The 6.2L engine failed. The same as the 2021-2024 recalls.
2020 Chevrolet Silverado engine problems
moderate 157 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
157
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 157 engine complaints filed for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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 157 engine 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.
Engine accounts for 23% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Over 50 distinct 2020 Silverado engine complaints describe failures across multiple systems. Lifter and camshaft issues appear most frequently: owners report loud ticking, sudden power loss, and recurrent failures in the same location even after repair. One owner had lifter failure twice in three months; another faced a $15,000 engine replacement after lifters collapsed and the motor lost oil pressure.
Connecting rod bearing failure causes abrupt engine seizure on highway, usually without warning—one truck shut down at 114,000 miles despite an extended warranty ending at 120,000 miles. Multiple owners found metal shavings in oil after stalling.
The 3.0L diesel models leak oil persistently: one truck required four separate oil repairs in 2.5 months at dealerships that acknowledged the defect but could not permanently fix it. The owner spent 37 days at the shop with no loaner vehicle.
Coolant control valve failures are documented repeatedly, triggering reduced power mode and limiting speed to 40–50 mph on highways. One owner experienced the same failure three times in 22 months with 6-week backlogs each time.
Reduced power mode activations occur suddenly, sometimes without prior symptoms, stranding drivers on highways. Dealerships acknowledge knowing about these issues; however, coverage denials citing mileage overages or independent service history are common. Water crossing incidents causing hydro-lock have been denied as owner negligence despite multiple similar reports. No recalls exist for 2020 models despite issues documented in 2021–2024 recall campaigns.
Same Chevrolet Silverado engine reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Lifter and camshaft failure
Hydraulic valve lifters collapse or fail, often accompanied by bent pushrods, damaged cam lobes, and camshaft bearing failure. Multiple reports describe recurrent lifter failure at different locations on the same engine after initial repair.
When: Occurs between 30,000 and 160,000 miles; recurrent failures reported as soon as 2 months apart
Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking or knocking noise from engine, especially at start or under load; Check engine light illumination; Engine vibration and shuddering; Sudden loss of engine power (50% or more); Reduced power mode activation on dashboard; Misfires in one or more cylinders
Codes mentioned: P0300 (random misfire), P0304 (cylinder 4 misfire), Check engine light without specific codes in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Lifter replacement ranges from $4,800 to $15,000+ depending on extent; some require full engine replacement. Techs report replacing all lifters and guides in single repair event. One owner reports lifter failure recurring in same cylinder after previous repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some owners report dealer acknowledgment of known issue; TSB #PIP5776C mentioned by one owner regarding lifter failure; limited warranty coverage outside standard powertrain warranty period; some covered under extended warranties if timing aligns
Engine seizure and connecting rod bearing failure
Connecting rod bearings fail due to oil starvation, causing complete engine seizure. Crankshaft melting and rod breakthrough of engine block reported in multiple narratives.
When: Occurs between 60,000 and 165,000 miles; one case at 114,113 miles despite extended warranty coverage through 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Deep knocking sound from engine (front, bottom left area reported); Sudden engine shutdown while driving at highway speeds with no restart capability; Check engine light and ESC warning immediately before shutdown; Loss of all engine power without warning in most cases; Ticking or tapping sounds prior to failure in some cases
Codes mentioned: Metal shavings found in engine oil upon inspection, Check engine light (timing varies)
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required; costs estimated at $9,000 to $21,343. Metal shavings and debris in oil are diagnostic indicator. One dealership quoted $9,500 for hydro-lock repair; another owner reports $10,000+ cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership at one location stated issue 'very well documented and common with 6.2L L87 V8 Engine dating back to 2019' but recalls only issued for 2021-2024 model years, leaving 2020 owners without coverage. One owner denied goodwill coverage because vehicle serviced by independent shop. Some cases referred to NHTSA Hotline.
Oil leaks (multiple locations)
Persistent oil leaks occurring across multiple engine seals and pans, particularly on 3.0L Duramax diesel engines. Leaks occur at oil pan, lower crankcase seal, and timing chain cover. Four separate oil leak repairs documented on single vehicle within 2.5 months.
When: First leak reported after routine oil change; recurrent within 60 days to 48 hours of previous repair; one vehicle had four separate leaks in 2.5 months
Symptoms owners cite: Oil visible leaking under vehicle; Oil level dropping significantly during normal driving (1/2 quart over 650 miles reported); No warning lights in most cases
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs include oil pan replacement (twice in one case), lower crankcase seal replacement, and timing chain cover replacement. Dealership service advisors stated these are known defect areas on LM2 engines. One owner reported 37 days spent at dealership across 2.5 months for four separate oil repairs. Parts availability cited as limiting factor for timely completion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership service managers acknowledged 'known to leak' areas and stated 'any area that could and does leak oil on these LM2 engines has been replaced.' One owner called GM per instructions; case was closed without contact from GM after 2 months. No recalls or TSBs mentioned by owners for oil leak issues. No loaner vehicles provided during 37-day repair duration in one case.
