2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Full-size trucks come in a variety of styles and formats, but all owners want capability and durability. For many years, Chevy was known as a reliable automaker for pickups, but that might not be the case anymore. Despite the tagline on the Silverado saying, “The strongest, most advanced Silverado ever,” we just can’t agree. Instead, it seems this company is allergic to advanced technology based on how often it fails.

Click on other model year to view more problems:  2017    2018    2019

Problems with the Electrical System

Even though the Silverado is often used for work, owners want a reliable electrical system to enjoy the comforts and amenities. However, this system is just a disappointment.

One NHTSA complaint states, “The backup camera brightness is so excessive it creates a hazard backing at night not being able to see out passenger side mirror, no brightness control for nighttime.”

It turns out that the faulty electrical system creates much larger trouble. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V888000 states that there is a possible defect in the battery positive cable that could lead to intermittent electrical connection. If this occurs, the vehicle could stall and an accident could happen. Additionally, there is the chance of electrical arcing, which could cause a fire. If Chevy believes that this is the “most advanced ever,” why would they want to burn it to the ground.

Problems with the Fuel System

The fuel system helps the gasoline reach the engine, when it is working correctly. Yet, this basic system doesn’t work the way it is supposed to.

Read this Edmunds review. “The gas gap was deleted on this truck in favor of a rubber flap.  Standard pump nozzles will fight you a little to remove them after filling up.  Not much, but just enough to drip gas on the body paint underneath the filler hole.  Annoying and eventually that will ruin the paint.”

Along with this fuel system complaint, there is also a recall to make note of. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V837000 states that some fuel pumps don’t have a pressure regulator, which causes over-pressurization of the system. If this happens, the fuel pump could crack and cause a leak, which once again, increases the chance of a fire. Again, this strong Silverado is subject to spontaneous combustion – which must make it the “most advanced.”

Problems with the Vehicle Structure

To be strong and advanced, the Chevy Silverado must have a solid structure, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.

Here’s one more Edmunds review to look at. “Unfortunately this big beautiful truck, is that’s all it is. I have owned one for three months and I drove to go to the store in heavy rain all sorts of water rushing everywhere. I’m thinking suckers no water will hurt me. I guess I was wrong. I just left my home and I guess if you hit a small amount of water at the correct angle it will create a vacuum and draw water from under the front of the truck. So here is my big beautiful truck broke down and small vehicles are passing me by. Btw GM says it’s my fault??? I guess I missed the disclaimer that tells me not to drive during rain. I guess I don’t understand stand what a Trail boss Z71 mean? Don’t get wet?”

The structure is sub-par to say the least, but a recent recall affecting more than 550,000 vehicles is even more alarming. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V814000 says that if a fire occurs on the front seat belt tensioners, the hot gas could vent through a bracket and ignite the carpet. While this might not be something most truck owners would ever think about, the Silverado has already proven to be susceptible to fire.

Problems with the Brakes

Above all, one of the most vital safety features is the brakes. Again, this Chevy truck can’t seem to get the basics down.

Another NHTSA user wrote, “When I stop slowly, the brake pedal starts to make a noise and starts to shake. You can literally feel your foot shaking when stopping slowly. It does not make it every time but when it does it makes it like 4 times. I first noticed this when driving on the highway while on a road trip then it started doing it on the city street. It does it when you are making a stop but haven’t stopped completely because when you come to a complete stop it stops doing it.”

As one would assume, there is yet another recall, this time for the braking system. NHTSA Campaign Number 20V116000 applies to more than 20,000 vehicles. It points out that the bolts meant to attach to the brake calipers were not heat treated. Because of this misstep, they could break under a heavy load. Not only can this defect interfere with wheel rotation, but it could also lead to decreased brake performance and a higher chance of an accident. Of course, this isn’t a compact car – it’s a full-size truck. Therefore, it is meant for heavy-duty loads, or supposed to be. Apparently, handling heavy-duty loads wasn’t accounted for when the company decided this was the “strongest” yet.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work aid your lemon at no cost to you. The law makes Chevrolet pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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