2020 GMC Sierra transmission and drivetrain problems
97 of the 479 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the 2020 GMC Sierra name the transmission and drivetrain (NHTSA’s “Power Train” heading — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading). Filed under the same heading: 222 manufacturer bulletins, 3 recalls. Every figure below is a document in a federal file, linked; none is a failure rate, and none is a verdict on any one car.
What owners filed about the transmission and drivetrain
Source: NHTSA complaint database1 of the 97 reports a crash · 0 a fire · 0 injuries. Self-reported, unverified.
Filed per year: 2020: 4 · 2021: 2 · 2022: 3 · 2023: 3 · 2024: 10 · 2025: 47 · 2026: 28
Half of the 17 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the transmission and drivetrain problem between 41,000 and 85,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
479 complaints in all about the 2020 GMC Sierra, 28 filed in 2026. The whole picture, every system →
Counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many of these were sold; nothing here is a rate. NHTSA groups complaints coarsely, so “Power Train” means the same area of the vehicle, not one fault.
Across model years: GMC Sierra transmission and drivetrain problems, every year on file →
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the transmission and drivetrain. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
The transmission went at 67,000 miles and posed a safety issue when my husband was driving & suddenly couldn't drive above 1st gear. Vehicle is at the GM dealer and has been for weeks, but there have been so many issues with the transmissions of this year, make & model, that the transmissions are on back order and we are told it can be…
Has happened three times. 1st and 2nd time driving down road towing trailer, rear wheels locked up for 12-15’ while driving 50-55mph. I had thought it was my trailer axel. Happened twice within 6 miles. 3rd time was 1 month later. Rear Wheels locked up driving on interstate at 70-75 mph.
Lifters Failed in November 2023 and had repaired major engine damage including 4 cylinders, cam shaft, lifters, gaskets etc. After major repair work done. Truck is now doing same exact thing in January 2024. The dealership is stating they will not look at the vehicle unless i buy a new battery.
The truck has developed a shake that can be felt in the floor boards, seat, and steering wheel at highway speeds. It’s has spent several months at dealerships without being fixed. I have replaced tires, wheels, shocks, upper control arms, and the transfer case without success
Bearing in transmission failed at 75000 miles. Took to dealership and they said truck needs new transmission. Truck makes rattling noise in transmission pan. Dealer said that oil was full of metal shavings. Dealer also said that this was second truck in 2 weeks with same issue. No warning lights or check engine lights came on.
What is on file about the transmission and drivetrain
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecalls filed under this heading
- 26V083000 CriticalFeb 12, 2026 · 1,055 vehicles
- 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.
- 24V797000 CriticalOct 24, 2024 · 463,295 vehicles
- 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.
- 20V650000 HighOct 22, 2020 · 42 vehicles
- 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.
222 manufacturer bulletins filed under this heading
The 0 newest are listed; every one is on the model year’s page. Quote the document number at a service desk — it is a diagnosis the maker has already written down.
Trouble codes named on this system
Codes a bulletin or an owner’s complaint about the 2020 GMC Sierra names on this model year; a code with a record of its own links it.
Other systems with a record on the 2020 GMC Sierra
Source: the same files- engine problems 260 complaints
- electrical problems 81 complaints
- brake problems 55 complaints
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsAre transmission and drivetrain problems common on the 2020 GMC Sierra?
They are documented: NHTSA holds 97 owner complaints naming the transmission and drivetrain on this model year (20% of everything owners filed about it), and 222 manufacturer bulletins, 3 recalls are filed under the same heading. Whether it is a problem on one particular car is a diagnosis, not a count, and a count says nothing about how many were sold.
Is there a recall for the transmission and drivetrain on the 2020 GMC Sierra?
Yes — 3 campaigns are filed under this heading: 26V083000, 24V797000, 20V650000. A recall is matched by VIN; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do transmission and drivetrain problems show up on the 2020 GMC Sierra?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 75,200 miles; half of them between 41,000 and 85,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Power Train" heading cover?
The transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.