2020 GMC Sierra 1500: common problems and reliability

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 has 435 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 12 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag 6.2l v8 afm lifter failure (cylinder #1 collapse): frequency: recurrent. multiple owners report repeat failures even after dealer replacement with afm lifters, requiring a full afm delete.

Safety record for the 2020 model year

435
Owner complaints
12
Recalls
11
Crash reports
5
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2020 a good year for the Sierra 1500?

Across the 12 Sierra 1500 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 43 (2016) to 1,056 (2022). With 435 complaints, the 2020 Sierra 1500 sits about the same asthe model's median of 435.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

engine
210
power train
86
electrical system
77
service brakes
51
steering
37

Recalls affecting the 2020 Sierra 1500

tires

Campaign 21V115000

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Che…

electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables

Campaign 19V888000

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. The battery positive (B+) cable rings may have been manufactured with excessive glue, potentially causing an int…

seat belts

Campaign 20V792000

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500…

tires

Campaign 20V684000

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manuf…

What owners report on the 5th generation Sierra 1500

Owners praise the 2022 refresh for its dramatically improved interior, which many consider the best-looking truck cabin on the market, and the 3.0L Duramax diesel for exceptional fuel economy (28-30+ mpg highway). However, there is significant frustration with

  • 6.2L V8 AFM lifter failure (cylinder #1 collapse): Frequency: recurrent. Multiple owners report repeat failures even after dealer replacement with AFM lifters, requiring a full AFM delete.
  • Infotainment/CarPlay connectivity issues (2018-2019 models): Frequency: recurrent. Intermittent disconnects, failure to initiate CarPlay, often resolved by resetting the display (holding power button), updating iPhone iOS, or using a factory USB cable.
  • Google Automotive assistant not recognizing contacts (2022 models with 13.4-inch screen): Frequency: isolated. Voice assistant fails to read or recognize phone contacts, requiring a software update.
  • Transmission hard shifting (2022 Elevation, 1,300 miles): Frequency: isolated. One owner reports rough shifting starting at low mileage.
  • Intermittent electrical failures: Service 4WD, Stabilitrak, Power Steering warnings, no-start condition (2018 model): Frequency: isolated. Multiple system warnings and non-start, no DTCs stored, difficult to diagnose.

Owner insights for the 5th generation Sierra 1500. Read the full 5th generation owner report.

Typical used price

Used Sierra 1500 listings typically run $43,870–$57,519 across 2024 to 2026 model years.

Other Sierra 1500 model years

Compare every Sierra 1500 year side by side to see how 2020 ranks against the rest.

2023 Sierra 15002022 Sierra 15002019 Sierra 15002018 Sierra 15002016 Sierra 15002015 Sierra 15002013 Sierra 15002010 Sierra 15002009 Sierra 15002007 Sierra 15002002 Sierra 1500

Compare the Sierra 1500 against its rivals

Sierra 1500 vs Ford F-150Sierra 1500 vs Chevrolet Silverado 1500Sierra 1500 vs GMC Sierra 2500HDSierra 1500 vs Honda Ridgeline
Full GMC Sierra 1500 owner reportCompare against another car