2020 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2020 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500 has 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.4x the segment average of 34. The most common issue is transmission problems (29% of all complaints), specifically: transmission lock up traveling 45 miles an hour while acceleration up modest uphill grade pulling a 3000 pound trailer. the lockup was severe enough to cause passengers to lunge forward with seatbelt engagement. there was no loss of control of the vehicle; however, we did stop the vehicle to inspect. There are 8 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.
49
Total Complaints
8
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.4x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
TRANSMISSION
14 complaints- • Transmission lock up traveling 45 miles an hour while acceleration up modest uphill grade pulling a 3000 pound trailer. The lockup was severe enough to cause passengers to lunge forward with seatbelt engagement. There was no loss of control of the vehicle; however, we did stop the vehicle to inspect
- • 2nd time I’ve had to replace def heater and tank. Truck goes into limp mode and limits the speed leaving a person stranded.
- • Dealership told me the throttle body failed in my transmission. I wanted it completely torn down to find the actual point of failure since it did represent the current recall on the truck that hadn't been done because the part isn't yet available. The transmission has been replaced for almost $10,00
“Transmission lock up traveling 45 miles an hour while acceleration up modest uphill grade pulling a 3000 pound trailer. The lockup was severe enough to cause passengers to lunge forward with seatbelt engagement. There was no loss of control of the vehicle; however, we did stop the vehicle to inspect”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2020 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500
Based on 16 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 34K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (8)
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.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500 Service Intervals
GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2020 SILVERADO 3500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 49 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐TRANSMISSION: Transmission lock up traveling 45 miles an hour while acceleration up modest uphill grade pulling a 3000 pound trailer. The lockup was severe enough to cause passengers to lunge forward with seatbelt engagement. There was no loss of control of the vehicle; however, we did stop the vehicle to inspect
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND MADE AN ABNORMAL GRINDING SOUND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXTRA EFFORT WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NEEDED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE WE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: NEW VEHICLE ON DEALER LOT. ENGINE (DIESEL) WOULD NOT START REMOTELY AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED MANUALLY.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: GM recall N2123544170 DPF regeneration temperature /DEF heater for cold weather operation to keep def from freezing and also for thawing frozen def...dealer to replace def tank and internal heating element...dealer was unable to give a time line for replacement parts needed to fix truck.(parts are
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 8 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500 — Year Comparison
How does 2020 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 49
- Recalls
- 8
- Fire reports
- 1
- Crash reports
- 1
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 34
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2020 Chevrolet SILVERADO 3500