Last updated: 2026-03-04

2020 Chevrolet Silverado Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado scores 67/100 ("Good"). With 20 recalls and 693 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2020 is year 2 of the Fourth generation (T1XX).
Recalls
20
Complaints
693
Complaint Rate
11.7
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$649
Major Repair Risk
N/A
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
20 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is year 2 of the Fourth generation (T1XX).
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- A refresh arrives in 2022.
- 4th generation Silverado (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2019 (redesign year) vs 2020+ pricing and recalls.
Fourth generation (T1XX)
Should You Buy the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado?
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado scores 67/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2020 is year 2 of the Fourth generation (T1XX).
With 693 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train (196). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, which scored the same. See also the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Below-average complaint rate for Truck
- 5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- Above-average recall count
- POWER TRAIN issues reported (196 complaints)
- ENGINE: Lifter failures and engine shutdowns (112 complaints)
- 11 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
Compare 2020 Chevrolet Silverado With
2020 Ford F-150
Score: 67/100
2020 GMC Sierra 1500
Score: 63/100
2020 Ram 1500
Score: 65/100
2020 Toyota Tundra
Score: 74/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 20 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- POWER TRAIN (196)
- ENGINE (112)
- STEERING (78)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (72)
- SERVICE BRAKES (53)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (49)
- STRUCTURE (22)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (20)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (13)
- SUSPENSION (13)
- TIRES (12)
- AIR BAGS (10)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (8)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (5)
- FUEL SYSTEM (5)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (5)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4)
- WHEELS (3)
- VISIBILITY (3)
- PARKING BRAKE (2)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
- EQUIPMENT (2)
- TRAILER HITCHES (1)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- SEATS (1)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
Recall Overview
20
recalls on record
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado has 20 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
11.7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 12.2
Safety Incidents
Crashes
14
Fires
11
Injuries
14
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Chevrolet Silverado Recall Details
20 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
POWER TRAIN
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.
Consequence
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.
TIRES
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 vehicles equipped with certain accessory road tires and a 17" spare tire. The 17" spare tire provided with the vehicle is not compatible for use with the accessory wheels, which can cause the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to not function properly under certain conditions.
Consequence
An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will provide a new 17" spare tire and wheel assembly that is compatible with the accessory wheels, free of charge. Dealers will also apply a new spare tire information label, and provide owners with an owner's manual insert clarifying which spare tire to use with the accessory road tires and with the 17" original tires. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212346510.
TIRES
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 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Consequence
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
Showing 10 of 15 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
2020 Chevrolet Silverado NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 19.1%
Safety Technologies
Chevrolet Silverado Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$649
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2020 Chevrolet Silverado Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Power Steering Hose Replacement | $322 – $356 |
| Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement | $609 – $678 |
| Multi-Function Switch Replacement | $662 – $924 |
| MAP Sensor Replacement | $198 – $286 |
| Oil Pump Replacement | $938 – $1,220 |
| Active Suspension Mode Switch Replacement | $99 – $116 |
| Intake Manifold Gasket Replacement | $969 – $1,168 |
| Suspension Ball Joint Replacement | $361 – $603 |
| Fuel Evaporative Canister Replacement | $385 – $461 |
| Window Switch Replacement | $122 – $145 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
When Buying a Used 2020 Chevrolet Silverado
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect transmission for shuddering or hard shifting
- Listen for engine ticking or knocking noises
- Check for power steering functionality and warning messages
- Verify brake pedal responsiveness and check for warning lights
- Inspect for oil leaks and check oil levels
- Test for any electrical system malfunctions
- Check for any recalls related to transmission or engine issues
Check Any 2020 Chevrolet Silverado's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2020 Silverado in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Chevrolet Silverado with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2020 Chevrolet Silverado Common Problems by Component
693 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
196 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado frequently report powertrain issues, particularly with the transmission and torque converter. Common symptoms include abnormal shifting, vibration, hesitation, and unexpected loss of power or acceleration. Complaints often emerge around the 40,000 to 90,000-mile range, with some owners experiencing complete transmission failures just after warranty expiration. Safety implications are noted, with reports of rear wheel lockup, unpredictable vehicle behavior, and one incident involving a crash. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential for costly repairs.
ENGINE
112 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado's engine, particularly involving lifter failures and engine shutdowns. Symptoms commonly include loss of power, ticking or knocking noises, and the presence of metal shavings in the oil. These problems often occur at varying mileages, with some reports as early as 38,000 miles and others near 160,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, as several owners describe sudden engine failures that result in loss of control or near-accidents, especially at highway speeds. Prospective buyers should be aware of the potential for costly repairs and the risk of engine-related safety incidents.
STEERING
78 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado frequently report issues with the power steering system, often linked to corroded grounding straps. Typical symptoms include sudden and intermittent loss of power steering, with some drivers experiencing complete steering lock-up or failure to turn the wheel. These problems are often accompanied by various warning messages on the dashboard, including "Service Power Steering" and "Service Trailer Brake System". Complaints often arise around 30,000 to 80,000 miles, with some incidents leading to near-crashes or requiring significant physical effort to control the vehicle. Buyers should be aware of potential safety risks associated with these steering failures, particularly during high-speed travel or while towing.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (72 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
72 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado frequently report electrical system issues, with common symptoms including the radio and dashboard electronics shutting off while driving, and problems with the backup camera's visibility. Multiple reports describe significant failures such as the vehicle entering limp mode or reduced power mode, often accompanied by numerous diagnostic trouble codes and loss of braking capability. Patterns suggest these issues can occur at various mileages, with some reports mentioning failures around 29,000 to 124,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with some complaints involving fires originating from the electrical system and incidents of brake failure leading to loss of vehicle control. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential electrical and safety concerns when considering a used 2020 Silverado.
