2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 96 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, 20% of its 477 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 72,600. Three related recalls cover transmission control software and a driveshaft weld defect.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 96
- 20% of 477
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 72,600 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report the truck getting stuck in park and unable to shift into drive, neutral, or reverse shortly after purchase.
- Some describe sudden loss of power or complete no-start conditions requiring the vehicle to be towed for transmission reprogramming.
- Several report the transmission shuddering, hesitating, or clunking during gear changes, sometimes with an electronic stability control or reduced engine power warning.
- Fluid leaks traced to a failed torque converter were reported, requiring replacement.
- Owners describe rattling noises from the transmission pan and metal shavings found in the fluid, with dealers advising the transmission could fail.
- A shake felt through the floorboards, seat, and steering wheel at highway speeds was reported even after replacing tires, wheels, shocks, and the transfer case.
When 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 5, 2020, latest Sep 15, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
- NHTSA 26V083000Feb 12, 2026Transmission & Powertrain1,055 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:valves/valve body
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
Risk: Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 12, 2026.
- NHTSA 24V797000Oct 24, 2024Transmission & Powertrain463,295 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:valves/valve body
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
- NHTSA 20V650000Oct 22, 2020Transmission & Powertrain42 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 and 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 trucks. One of the driveshaft joints may not have been properly welded, causing the driveshaft to separate while the vehicle is moving.
Risk: If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202314870.
Transmission & Powertrain 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 transmission complaints does the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
- NHTSA lists 96 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Sierra 1500, which is 20% of its 477 total complaints for that model year.
- At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2020 Sierra 1500 is 72,600 miles.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 26V083000 covers a transmission control software repair, 24V797000 covers a transmission control module software update, and 20V650000 addresses a driveshaft joint welding defect.
- Did any transmission complaints involve a crash?
- Yes, NHTSA data shows 1 crash reported among the complaints in this problem area, with 0 fires and 0 injuries.