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2020 Gmc Sierra 3500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2020 Gmc Sierra 3500 carries 8 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering latch and seat belts. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Tailgate opening while driving.” 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.

8 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.

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 3500.

Reported to NHTSA

Tailgate opening while driving

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2024-08 → 2024-12

“The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while towing a trailer, the tailgate unintendedly opened while making a right turn. Due to the failure, the end of the tailgate was ripped in half. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11631616
“The tailgate automatically opened while I was driving. I was sure the tailgate was shut and latched properly prior to the incident”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11631170
“There is a current safety recall N232426400 on GMC pickups including the year of my truck. GMC is saying that my VIN is not covered by the recall. However, I have the multi-pro tailgate and it came open about 6 months ago on its own as i was backing up and it caused me to run”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11605969

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear window water intrusion

VISIBILITY, STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-12 → 2025-07

“The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH with passengers seated in the rear seats, the passengers became aware that water was entering the vehicle between the window and frame. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670439
“Rear sliding window is leaking water into the cabin”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11563552
“Rear window leaking on 2020 gmc truck due to faulty rear window seal and plastic slide. Known issue in 2020 models with a service bulletin already in place. Headliner saturated and black mold showing. Rear back liner has been saturated multiple times and gmc would not refund the”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11497794

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear axle lockup and valve body failure

POWER TRAIN

15 NHTSA complaints · 2023-01 → 2025-07

“driving 65mph when vehicle attempted to downshift itself for no reason when instead the rear axles locked up and made a massively loud bang as if axle fell off, let off gas, smoke pouring from rear tires, skidded about 8 feet, it released then locked up 2 more times within 30”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11598370
“The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently went into LIMP Mode. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission valve”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11672242
“driving 65mph on interstate, attempted to change lanes to pass slower vehicle and pressed upon accelerator pedal...truck violently skidded to a stop and sent me onto shoulder, many vehicles behind me swerved to avoid my vehicle. GM wont repair and says since they cant replicate”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11602485

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Dash power reduction with trailer brake loss

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2021-05 → 2021-05

“The computer lite up the dash and reduced power, plus took the trailer brakes off line. This happened while loaded. To reset the system you have to pull over and turn the vehicle off. This happens 2-3 times per day. This was a problem at 600 miles. The transmission shifted from”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11418595
“The computer lights up dash reducing power and taking the trailer brakes away. This almost caused a wreck when the truck shut off and the brakes failed. This truck has been in the shop at least once per month trying to fix the issues, from computer and brake failure to injector”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11418617
“The computer malfunctions. It is available for inspection. The computer lights up and causes failure in the trailer brakes. Glenn Polk the dealership in Sanger Texas has been working on a fix but has yet to come up with one. I have spoken with General Motors Representatives”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11418543

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel system failure causing derate or stall

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2022-03 → 2025-03

“Def heater connection on the tank will arc and melt down causing engine derate and costly repairs. Gm know and has released a service bulletins in 2022. Bulletins N212342980. But even with bulletins done still fails. And talking todealer ships it a very common problem and there”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648405
“In short, the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) reductant heater failed which requires the entire DEF tank assembly (part 85138746) to be replaced on my 2020 GMC Sierra 3500. This cause the truck to go into "limp" mode where it will not travel above 65 mph, and after another period”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11456331
“The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle jerked, lost motive power, and almost stopped unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot, where the vehicle shut”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11627460

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread separation

TIRES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-09 → 2023-05

“The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Wrangler Trail Runner, Tire Size: LT275/65/R20), DOT Number: (NA). The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle exhibited the death wobble, causing the vehicle to”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11522434
“Goodyear Wrangler Trailrunner AT, LT275/65R20, factory installed on a 2020 GMC Sierra Denali 3500. While traveling 60 mph pulling a fifth wheel in South Texas on a clear and dry day, the rear passenger tire unexpectedly lost its tread. As we slowed down, it completely lost tire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11495345
“These tires are Good Year Wrangler Trail Runner AT size LT275/65 R20. My total mileage on these tires was 42,751. These were the original tires that were installed when the truck was purchased new. My Tires are rotated every 7,500 miles. Tire pressure is maintained at the exact”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11482843

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Exhaust heat damage to towed trailer

POWER TRAIN

2 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2022-09

“The exhaust system is directed to the rear of the vehicle and when towing causes extreme heat to build on the item being towed, in my case a 5th wheel camper. The heat has melted the trim on my camper and is a potential fire hazard”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11485406
“WHILE TOWING A FIFTH WHEEL CAMPER, THE EXHAUST WAS SO HOT IT MELTED THE CAMPER DIRECTLY BEHIND IT. WAS CAUGHT IN SIDE MIRROR BEFORE ANYTHING CAUGHT ON FIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11341106

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 17, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 17, 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.

4

complaints mentioning a crash

2

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 3500 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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