111 complaints reported

2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
111
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Sep 2026

MY 2020 GMC SIERRA DENALI EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE in June of 2024. Dealer repair was in excess of $7,700.00. They stated they knew this was going to happen at about the 70,000 mile mark as they have fixed many in that same time. Repair resulted in rod replacement and cam shaft damage and replacement.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jun 2025
Jun 2026

I purchased my 2020 gmc sierra 1500 6.2L in September 2024 with 80,000 miles. 9 months later the lifters gave out. Had them replaced and 6 months later, the lifters again were bad and was knocking. They are now replacing the lifters and cam. I am so disappointed that this is happening. I hear that the 2019 and 2020 was not included in this recall! Why not!! If it’s still doing the same thing and it is the same engine, why isn’t my truck in this recall? I would like to know why? If it is doing the same thing as the recall, shouldn’t it be covered by this recall? Best, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jun 2025
Jun 2026

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made an abnormal popping and crackling sound. The traction control, check engine, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message "Service Emergency Brake" was displayed. The engine later made knocking sounds, and the vehicle vibrated while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the year and VIN were not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2026
Feb 2026

Misfiring due to DFM which is a common issue. Running a scan confirmed. I have installed a AFM/DFM disabler which seems to fix the issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Oct 2024
Feb 2026

Have not had my truck in over a month while it’s getting repaired had engine failure sure to faulty hydraulic lifters and camshaft failure due to the Dynamic fuel management system purchased warranty for my vehicle but this needs to be looked into it is unfair as a consumer that they are not doing anything about 2020 models and earlier they are just focusing on 2021 and up. They almost had me crash my truck due to power loss

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Feb 2026
Feb 2026

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with crankshaft failure. The contact was informed that the crankshaft could be replaced; however, the dealer suggested that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Feb 2026
Feb 2026

I had a complete engine failure that I had to pay out-of-pocket for I really think that this vehicle should’ve been included in the 2021 and beyond engine recall for 6.2 GMC Sierra‘s. I drove to work one morning Fein after work I turned my vehicle on, and the engine started shaking violently and smoke coming out of my exhaust like I’ve never seen it before dealer said engine was completely blown and had to be repaired again I paid for this out of my own pocket. It is now coming to my attention that this vehicle is being looked at as an engineering analysis in line with the recall for the 2021 in above GMC Sierra‘s what do I need to do?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2024
Feb 2026

Engine failure as related to RQ26-001. engine misfires after following recommended maintenance schedule for 6.2L engine. Vehicle is at dealership and available for inspection and dealer is recommending engine replacement. Engine light came on and was brought to GMC dealership same day.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2026
Feb 2026

Catastrophic engine failure at 62,445 miles. Dealer state excessive oil in cylinder 7, ring failure. Recommendations; remove and replace engine.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2026
Feb 2026

At 96,000 miles (3,000 miles after the extended warranty expired), I noticed the "GM tick" more prominent and had more of a metallic sound than it ever did. Upon further investigation, it was found that a collapsed lifter may be the culprit. The truck was brought to the dealer and it was confirmed that the #1 hydraulic lifter had collapsed and needed replacement. This work was approved and tonight, I received a call from Rivard Buick GMC saying that the collapsed lifter also caused significant wear on the camshaft which also now requires replacement. Loss of power on the road poses a significant risk as I carry my children in the vehicle. No warning lamps, messages, or other indicators appeared before or when the issue occurred. The issue was reproduced by the manufacturer/dealer. The dealer Service Manager confirmed that this is extremely common with these trucks with the 6.2L engine and said it was a design flaw due to Dynamic Fuel Management, as well as the oil viscosity recommendation from GM being too low. The year group before and after the 2020 has been recalled along with TSB's issued, however, this group is not part of it. I contacted GM Customer Service (Case [XXX]) and was offered a 10% discount on the repair, being told that this is a "great deal considering the vehicle is out of warranty". GM Customer Service has now resorted to not answering any further questions after several attempts to reach someone. This is also after replacing the 10-speed transmission that was also not part of any recall but that was such an issue that the dealer was only able to source used transmissions rather than new parts. Clearly GM won't make the right decisions to back their products or customers, so NHTSA intervention is necessary. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Apr 2025
Feb 2026