Coolant control valve failure
Coolant control valve fails, causing vehicle to enter reduced engine power mode and limiting maximum speed. Three separate failures of the same component documented on one vehicle within 22 months.
When: First failure October 2023; second June 2024; third June 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Reduced engine power mode activation; Engine fan running on high blast continuously; Severe acceleration loss; limited to 40-50 mph on highway; Message 'Engine power is reduced' displays on dashboard; Part failure is intermittent, occurring randomly while driving
Codes mentioned: P1098 (reported by one owner), Check engine light with reduced power mode
Repairs/costs cited: Part replacement each time; parts reportedly backordered, causing 6-week repair delays per occurrence. One owner notes special warranty exists for this part/year but not for their VIN.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner states special warranty or recall exists for this part on 2020 Silverado but not expanded to their VIN despite identical symptoms and codes. No TSBs or recall campaigns mentioned by owners for this failure.
Engine stall and loss of power while driving
Engine shuts down abruptly while vehicle is in motion at various speeds, often on highway. No restart capability in most cases. Some vehicles stall in water crossing situations.
When: Occurs between 25,000 and 136,888 miles; one case occurred during highway merge at 62 mph with speed governor issues preceding it
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine shutdown without warning; Loss of motive power while driving (vehicle coasts to stop); Check engine light (in most but not all cases); Dashboard messages: 'Reduced power mode,' 'Service ESC,' 'Service parking brake' reported; Vehicle unable to restart after stalling; Knocking sound from engine in some instances; Jerking sensation before stall (reported in one case)
Codes mentioned: Check engine light present in most cases, ESC warning messages, One case had P0050D and P0304 codes
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs range from minor (one case: transmission control module replacement) to major engine replacement. One water-crossing stall resulted in $9,500 hydro-lock repair estimate; dealership and GM denied coverage citing driver negligence despite multiple online reports of similar incidents. Another stall required diagnostic that pointed to internal engine failure necessitating full engine replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: In water-crossing case, GM and dealership blamed driver for 'negligent' driving through shallow standing water (5-6 inches) during rainstorm; owner found multiple online reports of identical failures. One early 2020 model had transmission control module replaced at dealer as attempted fix but problem recurred. Cases referred to NHTSA Hotline for investigation.
Misfire and cylinder damage
Engine misfires in specific cylinders accompanied by internal damage including piston failure, injector issues, and metal debris. Multiple cylinders affected in single engines.
When: Occurs between 25,000 and 136,888 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with misfire codes; Engine sputtering and smoking (grey smoke from exhaust reported); Cylinder #5 failure with injector loss of signal noted; Multiple traction control lights illuminated; Cruise control disabled; Excessive wear and metal fragments found in cylinder upon camera inspection; Oil accumulation on piston and spark plug
Codes mentioned: P0300 (random misfire), Cylinder-specific misfire codes (e.g., cylinder #5 injector loss of signal)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required when internal cylinder damage confirmed via camera inspection revealing piston failure and metal fragments. Costs not specified in all cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response mentioned in these narratives regarding misfire/cylinder failure issues.
Jerking, hesitation, and transmission issues (early model)
Early 2020 model experiences jerking and transmission control issues immediately after purchase. Transmission control module replaced as factory defect but problem recurs.
When: Occurs within first 700 miles of ownership (September 26-October 2, 2020)
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking sensation when accelerating and during gear changes; Check engine light illumination; Vehicle hesitation to accelerate from stop (rolling backward at traffic light reported); Erratic shifting behavior
Codes mentioned: Check engine light; specific codes not detailed
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission control module found not 'placed correctly' at factory and was repositioned. Problem recurred same day after pickup from dealer, suggesting underlying defect beyond module placement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM sent owner text message instructing to have engine or transmission serviced within 7 days; no follow-up or resolution documented.
AFM (Active Fuel Management) system failure
AFM system malfunction causes hesitation and shuddering. Shop indicates system failure is precursor to complete engine failure.
When: Unknown specific mileage; vehicle described as 'matters of time before entire engine fails'
Symptoms owners cite: Engine hesitation and shudder; No warning lights initially; Dealership unable to diagnose; independent shop identified issue
Repairs/costs cited: Complete AFM system replacement required; estimated cost $6,000 to remove old parts and install new non-AFM components.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response mentioned; issue identified by independent repair shop rather than dealership.
