Voltage will drop and effects steering, dash lights, radio, headlights
2020 Chevrolet Silverado steering problems
moderate 71 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
71
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
What stands out
Owners have filed 71 steering 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2020 Silverado 1500 has a documented pattern of power steering loss, with 71 complaints spanning early vehicle life (1,400 miles) through 104,000 miles. Owners describe intermittent failures where the steering wheel locks solid or becomes stiff, usually accompanied by "Service Power Steering" and "Service ESC" dash warnings that sometimes clear after restart or sitting for hours. In several cases, power steering and brake assist fail simultaneously—a critical safety issue occurring both in parking lots and at highway speeds.
A significant number of complaints trace to corroded engine grounding straps behind the front driver-side tire, a failure mode explicitly covered by GM Service Bulletin #23-NA-201 issued in December 2023. Dealer service advisors at multiple shops report seeing this issue routinely, and one owner noted the $40 part was sitting under the counter, yet repair labor charged $400. Other documented causes include wiring harness chafing against suspension components, power steering module failures requiring replacement, and steering column sensor faults. Some owners report suspension control arm and ball joint premature failure causing wheels to lean inward or detach.
Dealer diagnostics frequently cannot reproduce the failure or identify root cause, leaving owners stranded with warnings but no solution. One owner reported waiting over three months with no resolution despite dealer keeping the truck. The condition has triggered near-collisions and one owner described feeling forced to abandon the vehicle rather than drive it. Despite GM's TSB for grounding strap corrosion and multiple NHTSA complaints, no safety recall has been issued on the 2020 model year Silverado 1500.
Same Chevrolet Silverado steering reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Intermittent Loss of Power Steering (Electrical)
Power steering becomes inoperable or severely reduced, with steering wheel becoming locked, stiff, or unresponsive. Owners report the condition clears after restarting the vehicle or waiting several minutes to hours. Dash displays 'Service Power Steering,' 'Service ESC,' and/or 'Power Steering Disabled' messages. Often accompanied by reduced brake assist and communication faults across multiple control modules (ECM, EBCM, TCM, PSCM).
When: Can occur at startup after vehicle has been parked for several minutes to hours, or intermittently while driving. Reported from 1,400 miles to 104,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or becomes stiff/difficult to turn; Power steering assist disabled or reduced; 'Service Power Steering' warning message; 'Service ESC' warning message; Steering wheel feels 'dead' in curves; Loss of power steering feedback; Simultaneous brake assist loss in some cases; Check engine light, traction control light
Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering, Service ESC, DTC C0580, BCM Communication loss (DTC 121), Power brake communication loss (DTC 131), Steering control communication failure (DTC 140), Multiple module communication faults (ECM, EBCM, TCM, PSCM)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostics often unable to reproduce issue. Some cases resolved by reprogramming EBCM. Power steering control module (PSCM) replacement cited in at least one case (~$2,300 parts and labor). Wiring harness replacement documented in one case. GM bulletin #23-NA-201 references corroded engine grounding straps as cause in some failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Technical Service Bulletin #23-NA-201 issued 12/23/2023 addresses corroded engine grounding straps causing similar electrical faults. Multiple owners indicate dealer scanner required to identify root cause. No active recalls on affected VINs as of report dates.
Corroded Grounding Strap Failure
Engine grounding strap corrodes or rots, typically located behind the front driver-side tire encased in a boot. Corrosion breaks electrical continuity, causing cascading module communication failures and loss of power steering, brakes, and engine control. This is documented via GM Service Bulletin #23-NA-201.
When: Failures occur across wide mileage range (13,500 to 104,000 miles), with some occurring early in vehicle life. Intermittent initially, then becomes persistent.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power steering; Loss of brake assist; Engine stalls or dies; Multiple warning lights and messages on dash; Communication error codes across ECM, EBCM, TCM modules; Ground wire corrosion/rot visible behind front tire
Codes mentioned: Multiple module communication faults, Service Power Steering, Service ESC, Service Brakes, Engine Power Reduced
Repairs/costs cited: $40 replacement part documented, but labor reportedly $400 for dealer replacement. One owner cited potential $1,800 steering rack cost had correct diagnosis not been made. GM bulletin 23-NA-201 issued 12/23/2023 specifically covers this failure mode. Service advisors at some dealers report routine encounters with this issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Service Bulletin #23-NA-201 issued December 23, 2023. Multiple owners report dealer familiarity with issue, suggesting known defect. No recalls issued despite bulletin existence and NHTSA complaints spanning multiple years.
