2020 Chevrolet Silverado 6500 HD

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 6500HD is a heavy-duty truck designed for commercial use, offering robust capabilities for towing and hauling. The primary engine option is the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8, producing 350 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque. The 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine is paired with an Allison 1000 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the truck’s powerful engine, high towing capacity, and durable construction. Some common complaints include the ride quality, which can be harsh due to the heavy-duty suspension, and the basic interior features compared to lighter duty trucks.

Engine

6.6L Duramax Diesel V8 (L5P)

• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, rough idling, decreased fuel economy, black smoke from the exhaust, and potential engine misfires. This is more prevalent with the Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel pump used in the L5P.
  • Solution: Replacement of the failed fuel injector(s). In some cases, the high-pressure fuel pump may also need replacement if contaminated fuel has damaged it and other components of the fuel system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+ per injector, depending on location and shop rates. Replacement of the entire fuel system including the high-pressure fuel pump can cost $8,000+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Frequent regeneration cycles, reduced engine power, illuminated check engine light, and potential for the DPF to become clogged.
  • Solution: Forced regeneration of the DPF, cleaning the DPF, or replacement of the DPF if it is excessively clogged or damaged. Root cause needs to be addressed or it can happen again.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Forced regeneration may cost around $100 - $300. DPF replacement can range from $1,500 - $3,000+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Allison 1000 6-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping between gears, abnormal noises (whining or clunking), and difficulty maintaining speed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter. Inspection of the transmission fluid and cooler lines for contamination.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ depending on if the transmission has to be removed or not.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shift Solenoid Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or erratic shifting, delayed engagement, failure to shift into certain gears, and potential for the transmission to get stuck in gear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty shift solenoid(s). Some people recommend replacing all of them at the same time while in there.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+, depending on location and shop rates.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Sagging or Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or both sides, reduced load-carrying capacity, rough ride, and visible cracks or damage to the leaf springs.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+ per spring, depending on aftermarket parts and shop rates.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Sensor Failures (ABS, Wheel Speed, etc.)
  • Description/Symptoms: Illuminated warning lights (ABS, check engine, etc.), erratic readings from sensors, malfunctioning safety systems (ABS, traction control), and potential for reduced engine performance.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the specific sensor failure using a scan tool and replacement of the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per sensor, including diagnostics and labor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wiring Harness Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, shorts, open circuits, corrosion in connectors, and potential for various electrical components to malfunction.
  • Solution: Inspection of the wiring harness for damage, repair of damaged wires or connectors, and replacement of the entire harness if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ for repairs, up to several thousand for complete harness replacement, depending on the extent of the damage and location of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Corrosion on Frame
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust and corrosion on the frame rails, crossmembers, and other structural components. This is exacerbated in areas with harsh winters or exposure to road salt.
  • Solution: Cleaning and rust removal, application of rust inhibitors or coatings, and potential for welding repairs if corrosion is severe.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ depending on the extent of the corrosion and the repair methods used. Full frame replacement can cost $10,000+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Blower motor not working on all speeds, weak airflow, unusual noises from the blower motor, and potential for the HVAC system to stop working entirely.
  • Solution: Replacement of the blower motor resistor or the blower motor itself.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+, depending on whether the resistor or motor needs to be replaced and shop labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 6500HD, while a capable work truck, can experience some common issues. Engine problems like fuel injector failures and DPF issues on the 6.6L Duramax can be costly. The Allison transmission may encounter torque converter or shift solenoid problems, also leading to potentially high repair bills. Suspension issues like sagging leaf springs can affect ride quality and load capacity. Electrical problems, corrosion, and HVAC issues are also noted. Severity of the issues ranges from moderate to severe, with repair costs spanning from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the complexity and parts involved.