The rear wheels lock and most of the time its hard shifting/ or it feels like it struggling to shift to the next gear
2020 Chevrolet Silverado powertrain problems
moderate 200 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
200
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2fires
What stands out
Owners have filed 200 powertrain 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.
Powertrain accounts for 29% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2020 Silverado 1500 powertrain cluster shows a constellation of defects that compound ownership risk. Transmission valve-body wear is widespread, causing rear-wheel lockup at highway speeds—often without warning and sometimes after GM's Recall 24V797000 (ECM update) was applied. Multiple owners report the recall remedy failed, with dealerships documenting in writing that lockup continued and limp-mode never activated as promised. Torque converter shudder ("Chevy Shake") is endemic, marked by a rumble-strip vibration at light throttle, RPM bouncing, and surging. Some units fail a second time within 10,000 miles of replacement.
The Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter defect is catastrophic. Owners report losing 1.5–2 quarts per 150 miles with zero external leaks—a rate that would consume an engine in 500 miles of normal driving. Lifters collapse and fail to reset, scarring cylinder walls and requiring full engine replacement ($12,000+). Dealers initially deny the problem or perform incomplete diagnostics. Cold-weather emissions system failure in Alaska trapped a truck at 5 mph on a highway during extreme cold, creating an immediate life-safety hazard. Electrical gremlins include simultaneous failures of power windows, HVAC, cruise control, and seats. Two trucks caught fire while driving after transmission warnings appeared. Hard shifting, transmission solenoid failure, and transmission control module reprogramming issues occur repeatedly. One owner documented three check-engine light events in 9,000 miles for a wiring-harness issue GM knows about but won't recall.
Same Chevrolet Silverado powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission valve body wear and rear-wheel lockup
Excessive transmission valve body wear causes the transmission to fail, sometimes resulting in rear-wheel lockup at highway speed. GM issued Recall 24V797000 (ECM update) and later 26V083000 to address this defect, but multiple owners report the recall remedy failed to prevent lockup after completion. Some owners experienced lockup even after valve-body replacement.
When: Typically 58,000–103,000 miles; lockup events reported at highway speeds (45–65 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Rear wheels suddenly lock up while driving; Loss of propulsion at highway speed; Abnormal transmission ratio behavior; Limp mode may or may not activate despite ECM update; Transmission control module error codes
Codes mentioned: P0700, P0708, P2727
Repairs/costs cited: Valve-body replacement attempted on some vehicles; full transmission replacement ($3,950–$6,500+) required on others. GM has offered 50/50 split on replacement cost even after acknowledging recall remedy failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V797000 (ECM/TCM update, June 2025); Recall 26V083000 (transmission control valve update); TSB 21-NA-199. However, multiple owners report recall remedy failure and continued lockup post-repair. GM has acknowledged in writing that recall remedies failed but is refusing full responsibility.
Torque converter failure and shudder ("Chevy Shake")
Torque converter fails prematurely, causing intermittent shuddering, vibration, slipping sensation, and surging. Owners describe a rumble-strip-like vibration at light throttle, worsening on inclines. Some converters fail a second time within 10,000 miles of replacement. Burnt transmission fluid and clutch material found in pan on inspection.
When: 28,000–119,000 miles; symptoms often start early (under 42,000 miles); some units fail twice in succession
Symptoms owners cite: Continuous shuddering or 'buffeting' sensation; Rumble-strip-like vibration under light throttle (40–80 mph); RPM surges and bounces (300–500 RPM oscillation) without downshift; Vehicle surges forward every few seconds, especially on inclines; Steering wheel vibration; Clunking when shifting into reverse; No warning lights in many cases
Codes mentioned: P0700, P2727
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement; some owners report failure within 10,000 miles of first replacement. TSBs exist for 8-speed models but dealer stated no TSBs available for 6-speed variants. Transmission fluid flush/refill and seal replacement attempted on some vehicles without lasting resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSBs cited for 8-speed transmission torque converter issues; however, dealer responsiveness and parts availability inconsistent. Some dealers acknowledge the defect; others claim no known TSBs apply.
