8.1

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
4,789 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2020 GMC Sierra 1500 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Owner Comments

problem #13

Jan 152024

Sierra 1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Lifters Failed in November 2023 and had repaired major engine damage including 4 cylinders, cam shaft, lifters, gaskets etc. After major repair work done. Truck is now doing same exact thing in January 2024. The dealership is stating they will not look at the vehicle unless i buy a new battery. I asked them to try a used battery to see if that makes a difference. And then if it is the battery i will replace. I was hung up on after the technician doug Pedersen stated ill have a supervisor call you back.

- Peoria, AZ, USA

problem #12

Sep 012023

Sierra 1500

  • miles
The right side started clicking out of no where when I turn the steering wheel

- Southfield, MI, USA

problem #11

Sep 152022

Sierra 1500

  • miles
The truck has developed a shake that can be felt in the floor boards, seat, and steering wheel at highway speeds. It-??s has spent several months at dealerships without being fixed. I have replaced tires, wheels, shocks, upper control arms, and the transfer case without success.

- Harlingen, TX, USA

problem #10

Mar 012023

Sierra 1500

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Bearing in transmission failed at 75000 miles. Took to dealership and they said truck needs new transmission. Truck makes rattling noise in transmission pan. Dealer said that oil was full of metal shavings. Dealer also said that this was second truck in 2 weeks with same issue. No warning lights or check engine lights came on. Dealer advised that the transmission could fail and to park it until I can pay $6000 for transmission replacement. Dealer heard rattling and confirmed metal shavings. Transmission failure could result in traffic hazard or accident if transmission loses all drive ability.

- Oakland, OR, USA

problem #9

Oct 232022

Sierra 1500 8-cyl

  • miles
My 2020 Sierra SLT always hesitates or stutters upon take off only on the very first start of the day every day. It appears to be a transmission gear issue or perhaps air/fuel issue. I also have had several different issues with my infotainment system. It screen changes from one screen to another on its own occasionally and it also has a very loud pop when I turn off my iphone Xr from the trucks sound system as if it will crack my speakers. I have taken it in to two separate Cavendar GMC dealerships in San Antonio on 3 different occasions and they claim it does not do either. This cannot be the case as it does it for me every single day since I bought it from the showroom floor. They have said they have updated or reprogrammed both systems but I still have both issues. I am about to lose warranty coverage and I am afraid this will never be addressed. I am taking it in 1 last time. I will never buy another GM product!

- Helotes, TX, USA

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problem #8

Apr 062022

Sierra 1500 6-cyl Diesel

  • miles
Consistent issues with my truck. It is a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 vin: [XXX]. In April 2022, my truck started to exhibit concerning issues. I was worried about driving home from work and called the dealership I bought the truck at. They recommended that I take it to the the service center in Frankfort, KY where I work. I drove the truck directly to Neil Huffman GMC. They declared the truck unsafe for me to drive. They set up rental car for me to use and I left the truck at the service center. They initially said it was the torque converter. Over the course of two months they kept finding more issues. Repairs were completed at Neil Huffman GMC service center located in Frankfort, KY. My truck still has the following issues.. 1. Ringing sound 2. Grinding or clunking noises 3. Loud noise when I press the gas pedal 4. Delayed shifting and hard shifting problem I drive a hour back and forth to work everyday and don-€™t want the truck to have issues on the interstate. Driving with a bad torque converter is unsafe since it causes sudden stoppages and significant speed fluctuations. Worn or slipping transmissions have many warning signs. A damaged transmission creates a dangerous situation for me and for other drivers. I had an appointment at Adams GMC in Richmond, KY on September 1st. They said they couldn-€™t hear anything and no services were conducted. Neil Huffman GMC service department said they replaced basically the entire transmission. I don-€™t understand why there would be issues still. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Richmond , KY, USA

problem #7

Mar 232022

Sierra 1500

  • 42,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then taken to Gilland Chevrolet GMC (3071 N US Hwy 231, Ozark, AL 36360) where the contact was informed that the vehicle already had new transmission fluid filled in the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

- Dothan, AL, USA

problem #6

Aug 022021

Sierra 1500

  • miles
I purchased the 2020 Sierra 1500 because the label on the truck frame states that it can tow 9300lbs. Subsequently, in April 2021, I purchased a 34' Travel Trailer with a max capacity of 8995lbs. In August, I received a notice from GMC that they overstated the towing capacity by 500lbs. The new towing capacity is 8800lbs. GMC's response to my request for a refund was that they were not going to help me. Their solution is that I can be provided a new sticker by the dealer upon request. This does not resolve my issue, nor the issue of other Sierra owners who purchased this vehicle because of its stated towing capacity. In doing research, it appears that in model year 2014, GMC faced a class action lawsuit for misrepresenting their capabilities. I believe that this malpractice is a safety concern for me and many others. Attached is the towing label on the frame and the letter from GM.

- Fairport, NY, USA

problem #5

Mar 162021

Sierra 1500

  • 11,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that upon exiting the vehicle, he noticed that the vehicle was leaking an unknown fluid. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to simpson Buick GMC of buena park (6600 auto center dr, buena park, ca 90621) where it was diagnosed with the torque converter needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Norco, CA, USA

problem #4

Dec 302020

Sierra 1500

  • 5,000 miles
Car was idling and parked. Warning code showed up on dashboard ESC, electronic stability control, reduced engine power. Vehicle then displayed transmission disruption, warning light displayed as well. I was able to drive it to the dealership but the performance of the vehicle was limited by the reduced engine power. Transmission was hesitating and clunky during gear changes. My Sierra has 5,000 miles on it and the transmission was already replaced at 2,000 miles. GMC has a serious problem with this make and model. Unsure what the resolution will be, but I am no longer confident in the product GMC is selling.

- Toms River, NJ, USA

problem #3

Sep 172020

Sierra 1500

  • 5 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Transmission kicks when coming to a complete stop.

- West Palm Beach, FL, USA

problem #2

Aug 122020

Sierra 1500

  • 4,000 miles
At 550 miles had to tow to dealer. They said needed to reprogram transmission. Now at 4000 miles, went to start and vehicle will not do anything. No power. It is being towed to dealer again. Pretty much bought a lemon as it looks now.

- North Richland Hills, TX, USA

problem #1

Jan 132020

Sierra 1500

  • 250 miles
The truck randomly gets stuck in park. Cannot put it into drive, neutral or reverse. The car has been at the dealership since January 27, 2020. GMC wont send them the part, the dealship believes it must be a problem with the part and they are trying to fix or redesign the part before its sent out. Also I was told by my dealership another 2020 AT4 came in with the same problem. It was towed to them.

- Bay Shore, NY, USA

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