SERVICE BRAKES (53 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
53 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues with the service brakes on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado, primarily involving brake system failures and caliper malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as brake pedals going to the floor, brakes seizing, and warning messages like "Service Brake Assist" and "Brake system failure," often at mileages ranging from 25,000 to over 100,000 miles. Some reports involve crashes due to brake failures, highlighting significant safety implications. Additionally, there are instances of uneven brake pad wear and issues with the electronic parking brake not releasing properly. These patterns suggest potential risks for buyers considering a used model, particularly regarding brake reliability and safety.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (20 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
20 complaintsOwners report that the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado frequently experiences engine failures, with symptoms including loud knocking or ticking sounds, engine stalling, and the check engine light illuminating. These issues often lead to catastrophic engine damage, such as seized engines and rod failures, typically occurring between 45,000 and 165,000 miles. Multiple complaints also mention leaking coolant and oil, collapsed lifters, and camshaft failures. While no crashes or fires are reported, the sudden loss of engine power poses a potential safety risk. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and consider the associated repair costs and potential for engine replacement.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (13 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
13 complaintsOwners report recurring issues with the fuel pump and DEF system in the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. Complaints frequently mention fuel pump failures leading to starting problems and power loss, with some incidents of gasoline leaks posing fire risks. Multiple owners describe experiencing these issues around 11,500 to 50,000 miles. Additionally, several reports highlight DEF system failures, causing warnings of reduced speed and operational limitations, often linked to a back-ordered DEF pump. These problems can leave vehicles inoperable, increasing the risk of stranding drivers in potentially hazardous situations.
SUSPENSION (13 complaints)
SUSPENSION
13 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado frequently report issues with the suspension, particularly involving the control arms and leaf springs. Complaints often describe noises such as clunking, rattling, or popping, with some owners identifying corrosion or wear in components like the ball joints and leaf spring grummets. These issues commonly arise around 10,000 to 30,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with some owners experiencing loss of control or near-accidents due to suspension failures, such as control arm or ball joint separation. Buyers should be aware of potential suspension problems that may not be covered under warranty, especially if the vehicle has a lift kit or if the issue occurs outside the warranty period.
AIR BAGS (10 complaints)
AIR BAGS
10 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the airbag system in the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado, particularly with airbags failing to deploy during crashes. Complaints often describe significant collision impacts where airbags do not activate, contributing to injuries such as broken ribs, concussions, and facial injuries. Several incidents involve multi-vehicle accidents or collisions with stationary objects like trees and poles, with the airbag malfunction light sometimes illuminating post-incident. Some reports also mention rust on the driver airbag and persistent "service safety restraint system" warnings, often appearing around 42,000 miles. These reports highlight potential safety risks, especially in collisions, which prospective buyers should consider.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (8 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
8 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado frequently report issues related to vehicle speed control, primarily involving brake system failures and engine power loss. Common symptoms include warning messages such as "brake system failure" with speed limitations, unexpected loss of engine power, and unresponsive brakes. These problems often occur at various mileage ranges, with some vehicles experiencing issues as early as 15,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as several owners describe near-collisions and dangerous situations due to sudden power loss or brake failure while driving at highway speeds. Potential buyers should be aware that these issues may not be consistently covered under recalls or warranties, and repairs can be costly and time-consuming.
When Do 2020 Chevrolet Silverado Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Chevrolet Silverado Years
Best Chevrolet Silverado Years to Buy
The best Chevrolet Silverado year is 2025 with a reliability score of 85/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2023 (75/100) and 2024 (73/100).
Chevrolet Silverado Years to Avoid
The worst Chevrolet Silverado year is 2019 with a score of 64/100, primarily due to power train (290) issues.
See full Chevrolet Silverado years-to-avoid analysis →Chevrolet Silverado Reliability Score Trend
Chevrolet Silverado reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 76/100 compared to 67/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 85/100 | Excellent |
Chevrolet Silverado Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 78/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 85/100 | +12 | Excellent | 1 | 76 |
| 2024 | 73/100 | -2 | Good | 9 | 367 |
| 2023 | 75/100 | +5 | Good | 4 | 299 |
| 2022 | 70/100 | +3 | Good | 8 | 514 |
| 2021 | 67/100 | 0 | Good | 13 | 720 |
| 2020(selected) | 67/100 | +3 | Good | 20 | 693 |
| 2019 | 64/100 | -6 | Good | 20 | 1043 |
| 2018 | 70/100 | — | Good | 16 | 551 |
2020 Chevrolet Silverado Common Questions
10 questions from 2020 Chevrolet Silverado owners.
2018n Cruze engine light on and high idle, connected?
This is the second time the engine light has come on in about 3 years time. first time it came on I had it checked and the code was catalytic converter fail. But the light went off on its own and was fine for almost a year. had car oil changed and tires rotated and it came back on a few days after the service. could this be a glich? why would it say cc fail and then be fine? it makes no sense. the engine idle runs high when i first start the car, is it related? engine light seems to go on after the car is serviced..second time this happened. i notice its running a little rough and then it idles high. A few days
Hvac problem
My forward and floor vents wont blow warm air but when I use my max defrost it blows warm?
Fluid
I accidentally pull approximately a cap full of washer fluid in my brake reservoir. Once I realized what I did I soaked up the washer fluid with paper towels until all I saw on the towel was brake fluid. Do I need to do anything else Will my car be OK. 2025 Chevy trax
Car won't start
Put a new engine in after it was blown has gas and compression but no power why won't it start
Transmission won't engage 3-4.
Transmission won't engage 3-4. Code 73. More than a month
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado?
How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado have?
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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