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The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 is a heavy-duty truck that owners use to get jobs done. The automaker claims it was “made for adventure.” The only adventure customers find with this model is how much time it needs to spend in the service department because of the air bags, structure, service brakes and steering issues.
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 GMC Sierra 2500
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Engine | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | |
| Steering | |
| Power Train | |
| Tires | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking |
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2018
Problems with the Air Bags
Air bags are installed in every modern vehicle and are expected to work for protection during a collision. Yet, this heavy-duty GMC truck is really struggling to keep people safe.
One NHTSA complaint states, “The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that upon driving over a hill at 45 mph, a vehicle was stopped in the middle of the road. In an effort to avoid hitting the vehicle, the contact drove the vehicle off the road and into a concrete culvert at the end of the ravine. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The authorities were called to the scene and the contact was rushed to a local hospital via ambulance. The contact was diagnosed with fractured vertebrae that may require possible surgery. A police report was filed at the scene. Due to the accident, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was repaired.”
It seems that there are many air bag issues owners should be aware of. First, NHTSA Campaign Number #20446000 states that the roof rail air bag has an improperly crimped diffuser, so it might not deploy during an accident. Additionally, there is an open investigation (PE21010) that states the front air bags are not deploying in these trucks. Maybe GMC meant that owners could be real-life crash-test dummies as an “adventure’ for the ages.
Problems with the Service Brakes
Stopping the GMC Sierra is an essential way to avoid needing the air bags in the first place. However, these brakes are failing just the same.
Another NHTSA review states, “Brakes since new squealed. 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.”
It wouldn’t seem right that a well-known manufacturer such as GM would be putting defective parts on its trucks, but that’s exactly what is being alleged. There are even class-action lawsuits against the company because customers claim that several trucks were built with defective in-dash infotainment systems. It seems that GM was more interested in pumping trucks off the assembly line than ensuring they were well-built. Maybe the manufacturer thought the defects would somehow add to the adventure.
Problems with the Structure
To show just how badly built these heavy-duty trucks are, one must only look at what the customers are saying about it.
An owner wrote on Edmunds, “I have a 2020 GMC HD Sierra truck for work could have possibly the worst seats I have ever had have owned GM products for 40 years but after owning this truck could be the last. Overall good truck but interior is garbage on these plain Jane trucks. Very dissatisfied.”
The list of defects goes on with NHTSA Campaign Number 20V324000 talking about how affected trucks have hood-latch striker wires that weren’t properly heat-treated. This lack of manufacturing can cause them to fracture and the hood could open while driving. Additionally, NHTSA Campaign Number 20V792000 states that front-row seat belt brackets weren’t properly secured, leaving people unrestrained during an accident. Additionally, NHTSA Campaign Number 19V814000 states that GM equipped the trucks with a defective carpet covering on the floor that can cause a fire when the seat belt pretensioners deploy. Those are more defects than any one manufacturer should deal with in a lifetime of making cars, let alone all happening in one model. When GM sets out to do something, it goes all the way apparently.
Problems with the Steering
One final look at the steering system shows the same level of defects that have been seen in other areas of the pickup.
This NHTSA complaint states, “The vehicle pulls to the right or left into oncoming traffic within 800 feet or sooner, depending on speed. This occurs on city streets or interstate. GM and GM approved dealerships say this is done to GM specifications. The first 700 miles, it didn’t pull. After GM shop aligned, and 3 months later, it is unsafe to operate.”
The drivability issues continue. There are class-action lawsuits against GM for what is called the “Chevy Shake.” This defect occurs on some trucks, leading to a shaking or vibration when traveling at higher speeds. Shake, rattle and roll – that’s the name of the adventure GM wants customers to enjoy.
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes GMC 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.
