2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 263 engine-related complaints for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, 55% of all 477 complaints filed for the model year. Median mileage at failure is 50,000. No related recalls are listed for this engine issue.
- Engine complaints
- 263
- 55% of 477
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 7
- Median mileage
- 50,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report broken cylinder exhaust valve springs causing sudden engine shutdown, in one case at just 197 miles.
- Several describe check engine lights tied to knock sensor codes, with the sensor replaced more than once within a few months.
- Diesel-equipped trucks report oil dripping from engine bolts and lines at low mileage, as low as 2,200 miles.
- Some owners describe misfiring linked to a dropped-compression cylinder, with piston compression readings far below the other cylinders.
- One owner reported an unintended acceleration event they linked to prior repair work near the ECM after a body shop visit.
- A few complaints mention the engine suddenly ceasing to operate while the vehicle was stationary, requiring towing.
When 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 engine complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 17, 2020, latest Sep 24, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Engine complaints by Sierra 1500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
- NHTSA lists 263 engine-related complaints for the 2020 Sierra 1500, which is 55% of the 477 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 engine?
- No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine complaint area.
- At what mileage do engine problems usually show up?
- The median mileage at failure among reported engine complaints is 50,000 miles.
- Did the engine issues cause any crashes or fires?
- NHTSA data tied to this engine complaint area shows 4 crashes, 2 fires, and 7 injuries reported.
- What kind of engine problems do owners describe?
- Owners describe broken valve springs, knock sensor failures, oil leaks on diesel models, misfiring from low compression, and sudden shutdowns while driving or parked.