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2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 carries 10 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering latch and temporary/emergency spare tire. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission failure and rear-wheel lockup.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

10 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Campaign #20V142000 · Dec 3, 2020

Issue: 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 fracture.

Risk: If a striker wire fractures, the hood may open unexpectedly while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hood assembly, free of charge. The recall began April 13, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192284960.

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

Campaign #21V578000 · Jul 29, 2021

Issue: 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" accessory road tire (RPO Q2V). Operating the spare tire with other 20" or 18" tires can prevent the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) from engaging.

Risk: An ABS system that cannot control the rear wheels independently increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will provide the appropriate spare tire and apply a new spare tire information label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 18, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212329780.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #20V792000 · Dec 17, 2020

Issue: 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 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.

Risk: If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Campaign #20V446000 · Jul 30, 2020

Issue: 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 component of the Roof-Rail Air Bag (RRAB) inflator may not have been properly crimped to the inflator and could separate from the inflator during air bag deployment.

Risk: If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect RRAB modules, free of charge. The recall began September 3, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is N202305380.

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Campaign #19V814000 · Nov 14, 2019

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2020 Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles equipped with carpet floor covering. When the front seat belt pretensioners deploy, hot gas may vent through an opening in the pretensioner bracket, possibly igniting the carpet.

Risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will close off the opening in the pretensioner bracket, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192270600.

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

Campaign #20V324000 · Apr 6, 2020

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles previously recalled under 20V-142. Some of the vehicles in 20V-324 were not part of Recall 20V-142 but received defect parts during another service (typically during collision repair). The hood-latch striker wires on replacement hoods installed for Safety Recall 20V-142 may not have been heat-treated properly, possibly causing them to fracture.

Risk: If a striker wire fractures, the hood may open unexpectedly while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hood assembly, free of charge. For hoods sold over the counter, dealers will contact customers with instructions for hood replacement. The recall began July 7, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202306490.

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Campaign #20V650000 · Oct 22, 2020

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 and 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 trucks. One of the driveshaft joints may not have been properly welded, causing the driveshaft to separate while the vehicle is moving.

Risk: If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202314870.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

Campaign #24V060000 · Jan 2, 2024

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently unlatching while the vehicle is in park.

Risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232426400.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign #24V797000 · Oct 24, 2024

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign #26V083000 · Dec 2, 2026

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission failure and rear-wheel lockup

POWER TRAIN

24 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2026-04

“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving 30-50 MPH on four occasions, the rear wheels locked up. There were no warning lights illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634411
“10L1000 transmission, began having problems with delays and harsh gear engagement. Flare shifting and shuddering. Finally starting having transmission overheating issues while towing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11714398
“Pulling out onto road, heard a bang, no forward or backward, unable to move vehicle, brought to repair shop, says output shaft is sheared off, 68000 miles on it,”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11718211

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

DEF tank heater and wiring harness failure

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

11 NHTSA complaints · 2021-02 → 2026-02

“The DEF heater/tank shorted out. The DEF system has thrown a code 3 times in the little over a year I’ve owned the truck”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11458547
“Service DEF message in truck that will soon result in reduced speed. Local and purchasing dealers both stated a new DEF tank is needed. A tank is not available and is on back order”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11457303
“VEHICLE IS A DIESEL HAS ABOUT 13,000 MILES ON IT ONLY. RECEIVED A WARNING ON THE DASH WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION THAT THE DEF SYSTEM HAS AN ISSUE AND TO SEE THE OWNER MANUAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11394327

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear window and cab water intrusion

STRUCTURE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2020-08 → 2026-02

“Rear window leaking. There is mold inside vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11632008
“Water leaking in around rear window causing moldy smell, puddled water on rear floor, saturated carpet”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11592576
“Back window leaked. It was a heavy mist all night, not even heavy rain yet, and when we opened the passenger back door in the morning around 7:30 am, we found a pool of water on the back seat and water running down the seat”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11554371

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread separation

TIRES

10 NHTSA complaints · 2022-06 → 2026-08

“Tire size 275 65 R20 entire tread came completely off the tire & caused damage to my fender & fender well. This tire had approximately 29,830 miles on it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754338
“As I was driving I got a really bad vibration once I pulled over to check it out I discovered the tire was separating . The tires had about 10,000 miles on them”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11687115
“I was traveling at 45 mph. Rear Passenger tire tread separated from tire, broke off and damaged wheel well, front & rear mud flaps, rear corner of bumper and cracked taillight”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11607411

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering pull and vibration

STEERING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2025-10

“The truck pulls to the right, pulling it off the road. It has 50k miles now and the dealer has aligned it 6 times and it’s showing within specifications, but continues to pull to the right”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11486552
“AT SPEEDS ABOVE 58MPH THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES TERRIBLY. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP 16 HOURS OUT OF THE LAST 20 DAYS I HAVE OWNED IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11378488
“10/26/20 WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY FOR THE LAST FEW DAYS, I NOTICED THAT THE STEERING FELT LOOSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11366768

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric trailer brake controller warning

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2022-01 → 2026-08

“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and towing a trailer, the message "Trailer Brake Disconnected" was displayed with an audible chime”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11755940
“My dash has been displaying intermittently “Service electric trailer brakes”. I have recently purchased a 30’ travel trailer”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11724272
“My truck continously displays service trailer brake system error on home screen. I have researched the error and found replacing the switch is a simple fix”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11497507

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pad premature wear and squealing

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2021-01 → 2023-05

“Brakes are grinding and squeaking. Sometimes does not seem like it will stop”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11520628
“The brake pads which were installed from the factory are known by GM as being defective. This was acknowledged when technical bulletin 20-NA-020 was released”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11442206
“THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN SQUEALING REALLY LOUD. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF THE TRUCK IS CLEAN OR DIRTY THE BRAKES WILL SQUEAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11389395

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power tailgate opening unexpectedly

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-03 → 2026-03

“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate opened unexpectedly and was crushed by an attached trailer”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11723286
“Power tailgate opening unexpectedly. Tailgate opens and closes without warning. The same issue that Safety Recall N232426400 describes”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11665332
“The tailgate would open and close on its own. I was about ready to connect my fifth wheel RV for a trip when suddenly as I closed the truck door to back up I saw that the tailgate had opened”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11659849

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

102 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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