Complaint Data
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Mar 14, 2023 |
| State | KY |
| Description | Check engine came on sunday morning the code that through was p0 526 u062f. After calling the dealer and setting maintenance to be done one day later, the truck broke down while driving on the side of the road. The dealer is saying that the belt came off and the tensioner locked up doing damage to the fan clutch and connector. The case, because the code that ran is saying that the belt wasn't going the speed that it was supposed to because the tensioner failed. The vehicle only has 55,000 miles on it. |
| Category | Electrical System, Power Train, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Jan 03, 2023 |
| State | NH |
| Description | 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. The resolution was that one battery was bad. The vehicle is equipped with two batteries. Each of which is sufficient to run the vehicle. A single battery failure should not have caused the truck to have a power limitation. Furthermore the issue was not resolved and general motors and the local dealership refuse to continue to work on the issue. This is even after filling complaints with bbb. As of november 2022 the issue has cause both batteries to go bad. The dealer has refused to work on the vehicle and it has been out of service for more than 30 days. Secondary issue. The dealer has refused to work on the vehicle but computer is locked by gm so that only gm equipment can see full scope of codes. This means I can not have third parties work on the vehicle. This is can get the vehicle stuck in areas where there is not gm facilities and gm will not provide any assistance as it is not under warranty. This has also prevented me from finding the actual resolution to the problem. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Dec 23, 2022 |
| State | AR |
| Description | 1. The engine block heater sparked and created a small flash underneath the truck. It can be inspected whenever you would like. 2. Electric spark/fire 3. The problem has not been reproduced nor inspected by the dealer. I would not dare to plug it back in. 4. There were not any warning messages. It happened the first time the engine block heater was plugged in. February of 2022. |
| Category | Tires |
| Date | Aug 04, 2022 |
| State | FL |
| Description | 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. The contact stated that within a three-day period while hauling a camper on a road trip, all four tires experienced a failure. The contact indicated that the first failure occurred while driving approximately 60 mph; the rear driver's side tire experienced a blowout. During the failure, the driver's side rear quarter panel was severely damaged. The contact stated that later on while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear passenger's side tire experienced a similar blowout causing damage to the passenger's side rear quarter panel. Additionally, on another occasion while driving approximately 50 mph on the same road trip, the front passenger's side tire experienced tread separation. While at the service center the mechanic discovered that the front driver's side tire had also experienced partial tread separation. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,400. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Jun 02, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | I took my vehicle into the local dealership two weeks ago for the dpf emissions voluntary recall. Prior to the service I was getting 16. 6 mpg for the 42000 miles on my truck. After the service, for the ~200 miles driven on same route and conditions commuting to and from work I have only been able to achieve ~13 mpg. There has been no other changes to my vehicle or operating conditions. When I took the vehicle in the advisor mentioned that it may take awhile for the service because “we have to download the update wirelessly.†while researching this issue the recall document specifically warns against wireless download of the update. I am not sure if this may be the result of not following the correct process or not and I am headed back to the dealer today. I also found several others posting on the diesel forums about similar significant loss of mpg after the update. Losing almost 25% fuel efficiency after the update is unacceptable and reflects the my previous experience of efficiency loss during an actual regeneration cycle prior to the update. The vehicle is acting as if it is running in a constant regeneration cycle. Unsure if this may lead to dangerous driving condition due to excessive stress and wear on the affected parts and engine. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Mar 20, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Def system failed. Wire harness burned out. Tank failure. Truck went into limp mode. I personally know 3 others with the same issue. |
| Category | Fuel/propulsion System |
| Date | Mar 15, 2022 |
| State | PA |
| Description | 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. This is a hazard: if I am on a trip and the system shuts off I could be stranded anywhere with the reduced speed that the def system creates. If this system is designed to shut off (with warning) there should be ample supplies at all gmc dealers for repair. If there aren't ample supplies the system should not shut the truck down. This is a safety hazard that is preventable! |
| Category | Electrical System, Service Brakes |
| Date | Mar 11, 2022 |
| State | LA |
| Description | Service trailer brake system alert constantly going off |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Feb 25, 2022 |
| State | PA |
| Description | Def emission system failure. Total component breakdown requiring replacement. Parts unavailable. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Service Brakes |
| Date | Jan 23, 2022 |
| State | KS |
