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2020 Gmc Sierra 2500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2020 Gmc Sierra 2500 carries 9 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering latch and temporary/emergency spare tire. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission failure and rear-wheel lockup.” GMC trucks and SUVs use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — the same algorithm as Chevrolet. Because GMC's lineup is exclusively trucks and SUVs, severe-service intervals apply to most owners (towing, hauling, off-roading). The schedule below surfaces the items most relevant to GMC's truck-focused buyer.

9 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.

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 Gmc Sierra 2500.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission failure and rear-wheel lockup

POWER TRAIN

24 NHTSA complaints · 2024-03 → 2026-03

“The contact stated that while her husband was driving 30 MPH, the rear wheels locked up and the vehicle skidded to a complete stop. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11671648
“The contact stated that while driving approximately 70-80 MPH, the transmission downshifted, and the rear wheels locked up. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact was unsure if a warning light had illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11679851
“Well, we ended up having a problem with our transmission in our 2020 truck. I am the wife and I was driving down the highway and all of a sudden the truck started bucking and went down to 35 mph”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11603243

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear sliding window water leak

STRUCTURE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-09 → 2025-05

“Cracks in the rear sliding window plastic upper rail glass guide causing Rear window leaking water and causing mold from water leaking. GMC has a service bulletin number 18-NA-383 knowing of this issue and not telling customers purchasing the GMC vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11660995
“The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the contact's husband noticed that rainwater had entered the rear interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rainwater had entered through the rear sliding window”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11595742
“The rear window of my 2020 GMC Sierra developed major water leaks across the entire window in 2021. GM has documented this issue with a service bulletin and the dealership has documented their resolution to the first repair under warranty”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11556481

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread separation at highway speed

TIRES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2022-08 → 2023-12

“I was travelling south bound on the highway at 70 mph when out of no where the left rear tire failed. The tread peeled back like an alligator skin and tore apart the side of my truck and caused me to fishtail all over the highway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11560290
“The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Wrangler Trail Runner, Tire Size: LT275/65/R20, DOT Number: PJ0TJB1V 2319”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11477512

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Trailer brake controller alerts and failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-03 → 2024-09

“I HAVE A 5TH WHEEL WITH SOLAR AND MY BRAKE CONTROLER STOPS WORKING PERIODICALLY. I HAVE A CASE# WITH GM 9-13676268071”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11615574
“When towing a trailer a notice to service trailer brakes comes on and the trailer brakes are disabled”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11529539
“Service Trailer Brake System Alert constantly going off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11456261

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Battery drain causing no-start or limp mode

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2023-01

“WENT OUT TO MY VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR 24 HOURS AND ATTEMPTED TO UNLOCK IT WITH THE KEY FOB. NOTHING. TRIED THE OTHER FOB. NOTHING. USED THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR AND GET IN TO PUSH BUTTON START AND NOTHING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11382789
“There is an issue that is causing the batteries to die. This in return causes the Vehicle to go into Limp home mode with no warning. The "issue" was supposed to be resolved by the Dealer in March 2022”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11499881
“2020 GMC SIERRA DENALI DURAMAX 3000 MILES TRIED TURNING ON TRUCK THIS MORNING TO GO TO WORK AND WOULD NOT EVEN CRANK IT IS A PUSH START OPTION HAVE NO CLUE ON HOW IM GOING TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IF I CANT GET IT OF PARK INTO NEUTRAL FOR A TOW TRUCK AT LEAST !”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11360146

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Premature brake pad wear and overheating

SERVICE BRAKES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2021-02

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 GMC SIERRA 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND TOWING A TRAILER, SHE DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKES WERE OVERHEATING. THERE WAS A STRONG BURNING HOT ODOR COMING FROM THE BRAKES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11360930
“BRAKES SINCE NEW SQUEELED. TOOK TO DEALER AND DEALER SAID IT WAS NORMAL. HAVE HAD THE TRUCK ABOUT 11 MONTHS NOW. DEALER STATED GM NOW USES A DIFFERENT PAD MATERIAL AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT AT A COST OF CLOSE TO $1,000 TO REPLACE THE PADS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11390937
“MY BRAKES ARE SQUEAKING VERY LOUDLY THEY HAVE BEEN SINCE AUGUST. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON US1 AND PREPARED TO STOP TO MAKE A TURN AND MY TRUCK WOULD NOT STOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11361606

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

DEF system failure triggering limp mode

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-02 → 2022-03

“DEF tank system failure. Vehicle is under warranty, 18 months old, (purchased 08/20) with 20,000 miles. 6 WEEKS AGO I took to dealer who informed me that there are no DEF tanks available and don't know when they will be available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11456825
“DEF Emission system failure. Total component breakdown requiring replacement. Parts unavailable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11454084
“DEF system failed. Wire harness burned out. Tank failure. Truck went into limp mode. I personally know 3 others with the same issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11457481

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 OLS reaches 0% or every 12 months. dexos1-approved synthetic required on Sierra 1500 5.3L/6.2L; dexos2 specified on Duramax diesel.

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. Sierra and Yukon owners running 4x4 should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles 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 pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Towing accelerates pad wear by 30-50%; check more often if towing regularly.

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

DOT 3 brake fluid: test annually, replace when moisture exceeds 3% or fluid is darker than copper.

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

Long-life cellulose filter rated 45,000 miles. Trucks driven on unpaved roads or construction sites should 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 (towing 5,000+ lbs regularly, heavy stop-and-go): every 45,000 miles. Normal: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI for 6L80/6L90, Mobil 1 LV ATF HP for 10L80/10L1000.

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

Sierra and Yukon 4WD: replace every 45,000 miles. Use GM Auto-Trak II for active 4WD; GM 9986115 for selectable 4WD.

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.

Differential Fluid (front + rear)

Every 50,000 mi

Replace front and rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. G80 limited-slip rear axles 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.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on the L83/L84 5.3L and L86/L87 6.2L V8 are rated 100,000 miles. AFM/DFM cylinder deactivation can cause uneven plug wear — check at 75,000 miles.

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

Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000. Duramax diesel uses ELC (red) — different chemistry, do not mix.

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.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Sierra HD and Yukon XL owners in dusty work environments should replace at 15,000 miles.

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)

28 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.

1

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 Gmc Sierra 2500 reflects GMC'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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