Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 71 MPH with cruise control engaged, the vehicle experienced braking and power steering failure. The Traction Control, Brake, Parking, Antilock Braking System, Electronic Fuel Control, and Check Engine warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the Brake Assist failure, Steering failure, and Trailer Brake failure messages were displayed. The contact shifted into neutral and coasted over to the side of the road. After turning off the vehicle for approximately an hour, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove 40 MPH back to the residence. The contact stated that after the failure, the vehicle had to be shifted into neutral, and then the parking brake was activated to come to a stop. The contact stated that a diagnostic test confirmed the steering and brake failures. …
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after being parked for several hours, the vehicle was started and operated in drive(D) and reverse(R) however, the vehicle failed to turn to the right or left. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized. The contact was able to disconnect the battery then reconnect the battery once the torque rebooted. The failure occurred twice. The warning light displaying an open wrench stating ESC needed resetting was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer stated that the failure might be caused by the sensor in the steering column, or the module. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 13,500.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the messages "Reduced Steering Assist", "Check Engine" and "Service ESC" warning lights were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence at reduced power. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that an engine rod was causing the knocking sound. The contact stated that the dealer had not yet determined why the other warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and driving over a speed bump, the contact noticed that the power steering became inoperable with the Electronic Stability control warning light illuminated and the message that the "Power Steering was Disabled" was displayed. The contact stated the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with power steering control module (PSCM) failure. The contact was informed that the PSCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact stated that when the vehicle came to a stop, the steering wheel was independently reset. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed grounding strap. The contact was informed that the grounding strap needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 24,155.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. The contact stated that her husband observed that the driver's side front wheel had detached. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the control arms, rack and pinion, and ball joints had separated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,907.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The ESC warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle and the steering wheel returned to normal operation. There was no warning light illuminated; however, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The "Loss of Power Steering - Drive with Care" message was displayed. The driver pulled over, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering module and steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and attempting to drive out of a parking spot, the power steering failed to function as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the wiring harness for the power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,624.
I was leaving work on May 17th and got in my 2020 Silverado and started the vehicle. Immediately codes were thrown on the dash stating that the power steering was out and that the ESC system needed serviced. The traction control system/ESC light was also illuminated on the dash. I was unable to turn the steering wheel whatsoever. I turned the vehicle off and restarted approximately three times all of which still were displaying the codes listed above. I let the truck sit for approximately 20 minutes and the codes had cleared themselves and the vehicle was functioning as it should. I immediately drove to the dealership and had it serviced. Dealership stated there was a programming issue related to the EBCM, which if I'm not mistaken was a recall already issued for the 2019 models. …
Steering complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 74 complaints about the steering of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 10% of the model year's 747 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, though it has 12 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 14,000 miles, and 65% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.