How many 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 owners reported transmission problems?

NHTSA lists 19 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2020 Sierra 3500, which is 37% of the 51 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 transmission?

Yes. NHTSA recall 24V797000 covers a new transmission control module software install, and recall 26V083000 covers a transmission control software update for vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under an earlier recall.

At what mileage do 2020 Sierra 3500 transmission problems occur?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 108,000 miles.

Did the transmission issue cause any crashes?

NHTSA data shows 3 crashes linked to transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2020 Sierra 3500, with no fires or injuries reported.

2020 GMC Sierra 3500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 19 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2020 GMC Sierra 3500, 37% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 108,000. Two related recalls (26V083000 and 24V797000) address transmission control module software tied to this problem area.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 19; 37% of 51
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 108,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Rear tires or rear axle momentarily lock up at highway speeds, sometimes accompanied by a loud bang, causing the truck to skid.
Sudden loss of acceleration or a stall-like hesitation occurs after stopping and then trying to pull away from a stop light.
While towing, the truck unexpectedly downshifts or the rear end locks up, producing smoke from the tires and a skid before releasing.
One owner reported the rear differential seizing at 60 mph while hauling a trailer, causing a crash.
Owners report that the dealer-installed recall software fix did not resolve the lock-up issue, and some were told the recall repair was unavailable for their vehicle.

When 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint May 26, 2021, latest Mar 20, 2026.

19 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2021 to Mar 2026; peak Jul 2024 (4).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2020 GMC Sierra 3500

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.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Sierra 3500 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20100 (0%)
20112 (10%)
20123 (33%)
20132 (14%)
20141 (14%)
20151 (3%)
20162 (11%)
20173 (23%)
20181 (7%)
20191 (8%)
202019 (37%)
20217 (35%)
20226 (19%)
202314 (50%)
202412 (26%)
20251 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

How many 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 owners reported transmission problems?: NHTSA lists 19 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2020 Sierra 3500, which is 37% of the 51 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 transmission?: Yes. NHTSA recall 24V797000 covers a new transmission control module software install, and recall 26V083000 covers a transmission control software update for vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under an earlier recall.
At what mileage do 2020 Sierra 3500 transmission problems occur?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 108,000 miles.
Did the transmission issue cause any crashes?: NHTSA data shows 3 crashes linked to transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2020 Sierra 3500, with no fires or injuries reported.