Power Steering Module (PSCM) Failure
Power steering control module fails, rendering power steering inoperable. Occurs while driving or after vehicle startup. ESC warning light illuminates. Module requires replacement.
When: Documented at approximately 53,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering becomes inoperable; Steering becomes difficult to maneuver; ESC warning light illuminated; 'Power Steering Disabled' message displayed
Codes mentioned: Power steering control module (PSCM) failure, Service ESC
Repairs/costs cited: PSCM module replacement required. One owner cited $2,300 total cost for parts and labor to replace power steering module.
Wiring Harness Chafing/Contact with Suspension Components
Power steering wiring harness makes contact with upper control arm bolt or suspension bracket, causing intermittent electrical faults and loss of power steering. Contact occurs during suspension movement or over bumps.
When: Can occur early in vehicle life or after suspension work.
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent loss of power steering; Service ESC message; Multiple module communication faults; Steering wheel difficult to turn; Power steering assist intermittently lost
Codes mentioned: Service ESC, Module communication loss (ECM, EBCM, TCM, PSCM communication loss with connector X182)
Repairs/costs cited: Harness re-taped and secured away from control arm bolt and bracket. New bracket ordered in one case.
Steering Column/Steering Wheel Lock
Steering wheel locks or becomes unresponsive, making vehicle immobilizable or extremely difficult to steer. May be caused by steering column sensor issue or steering module problem. Can occur after vehicle is parked and restarted.
When: Documented from 13,500 miles to 63,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks and cannot be turned; Steering wheel becomes unresponsive; ESC warning light illuminated; Open wrench icon on dash; Vehicle cannot be steered in either direction
Codes mentioned: Service ESC, Possible steering column sensor fault, Possible steering module fault
Repairs/costs cited: One case required steering module and steering column replacement; repair not completed as of report. Disconnecting and reconnecting battery sometimes temporarily restores function. Dealer unable to duplicate failure in several cases.
Steering Rack and Pinion Failure
Electric power steering rack and pinion fails, requiring replacement. Also documented in conjunction with corroded grounding strap failure where additional steering components were damaged.
When: Documented at approximately 48,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering; Severely difficult to turn steering wheel; Grinding sounds from steering
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion steering replacement along with corroded grounding strap repair. Total repair cost approximately $3,500.
Suspension Control Arm and Ball Joint Failure
Front suspension components (upper control arms, ball joints, rack and pinion) separate or prematurely fail, causing sudden loss of vehicle control and steering difficulties. Wheel can detach or move inward. One case involved complete control arm separation at highway speed.
When: Documented at 88,000+ miles. Some failures reported without preceding warning signs.
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal sound or 'pop' from front end; Vehicle swerves or loses control; Steering becomes very hard/impossible; Rubbing sounds; Visible wheel misalignment or wheel leaning inward; Complete front-end grinding, popping, clicking when turning
Repairs/costs cited: Control arms, ball joints, and rack and pinion replacement required. One owner reports chronic grinding/popping in front end since purchase requiring alignment every 6 months.
Combined Brake and Power Steering Failure
Simultaneous loss of power steering assist and braking system functionality. Often accompanied by engine power reduction, speed limiting, and multiple warning messages. Extremely dangerous condition occurring while vehicle in motion or during parking/exit attempts.
When: Occurs at various mileage points and operating conditions; reported from low-speed parking lot scenarios to highway driving at 50-70 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist lost; Brake pedal becomes hard or unresponsive; Brakes lock up or become ineffective; Engine power reduced; Multiple dash warning lights (brake, steering, ESC, engine, trailer brake); 'Service Power Steering' 'Service Brakes' 'Service ESC' 'Engine Power Reduced' messages; Vehicle speed limited (e.g., 43 mph); AC stops working in one case
Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering, Service Brakes, Service ESC, Service Trailer Brake System, Engine Power Reduced, Service Parking Brake, Multiple module communication faults
Repairs/costs cited: In cases traced to grounding strap corrosion, replacement of corroded strap resolves issue. In other cases, dealer unable to identify root cause or reproduce problem. One owner reports $62,000 estimated repair cost (reason unclear from narrative) with no guarantee of success. Brake system reprogramming performed in one case (related to NHTSA recall #20V116000).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall #20V116000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) exists but affected VINs vary. Some owners' vehicles not included in recall despite same symptoms. GM TSB #23-NA-201 addresses grounding strap issue.
Synthesized from 71 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 71 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 3,709 and 63,000 miles, with the median around 13,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,709; a quarter make it past 63,000. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.