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2020 GMC Sierra

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By Research the Car 4 min read

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints reported by owners of the 2020 GMC Sierra, categorized by component and engine/transmission configuration. The 2020 GMC Sierra is a popular full-size pickup known for its comfortable ride, user-friendly technology, and available MultiPro tailgate. Engine options include a 2.7L turbocharged inline-4 (310 hp, 348 lb-ft of torque), a 4.3L V6 (285 hp, 305 lb-ft of torque), a 5.3L V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft of torque), a 6.2L V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque), and a 3.0L Duramax turbodiesel inline-6 (277 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque). Transmission options include a 6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic, and 10-speed automatic, depending on the engine. Some common dislikes include a relatively high price point and some lower-quality interior materials in the base trims.

Engine

2.7L Turbocharged Inline-4

  • Piston Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported piston failures, leading to engine knocking, misfires, and reduced performance. This can stem from excessive stress on the pistons, potentially exacerbated by tuning or aggressive driving.
    • Solution: Engine replacement or extensive engine repair involving piston replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $8,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

5.3L V8

  • Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The AFM system, designed to improve fuel economy by deactivating cylinders, has been a source of problems. Lifter failure can cause a ticking noise, misfires, and reduced power. The issue often stems from oil starvation to the AFM lifters.
    • Solution: Replacing the failed lifters and potentially the camshaft. Some owners choose to disable the AFM system altogether to prevent future issues.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Excessive Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Some 5.3L V8 engines, especially those with AFM, have been reported to consume excessive amounts of oil. This can lead to low oil levels, engine damage, and the need for frequent oil top-offs.
    • Solution: In some cases, a revised valve cover or PCV system components can help. More severe cases may require piston ring replacement or engine replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $6,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

6.2L V8

  • Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 5.3L, the 6.2L V8 with AFM can experience lifter failure, resulting in ticking noises, misfires, and performance issues.
    • Solution: Lifter replacement, camshaft inspection/replacement, AFM system disabling (via aftermarket tuning).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Duramax Turbodiesel Inline-6

  • No Issues Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (Generally paired with 5.3L V8 in some configurations)

  • Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported harsh shifting, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear, as well as hesitation during acceleration. This can be caused by valve body issues or internal transmission wear.
    • Solution: Software recalibration, valve body replacement, or full transmission replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (recalibration) - $6,000+ (replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

10-Speed Automatic (Generally paired with 5.3L, 6.2L V8s, and 3.0L Duramax)

  • Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 8-speed, some 10-speed transmissions exhibit harsh shifting, particularly during low-speed maneuvers. Some issues include clunking and slipping.
    • Solution: Software updates, valve body replacement, or transmission replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (recalibration) - $7,000+ (replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Vibration/Shaking
    • Description/Symptoms: Owners report vibration and shaking in the steering wheel or throughout the vehicle, particularly at highway speeds. This could be caused by unbalanced tires, warped rotors, or wheel hub bearing issues.
    • Solution: Tire balancing, wheel alignment, rotor replacement, or wheel hub bearing replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Infotainment System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience glitches, including freezing, slow response times, and Bluetooth connectivity problems.
    • Solution: Software updates, system resets, or replacement of the infotainment unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,500+ (replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Backup Camera Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the backup camera.
    • Solution: Camera replacement, wiring harness repair.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Battery Drain issues leading to a dead battery after a few days of sitting.
    • Solution: Software updates, checking aftermarket accessories, check the body control module, or replacement of the BCM.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,000+ (BCM Replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • MultiPro Tailgate Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the MultiPro tailgate, including difficulty opening or closing, latching problems, and electrical malfunctions related to its operation.
    • Solution: Tailgate adjustment, latch replacement, wiring repair, or tailgate replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Heater Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters either don’t work at all or don’t heat properly.
    • Solution: Seat heater element replacement, control module replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 GMC Sierra, while generally a reliable truck, has some common issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. Engine problems, particularly related to AFM lifter failure in the 5.3L and 6.2L V8s, and piston failure in the 2.7L can be quite expensive to repair. Transmission issues, especially with the 8-speed and 10-speed automatics, can also be a source of frustration. Electrical and interior problems, while less severe, can still be annoying. Depending on the issue, repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. It’s advisable to have a thorough pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic to identify any potential problems before buying a used 2020 GMC Sierra.

GMC, Sierra
GMC Sierra 2020
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