical Glitches
StabiliTrak/stability control, ABS (antilock brake), and other safety system warning codes appear with no actual brake or stability system component failure. Codes appear to be electrical/software glitches triggered by unidentified electrical events.
When: Early ownership (2700 miles); recurring throughout
Symptoms owners cite: StabiliTrak Error message; Antilock Brake Error message; Service ESC message; ABS warning lights; Brake pedal feels strange; Codes disappear after restart with no repair needed
Codes mentioned: StabiliTrak error codes, ABS error codes, Service ESC codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable or unwilling to diagnose or store codes in some cases; service advisor refused to use scanner to read stored codes in one instance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated nothing can be done if warning light is not currently on; advised to keep driving until light reappears.
Electrical System General Instability / Multiple Codes
Broad pattern of electrical system malfunction generating 24 or more diagnostic codes simultaneously, including reduced power mode, 4x4 shift errors, and multiple warning notifications. Dealer attributed to wiring harness shorting; repair costs escalate from $700 to $3,000+ depending on scope. Recurrence common despite repairs.
When: Throughout ownership; one case at unknown mileage with recurrence 1 month post-repair
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced power mode activation; Automatic 4x4 shift engagement; 24+ simultaneous diagnostic codes; Multiple warning notifications; Electrical system instability
Codes mentioned: 24 separate codes when engine light on
Repairs/costs cited: First repair: wiring harness replacement, ~$700; recurred 1 month later; second repair at no charge; third occurrence noted as current state. Dealership stated full harness replacement would cost $3,000+.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated manufacturer defect but no recall issued; all costs on owner.
Evap System Electrical / Valve Harness Connector
Evap system error code P0499 triggered by faulty evap valve harness connector. Dealer replaced connector; check engine light reappeared within 48 hours, requiring return service.
When: Recurring within 48 hours post-repair
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light; Evap System Error Code P0499
Codes mentioned: P0499 (Evap System Error)
Repairs/costs cited: Evap Valve Harness Connector replaced; recurrence within 48 hours.
Vehicle Fire (Undetermined Electrical Cause)
Vehicle parked at dealership waiting for instrument cluster replacement caught fire after being parked for 2 days. Fire started from inside vehicle and engulfed it completely; fire department suppressed fire. Very little remaining but frame and engine.
When: At 70,000+ miles while parked at service department
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke originating from inside vehicle; Complete vehicle fire and engulfment
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was waiting for instrument cluster replacement at time of fire.
Airbag System Electrical Malfunction
Airbag warning light and Service Safety Restraint System warning illuminate coincident with broader infotainment and electrical system dropout events. One report of airbag non-deployment in collision despite impact severity.
When: During infotainment shutdown event; collision at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light activation; Service Safety Restraint System warning message; Airbag non-deployment in collision
Radio and Dashboard Electronics Dropout
Radio and dashboard electronics shut off completely while driving, remain dark for 2–3 minutes, then reset to factory settings. Connections to phone, maps, and Bluetooth lost. No recall or diagnosis available from dealer despite multiple occurrences.
When: Recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Complete radio shutdown while driving; Dashboard electronics go dark; Loss of phone, maps, Bluetooth connections; Factory reset of infotainment system; Dropout duration 2–3 minutes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer states no problem found during routine maintenance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall identified; dealer unable to diagnose.
Synthesized from 67 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Check engine light came on. Authorized Dealer Advisor stated "vehicle may shut-off or not start." Took to Authorized Dealer. Dealer found Evap System Error Code P0499. Dealer replaced Evap Valve Harness Connector. Approximately 48hrs Check Engine Light came on again. Will schedule service with Authorized Dealer.
Had electrical trouble with your 2020 Chevrolet Silverado?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a meaningful issue. 67 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 2,700 and 40,000 miles, with the median around 10,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 2,700; a quarter make it past 40,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/Chevrolet/Silverado.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.