Water ingestion and hydro-lock
Engine stalls when driving through shallow water crossings (2-6 inches) during rainstorm, resulting in hydro-lock and water in intake.
When: Occurs during normal weather event with standing water on street; one case during routine drive in rainstorm
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sudden shutdown while driving through water; Unable to restart after stalling; Water present in air intake upon dealer inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Repair estimate $9,500 for 'hydro-locked' engine requiring significant work; owner reports multiple online examples of same issue occurring in similar water depths.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM and dealership denied warranty coverage, citing owner negligence for driving through water; however, owner notes other vehicles traversed same intersection without issue. Owner found multiple online reports suggesting design flaw rather than operator error. Case filed with NHTSA for investigation of possible design defect.
Camshaft and valve train failures
Camshaft and related valve train components fail, including camshaft bearing failure and intake actuator screw detachment.
When: Occurs between 45,000 and 160,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud camshaft bearing sound upon startup; Tapping sound from engine during driving and acceleration; Loss of motive power; Check engine light illumination; Engine shuddering; Hesitation during acceleration
Codes mentioned: P0016 (camshaft timing issue), Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Camshaft bearing replacement, camshaft timing actuator screw repair, and in some cases engine replacement (cost: $10,000+) required. One case required intake actuator screws replacement along with engine and turbocharger replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in several cases and cases filed; one case referred to NHTSA Hotline. No recalls or TSBs mentioned by owners.
Reduced power mode activation and speed limiting
Vehicle suddenly enters reduced power mode, limiting maximum speed to 40-60 mph range, triggered by various faults. Multiple dashboard warning lights accompany the reduced power state.
When: Occurs at various mileages; one case at 62 mph merge attempt; another at 50 mph cruising on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple dashboard warning lights: check engine, traction control, ESC, service parking brake; Speed capped at 40-60 mph depending on fault severity; Engine jerking or heavy/forced feeling when attempting acceleration; Clanking sound from engine in one case; Check engine light with or without specific codes
Codes mentioned: P0304 (misfire), P0050D and other codes related to underlying fault
Repairs/costs cited: Root cause varies: lifter failure, coolant control valve failure, or internal engine damage requiring replacement. Brake pads and rotors replaced in one case as attempted fix (unsuccessful).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships acknowledge faults and refer to warranty coverage; however, many cases fall outside warranty periods due to mileage or age.
Metal shavings and internal debris in oil
Metal shavings, debris, and metal fragments discovered in engine oil during inspection, indicating internal engine damage.
When: Detected during diagnostic checks after engine malfunction or stalling
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling or loss of power; Check engine light; Metal shavings visible in drained oil
Repairs/costs cited: Presence of metal shavings indicates severe internal engine damage requiring engine replacement. One case found metal shavings with bent rods and damaged valve train requiring extensive rebuild or replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Discovery of metal shavings typically results in engine replacement recommendation due to severity of damage.
Transmission failure and metal contamination
Transmission develops failure after engine repair or independently, with metal shavings found in transmission fluid.
When: Occurs around 25,000 miles in one documented case
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal whining sound while idling and driving at various speeds; Transmission failure diagnosis
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement performed; one case covered at customer expense after independent shop performed prior oil change (dealership denied warranty coverage).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not contacted in reported case.
Purge valve replacement (recurring failures)
Purge valve fails and requires replacement multiple times; vehicle taken to five different dealers with three purge valve replacements performed without resolving check engine light.
When: Early in vehicle's life; failure mileage approximately 13,900 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Key stuck in ignition; Vehicle unable to start; Check engine light illumination; Multiple unknown warning lights on dashboard
Codes mentioned: Check engine light; specific codes not detailed
Repairs/costs cited: Purge valve replaced three times; dealers unable to duplicate failure during extended test driving over several days and miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted and provided case number; issue unresolved.
Rear main seal failure (recurring)
Rear main seal fails and requires replacement twice; failure recurs after second replacement with oil leaking onto ground.
When: Occurs early in vehicle's life; first occurrence around 11,340 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced engine power warning message display; Engine oil leaking onto ground
Repairs/costs cited: Rear main seal replaced twice; leak recurred after second replacement, indicating either improper installation or underlying design defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware and case opened; no resolution documented.
Synthesized from 157 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Lifter failure caused several different warning lights and misfiring and chugging. Vehicle never died, but might have if it had continued to be driven.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started to hesitate with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that there was a misfire in the engine, and her husband pulled off the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and driven back to the residence at speeds no greater…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 157 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 41 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 45,000 and 96,000 miles, with the median around 76,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 96,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.