Transmission hard shifting and gear engagement failure
Transmission exhibits hard shifts between 1st and 2nd gears, hesitation during acceleration, failure to engage reverse, rolling when in Drive, and overall loss of power during acceleration. Issues often persist after fluid service and TSB work.
When: 40,000–85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hard or rough shifting in 1st and 2nd gears; Failure to enter or stay in Reverse; Vehicle rolling in Drive; Hesitation and loss of power during acceleration; Transmission fluid dirty; Intermittent failures to shift while driving
Codes mentioned: P0700
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid changes per TSB; replacement attempted but issues persist. Owners report dealers attributing problems to 'dirty fluid' despite having service performed at dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin for transmission fluid service; no recalls issued for this specific symptom set on gas models.
Internal oil consumption (Active Fuel Management defect)
Catastrophic internal oil consumption due to AFM (Active Fuel Management) lifter failures. Lifters collapse and fail to return to full height, causing damage to pushrods, rocker arms, camshaft, and crankshaft. Owners report loss of 1.5–2+ quarts per 150 miles (equivalent to 13+ quarts per 1,000 miles), with no visible external leaks.
When: 153 miles to ~70,000 miles; most commonly reported early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level critical or dry on dipstick despite no external leaks; Erratic engine performance and shudder; Engine knocking or ticking noise; Check engine light (codes P0011, P0016); Metal debris in pan (lifters, pushrods, camshaft wear)
Codes mentioned: P0011, P0016, P12A6
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required ($12,000–$15,000+ for labor and engine, often backorder); lifter and valve-train overhaul. Dealers initially deny problem or perform insufficient diagnostics (dye test to look for 'small leak' instead of addressing internal consumption).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers suggest the issue is a 'small undetectable leak' rather than acknowledging AFM defect. GM has issued TSBs for certain model years (2021–2024 L87 6.2L) recommending oil viscosity change to 5W/30 synthetic and oil cap change, but this applies to 2021+ models, not all 2020s. Federal probe launched into remaining 2019–2021 L87 6.2L engines.
Engine misfire, lifter failure, and catastrophic engine damage
Engine misfires (all cylinders or specific bank) with loud knocking, metal-on-metal sounds at cold start, and bent lifters. Scarring found on cylinder walls during teardown, indicating catastrophic internal damage. AFM system implicated for leaving lifters in collapsed state, preventing return to full height.
When: 9,000–70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knocking or loud metal-on-metal sounds, especially at cold startup; Check engine light with misfire codes (all cylinders or single bank); Rough idle and erratic engine performance; Loud clicking from engine compartment; Backfiring from exhaust; Sudden loss of power and acceleration; Engine shudder and vibration
Codes mentioned: P0011, P0016, P0300, P0301–P0308 (cylinder-specific misfires)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; lifter, camshaft, pushrod, rocker arm, and crankshaft replacement; cylinder wall refinishing or engine replacement. Costs reported at $12,000+ for full engine replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers initially claim carbon buildup or attribute to owner maintenance; no TSB initially offered. Some goodwill repairs authorized after teardown reveals scarring. Federal probe into 2019–2021 L87 6.2L engines; GM issued TSB for 2021–2024 models recommending oil viscosity and cap change.
Sudden loss of engine power and limp mode (electrical/emissions)
Vehicle suddenly enters reduced-power or limp mode without warning, limiting speed to 5–25 mph or causing complete loss of response to accelerator. Often triggered by check engine light and emissions warnings. Can occur at highway speed, creating immediate safety hazard.
When: 3,000–80,000 miles; some incidents at highway speed
Symptoms owners cite: 'Engine Power Reduced' message on dashboard; Complete loss of throttle response despite engine running; Vehicle speed drops from highway to 5–25 mph maximum; Check engine light illuminated; Service emissions system warning; Cold-weather emissions system failure (–44°F in Alaska case)
Codes mentioned: P26C0, Reductant heater/sensor codes (cold-weather cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant control valve replacement; engine wiring harness replacement (reported at $10,000); reductant pump connector repair for cold-weather cases. Parts often on backorder. Some dealers acknowledge issue is known to GM but not recalled.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 21-NA-006 (reductant heater connector overheating in cold climates); no widespread recall for coolant control valve or wiring harness issues despite dealer acknowledgment of known problems.