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the oil pump solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but after the repair was performed, the engine seized. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Oct 2026
Feb 2026

We were driving down the interstate at about 75 mph when a message came up that said to shift to neutral and push the start button. My husband did and it continued to drive perfectly fine, but about 6 miles down the road it did the same thing again except when he pushed the start button it did not start. I cannot begin to tell you the cause as to why it would’ve been doing that as I have never had any other issues with it.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Dec 2025
Jan 2026

When driving at about 30 mph the truck randomly shut off and would not start or try to start. I was later told the engine crankshaft rod bearings seized.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Mar 2025
Jan 2026

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact disabled the stop-to-start feature, and the failure ceased. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to remain with the dealer for two weeks while performing diagnostic tests on the vehicle. The contact was unable to be without a vehicle for two weeks. The vehicle was the only means of transportation. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle and that the manufacturer needed to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Oct 2025
Jan 2026

Truck started to vibrate and loud tick sound, CEL for misfire and traction control. Hard shifting until I could pull to a safe area to call for a tow. Around 76k miles on the truck when it happened.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Feb 2025
Jan 2026

The bearings in my engine failed while on the road! The dealer says I need a full engine replacement for $16,000. There were no warnings or indication there was a problem. The vehicle has been maintained perfectly since it’s purchase.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2026
Jan 2026

While accelerating on the highway the truck started to vibrate along with a loud tick, CEL came on for misfire and traction control, hard shifting to where I could park at a safe area to wait for a tow. Kids in the car with me 90 plus degree day on the side of the highway.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Aug 2025
Jan 2026

Sudden engine issue. Knocking, power loss, brake and steering warnings. Severely damaged engine. Mechanic says 2 cylinders are irreparably damaged and entire engine must be replaced

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2026
Jan 2026

Driving to the lake on the highway towing a trailer, a loud tapping noise started followed by vibration. Engine seems to have lost power during acceleration.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2026
Jan 2026

The motor went to knocking and lost power. Cost us about 3500. To fix. Lifters went down cam went down which caused major motor knock and loss of payer

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2025
Jan 2026

Bought the truck less than four months ago and as of yesterday it consumed a substantial quantity of oil and later refill. However today it made a noticeable noise until it shut off permanently. Dealer did not disclose this

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2026
Dec 2025

This is a report on an incident that happened a year ago. Vehicle was taken to GMC dealer who replaced the engine at our expense. Seems to be consistent with the problem on newer GMC's that have been covered by a recall. This 2020 is one of three GMC's owned by our company. This expense was in the $12,000 range. (The 2019 experienced similar issues in 2022 and the expense was $2800 ish, and in 2024 another $1200 ish. ) Dash lit up like a Christmas tree, all warning lights on. Stalled, barely moved.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Dec 2024
Dec 2025

Engine failure/ lifter issue with no prior warning. Driving down the road vehicle suddenly lost power and error message appeared. The vehicle was inspected by GM dealer and extended warranty company in late 2023. We no longer own this vehicle

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Mar 2023
Nov 2025

Engine fan has been constantly running, with engine temp reading around 230 consistently. After driving 5 miles on the interstate it shot up to 260 and said “engine temp overheating, idle engine”.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2025
Nov 2025

I am Having direct issues with the engine when the vehicle is started and continues while idling or driving at any rate of speed.There's a continuous "Knocking" noise that has concerned me for a while now. My vehicle (2020 GMC Sierra 6.2 liter gas engine) with almost 100,000 miles has been doing this for a while now (at approximately 50,000 miles) and (was documented at the dealership when I made a complaint which included what I considered the vehicle to be using/losing more "oil consumption" than the normal 3-4 quarts between oil change) dating back to 2022 0r 2023 when I was told by the dealership that the amount of oil being used/ lost still fit within the manufacturers specifications.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2020 GMC SIERRA 1500, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2023

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 has 111 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.