| Description | Truck has had multiple issues related to the electrical system and truck modules. It is my opinion that these are all related to voltage issues or module problems. I have had multiple infotainment issues with delays loading, freezing up etc. Dealer has ran updates and checks with nothing found. In october around k miles the truck radio would not work if I used the push button start. If I shut the truck off opened the door and let everything reset I could push the start button in the truck and the radio would work majority of the time. The next day I went out to a completely dead truck. I talked to my service department at the local dealer and they said I would need to bring it in but suggested I disconnect the batteries and recharge the batteries. After doing so everything started working correctly. It fixed my radio problem and never went dead again. Since then I have experienced popping noises through the speakers when playing music occasionally. Over the last few weeks I noticed the engine does not attempt to increase cold idle speed until I press the brake to put it in gear. January 22nd I hit the autostart button and it did not work. I started the truck and it had cel, traction control, park brake and wrench, lights on with service emissions, and power reduced messages displayed. Truck is running odd. Codes present are (engine gmlan)p0118 - engine coolant temp circuit high voltage, (brakes gmlan_abs) u0401- invalid data from engine control module, p0562- system voltage low, (hvac controls gmlan_hvac) b1325 - . Control module power circuit. Truck is starting and charging fine. No connection issues at batteries. There are many tsb's and many complaints regarding similar issues. Common brake and emissions faults with minor differences. Module failures, communication faults, and or electrical faults are likely causing all of these similar issues. They need to be categorized as the same failure group which will show gm has a bigger issue. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking |
| Date | Dec 17, 2021 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Was driving truck down driveway at about 5km per hour and the parking brake automatically engage bringing the vehicle to a sudden and unexpected hard stop. Brought to dealership, then said they cannot duplicate the problem and therefore there is no action to be taken. |
| Category | Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Dec 17, 2021 |
| State | NY |
| Description | While driving truck was setting cruise control at approx 100km/hr. The cruise would set but at approx 70km/hr. Tried to set multiple time throughout the trip but no change. Recorded video and sent to dealer. They brought truck in to check it out, but said that since they can't duplicate the problem they cannot diagnose it. This has happened multiple times and have recorded video each time. Again dealer said they can't do anything unless they see it themselves. |
| Category | Service Brakes, Steering |
| Date | Jun 17, 2021 |
| State | FL |
| Description | While driving my 2020 gmc 2500 denali with the duramax diesel engine, the power assist for the steering and brakes failed without any warning. This made the truck nearly impossible to steer and stop. Luckily, I was able to avoid a collision and get the truck stopped in a safe location. The truck is currently being towed to rivard gmc in tampa, fl. Doing an internet search, I found this problem has happened to others as well. Please ask gm to rectify this extremely dangerous defect. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Apr 22, 2021 |
| State | NC |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2020 gmc sierra 2500. The contact stated that upon driving over a hill at 45 mph, a vehicle was stopped in the middle of the road. In an effort to avoid hitting the vehicle, the contact drove the vehicle off the road and into a concrete culvert at the end of the ravine. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The authorities were called to the scene and the contact was rushed to a local hospital via ambulance. The contact was diagnosed with fractured vertebrae that may require possible surgery. A police report was filed at the scene. Due to the accident, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer have yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired and sold. The failure mileage was approximately 15,500. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Feb 14, 2021 |
| State | NV |
| Description | The screen on my truck has gone blank several times and the volume on the radio goes super load and the only way to stop it seems to be to stop and turn off the truck, open the doors and re start truck. Today, I couldn't get my screen to go off in my truck when I turned it off, I tried turning off, restarting etc but to no avail. I'm at work now and fear that the battery will go dead before I get off work. I just had the truck at gmc 2/6/2021 and was told that their were no recalls. Also, note that when the screen kept going out I took it to the dealer and they said they had to reflash/reprogram it which took 5 hours. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Feb 01, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | 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 |
| Category | Steering, Suspension, Wheels |
| Date | Jan 20, 2021 |
| State | UT |
| Description | The vehicle pulls to the right or left into oncoming traffic within 800 feet or sooner depending on speed. This occurs on city streets or interstate. Gm and gm approved dealerships say this is done to gm specifications. The first 7000 miles, it didn't pull. After gm shop aligned, and 3 months later, it is unsafe to operate. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Dec 09, 2020 |
| State | FL |
| Description | 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. I plugged both batteries into chargers and they would start to charge, then discharge after the batteries got up to about 20% I called gmc roadside assistance and they sent someone out. The service guy showed up about 45 min later and hooked up a jump box to each battery. Still no luck in getting it started. He said it must have some major electrical issues. Since we could not get it to shift to neutral, he could not tow it and I am now waiting for a tow in the morning. This truck has less than 10,000 miles on it. I'm dealing with this less than 5 months into ownership and this comes after I had to take it into service the second day of owning the vehicle because I had a def sensor crystallize and go bad. So, I owned the truck for less than 24 hrs and had to put it in the shop for a week. Now, it goes back. This is ridiculous for a ,000 truck that has less than 10k miles. |