Transmission solenoid failure and shifting malfunction
Transmission solenoid (pressure-control solenoid) fails, causing abnormal shifting behavior, drivability issues, and entry into reduced-function mode. Vehicle becomes inoperable or severely limited pending solenoid replacement.
When: 41,000–73,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal shifting behavior; Drivability issues and hesitation; Warning indicator illuminated on dash; Transmission control module warning; Vehicle enters reduced-function or limp mode
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission solenoid replacement required; multiple units on national backorder with no immediate availability, leaving vehicles inoperable for extended periods.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Component confirmed on national backorder affecting numerous vehicles; no temporary repair or alternative solution offered.
Transmission fire (electrical/thermal failure)
Transmission system catches fire while driving after transmission warning messages appear on dashboard. Fire originates from underneath hood/transmission area and engulfs vehicle rapidly, with flames visible through windshield. Occurrence appears tied to transmission thermal management failure.
When: At highway speeds after transmission warning messages; vehicle mileage 109,667 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: 'Transmission Hot Idle Run' message on dashboard; Subsequent 'Engine Powering Down' message; Smoke and flames coming from underneath hood; Rapid fire spread
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle total loss; destroyed by fire before inspection possible.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented; cases reported to NHTSA and state patrol. Recall 24V797000 related to transmission valve wear opened in October 2024, but fire cases pre-date or occurred despite recall notice.
Recall remedy failure (ECM update ineffective)
Recall 24V797000 (ECM/TCM software update) and subsequent valve-body replacement both failed to prevent rear-wheel lockup or limp-mode activation. Owners report lockup occurring after recall remedy applied and dealership written confirmation that remedy was ineffective. GM later attempted to close case as 'not recall-related' despite lockup occurring post-remedy.
When: August 2025 (49–110 days post-recall application)
Symptoms owners cite: Rear-wheel lockup at highway speed after ECM update; Limp mode fails to activate despite ECM programming; Abnormal transmission ratio behavior continues; Transmission control module error codes persist
Codes mentioned: P0700, P0708, P2727
Repairs/costs cited: Initial remedy (ECM update June 2025) failed; valve-body replacement performed but also failed; some dealers awaiting parts for transmission replacement with no timeline provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V797000 (ECM update) issued June 2025; valve-body replacement authorized; GM Customer Assistance attempted case closure as 'not recall-related' despite written dealer confirmation of remedy failure and post-remedy lockup. Dealership owner provided written statement acknowledging recall remedy ineffectiveness.
Brake system malfunction and sensor error
Service brake system warning appears on dashboard with sluggish, stiff braking; brake module failure suspected. Later attributed to 'computer glitch' affecting transmission and brake sensors. Issue recurs even after brake module replacement and transmission software update.
When: 12,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: 'Service Brake System' message on dashboard; Sluggish and stiff braking response; Brake module error codes; Warning recurs after repair during dealer test drive
Repairs/costs cited: Brake module replaced; transmission software updated; issue recurs during test drive.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Attributed to 'computer glitch' and software update issued; brake module replaced.
Electrical system failures (power windows, HVAC, cruise control, power seat)
Multiple electrical system components fail simultaneously or in sequence, including power windows, heating/air conditioning, cruise control, and power seat adjustment. Often accompanied by transmission and battery drain issues.
When: Throughout ownership; battery drain reported in November 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Power windows non-functional; Heater and air conditioning inoperative; Cruise control non-responsive; Power seat adjustment failed; Battery drain overnight requiring daily jump-starts; Multiple warning lights illuminated on dashboard; Transmission upshift and gear-shift issues concurrent
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; vehicle at dealer awaiting diagnosis. Owner reports protection-plus warranty denied coverage citing 'battery issue' as cause despite multiple system failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended protection-plus warranty denied coverage; parts availability issues and warranty denial preventing repair.
Transmission control module reprogramming and recurrent failure
Transmission control module (TCM) requires reprogramming to address shifting and response issues, but failure recurs after reprogramming. Vehicle fails to respond to accelerator pedal input after coming to a stop, requiring tow.
