Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35-40 MPH and hauling a trailer in stop-and-go traffic, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, and the vehicle started losing power. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, where the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The parking brake was engaging and disengaging independently. After turning off the vehicle and waiting for approximately 15-20 minutes, the vehicle was restarted, and the contact drove to the nearest independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, it was determined that the repair had not resolved the failure. The mechanic then diagnosed the vehicle's cylinder #4 failure. …
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake was independently activated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had an oil leak from the oil pan. The contact stated that the oil needed to be added every two days. The contact stated that the alert system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated, because no active codes were retrieved. In addition, the contact stated that the frame had corrosion. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for corrosion failure, however, the contact stated that the previous dealer had failed to help. The dealer confirmed the corrosion; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. …
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The battery was replaced, and the failure was remedied. On another occasion, the contact stated that the brake percentage was low on the instrument panel and that the lights were becoming dim. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the brakes were replaced; however, the computer failed to detect the repair; and the message "1 More Mile Left to Drive" was displayed. The contact also stated that two weeks later while driving 45 MPH, the brake pedal failed to respond and felt abnormally loose. The vehicle was driven over a concrete sidewalk to stop the vehicle. There was no crash, and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. …
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was stuck in gear. While driving there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle failed to start on several occasions. There were sparks from the passenger's side front seat. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with electrical, transmission module, wiring harness, air alternator cooler, and exhaust system failures. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a failure with the vault meter. The OnStar system provided an error with the antilock braking system. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the service brake, check engine, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that the passenger's side rear caliper needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the rear passenger's side caliper needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V116000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her brother-in-law was starting the vehicle, the brake, service engine, and engine warning lights illuminated and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Action Number: EA25007 (ENGINE, ENGINE, AND ENGINE COOLING) and PE25001 (ENGINE, ENGINE, AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The owner was scheduled to meet with the dealer to discuss the issue. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there were no open recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the check engine warning light and the brake warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that all the engine lifters and the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: EA25007 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer offered to partially cover the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was 107,787.
This vehicle was involved in a fatal crash when it rear ended an SUV stopped at a red traffic light. The driver alleges mechanical failure of the brakes. Police performed a vehicle download which captured 5 seconds of pre-accident data. The download shows the accelerator pedal was fixed at exactly 57% the entire 5 seconds pre-crash while the driver simultaneously applies the brakes the entire 5 seconds. A city bus captured the crash on a dash camera. Despite the driver desperately applying the brakes, the vehicle's speed continued to increase and the driver was unable to avoid the collision, and burst into flames upon impact. The vehicle mileage is less than 2,500.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated to 30 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the timing belt needed to be replaced. The part was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the vehicle previously experienced brake failure, sensor failure, and glow plug failure. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The BBB referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was started, the check engine, brake system, and another unknown warning light illuminated. Additionally, the messages brake system failure, steering wheel failure, low oil, and two other unknown messages were displayed. The contact also stated that the rear-view camera remained displayed while shifted into drive, and the instrument panel failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The bolts used to attach the front and/or rear brake calipers may have not been heat treated and may break under load.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake caliper bolts, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at…
Brake complaints in other Sierra 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the brakes of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, 11% of the model year's 481 complaints. The component named most often is antilock (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 20V-116 (caliper, Feb 27, 2020). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 11,000 miles, and 65% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to brakes 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.