| Category | Electrical System, Engine, Exterior Lighting |
| Date | Oct 02, 2020 |
| State | MI |
| Description | As I was driving home my check engine light came on and all of my lights went out. I had no tail lights and the radio started saying no signal detected. The dash screen was saying service keyless entry system. And I had no running lights but my headlights. Pretty scary thinking no one could see me as they were driving behind me at a high rate of speed. My truck only has 200 miles on it so this is really scary to be having issues so early in the ownership of this truck. I've always had fords but this truck caught my eye and I stepped out of my comfort zone and now wishing I would have stayed in in. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Sep 28, 2020 |
| State | FL |
| Description | 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. I was making a right turn and ended up in the other lane of oncoming traffic sideways because I tried to turn my truck to slow it down. I complained about my brakes several times to the dealership they ordered me new brakes without even looking at my vehicle around august 8th. We are now at the last two days of september and they still do not know when the brakes will come in. This is a serious safety issue at this point. I have no other vehicle to drive. I bought a 70,000 truck and my and my family's safety is on the line. Gmc needs to find me a comparable loaner vehicle until my truck is repaired. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Sep 24, 2020 |
| State | OH |
| Description | 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. The contact pulled over and discovered all four brake rotors were extremely hot. The contact drove and dropped off the trailer. The contact drove 20 mph and down shifted to control the speed to get back home. The dealer dave arbogast buick-gmc (3540 s co road 25a, troy, oh 45373, (937) 335-0068) stated that incorrect brake pads were installed on the vehicle from the factory and there was a technical service bulletin for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the replacement parts not being available. The manufacturer was contacted and promised to provide a callback. The failure mileage was 500. |
| Category | Electrical System, Electronic Stability Control, Steering |
| Date | Sep 21, 2020 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | 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 ! Truck does not crank it throws me a ton of messages stability trak dsc abs power reduced 4wd check trailer lights. Bunch of messages I took video of it and so truck doesn't even try to start. I took a video or the problem |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jul 29, 2020 |
| State | MO |
| Description | Part #19419266 tonneau was installed 07/16/2020 and leaks terrible in the rain |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jun 22, 2020 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | The front park assist sensors on this truck do not operate as intended, or as on prior years or as on other vehicles. The sensors did not pick up parking bollards in front of a convenience store and resulted in a minor ding that cost over 00 to repair. When bumper was repaired the service person said sensors were fixed, yet, to his surprise, we were able to inch up to a car directly intersecting the front of the car and it did not pick it up. I did a similar test with a brand new/unsold vehicle on dealer lot ind it failed to sense the large truck directly in front of it. This I believe can be a very dangerous safety issue as the truck hood sits very high impeding viability and a small person or pet can easily go undetected. These vehicles has also had numerous recalls including one for the possibility of the hood flying open while operating. I have sold the truck as all of these issues have devalued the vehicle, it remains unsafe and gm response has been less than favorable. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | May 20, 2020 |
| State | SD |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2020 gmc sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving, he noticed smoke entering the vehicle through the air vents. The contact coasted to the side of the road, exited the vehicle safely with his passenger, upon opening the hood noticed that the whole engine compartment was on fire. The contact stated that the fire department arrived but was unable to extinguish the flames as they allowed the vehicle to burn until the fire self extinguished. The dealer nor the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,800. Vin was not available. |
| Category | Service Brakes, Traction Control System |
| Date | Nov 27, 2019 |
| State | GA |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2020 gmc sierra 2500. While driving 5 mph, the brakes engaged automatically and the traction control warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken several times to carl black chevrolet buick gmc (located at 1110 roberts boulevard northwest, kennesaw, ga 30144, (888) 457-2417). The dealer diagnosed that the speed sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure continued. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle again and stated that the wheel hubs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle a third time and stated that an unknown steering angle sensor needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure continued. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 571. |
Who are we? We are Lemberg Law, a Consumer Law Firm
Lemberg Law is a consumer law firm helping victims of bad manufacturing and run-arounds from auto companies. We are ranked A+ by the BBB. Call our Helpline today! There is no charge unless we win.
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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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