When: Around 41,000 miles; recurring after initial repair
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to respond to accelerator pedal at traffic light; Engine running but no power delivery to wheels; Check engine light illuminated; Issue recurs after TCM reprogramming
Codes mentioned: P0700
Repairs/costs cited: TCM reprogramming performed; oil cooler lines replaced; issue recurs requiring towing. Dealer unable to identify root cause after multiple visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TCM reprogramming offered as remedy; no further action taken after recurrence.
Cold-weather transmission and engine performance degradation
Transmission hesitates to shift into 2nd and 3rd gears in cold weather, with elevated RPM hang (2,300–3,000 RPM) before upshift. Engine produces distinctive whine from engine bay. Torque converter suspected as culprit due to power loss and slipping sensation.
When: Winter operation; truck purchased new in 2020
Symptoms owners cite: Cold transmission hesitation in 2nd and 3rd gear shifts; Elevated RPM hang before upshifting (2,300–3,000 RPM); Random clunking when shifting into reverse; Distinctive whine from engine compartment; Loss of power attributed to torque converter slipping; Shifting issues worsened over time
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer pulled codes showing no faults; no road test performed by technician; owner to return for further diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No action taken; dealer states no codes present.
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and camshaft sensor errors
Check engine light with codes P0011 (camshaft over-advanced) and P0016 (camshaft-crankshaft correlation) indicating VVT system malfunction. Associated with lifter failure, tic sound, and oil leaks. Auto-start disengages, causing vehicle to lurch forward at rest.
When: Within 20 days of purchase to 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with P0011/P0016 codes; Engine tic sound indicating lifter damage; Oil leak present despite PCV separator replacement; Auto-start disengages, vehicle lurches ~1 foot forward at rest with foot on brake; Code clears temporarily but recurs
Repairs/costs cited: PCV oil separator replaced (ineffective); code cleared and recurs; extended warranty recommended by dealer suggesting known issue. Independent research indicates lifter failure and camshaft damage likely.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer recommends extended warranty (suggesting known issue); PCV separator replacement attempted; no further action taken.
Synthesized from 200 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
Bad shuttering, slow acceleration, clunking noise, check engine light flashing all started while driving home. Took it to a transmission shop and they said it was the TC and transmission. I then called the dealership to see if there was a recall, and looked up any recalls. Since I have had fluid flushed and changed, and still have the problems. This has been an on going problem for a couple of…
Shaking an jerking in transmission in all gears.could be a serious issue if it locks up or stops pulling at speed or in heavy traffic
First incident was when the vehicle had under 7,000 miles. Transmission module went. Vehicle wouldn't move. A few months prior, when we pulled our camping trailer, the integrated brake didn't work and the truck brakes overheated. Took vehicle to dealer, couldn't find a problem. A few months later the truck would not move, and found to be the transmission module. After a month and they…
2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 8L90 transmission failure at 40,000 miles and I am now at 90,000 miles with the same issue. I have been working on this truck tirelessly tried to fix the transmission. I’ve had 3 transmission fluid replacements and a full torque converter replacement. General Motors knowingly sold these models to consumers when the transmission was faulty and underperforming. It…
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado has a known issue with the torque converters and they are currently on back order and our service manager told us we are able to drive with it messed up and that it would not cause anymore damage but it causes transmission lockup and engine lockup which results in loss of control.
Wiring harness defect an on going defect required repair in General Motors products should be a recall. Dealership said a manufacturing error. Now public who buys these vehicles have to pay for General Motors defect. Cylinder cause check engine light to come on. Repairs by Kunes GMC of Beloit WI. invoice [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.…
about a month ago, began with a shutter or studder at low speeds. Became worse and a vibration on the interstate as it sounded like i was driving over rough ground. have now seen two mechanics in person and talked to another on the phone and all are saying the torque converter needs to be replaced. the check engine light has not come on which is also a concern as this is a major issue.…
My vehicle has an incomplete recall, I am not getting what I paid for, still under warranty, not living up to GM Chevrolet warranty. Doesn't feel safe to drive.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 200 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 36 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 12,500 and 92,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 12,500; a quarter make it past 92,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.