2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD: common problems and reliability

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD has 73 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. Owners most often flag transmission reliability problems — including shudder, grinding, failure to shift, high temperatures, and complete replacements under warranty. affects multiple model years (e.g., 2013, 2016, 2017). frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2020 model year

73
Owner complaints
9
Recalls
1
Crash reports
3
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
22
electrical system
12
service brakes
12
engine
10
steering
6

Recalls affecting the 2020 Sierra 2500HD

latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Campaign 20V142000

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The hood-latch striker wires may not have been heat-treated properly, possibly causing them to fr…

tires:temporary/emergency spare tire

Campaign 21V578000

General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with a 17" spare tire (RPO ZHQ or ZXT) and either the 20" accessory road tire (RPO REM) or the 18" a…

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…

air bags:side/window:curtain:inflator

Campaign 20V446000

General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 and Traverse and GMC Acadia and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The diffuser c…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year, powertrain choice, and intended use. Positive feedback centers on the truck's capability, towing comfort, and the refined ride quality of the independent front suspension, particularly in newer models. Th

  • Transmission reliability problems — including shudder, grinding, failure to shift, high temperatures, and complete replacements under warranty. Affects multiple model years (e.g., 2013, 2016, 2017). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Duramax diesel high cost of ownership — very expensive repairs (quotes of $6,000+ per incident, $20,000+ total), emissions system (DEF/DPF) failures, injector failures, and general unreliability cited as reasons to avoid. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) clogging — occurs with frequent short trips or stop-and-go driving, leading to expensive cleaning ($800-$1,600) or replacement (~$12,000). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Front suspension/steering component wear — including wheel bearings and torsion bar mount failures, especially on older 4x4 models. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Fuel system issues — fuel pump failures on gas and diesel models. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Sierra 2500HD.

Typical used price

Used Sierra 2500HD listings typically run $25,691–$45,898 across 2009 to 2024 model years.

Other Sierra 2500HD model years

2023 Sierra 2500HD2017 Sierra 2500HD2015 Sierra 2500HD2013 Sierra 2500HD2011 Sierra 2500HD2007 Sierra 2500HD
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