Know Your Truck

2020–2026 Chevy Silverado HD / GMC Sierra HD common problems and fixes

The 10-speed transmission is the most reported problem, with a valve body recall on 2020–2022 diesels; trailer brake warnings are common.

What owners should know

Covers 2020–2026 · 6.6L Duramax L5P diesel and 6.6L V8 gas · Updated 2026-10-07

The Chevy Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD are mechanically the same trucks, so these notes cover both, in 2500HD and 3500HD. This generation brought the 10-speed Allison automatic, the 6.6L Duramax L5P diesel and a new 6.6L V8 gas engine.

We counted 1,204 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2020–2026 Silverado HDs and Sierra HDs (retrieved October 5, 2026; each complaint counted once): 868 from diesel trucks and 312 from gas trucks, identified by VIN; the rest (24) couldn't be matched to an HD engine. We left out 6 whose VIN belongs to another vehicle (e.g. a half-ton, a medium-duty or an electric Silverado). For 2025–2026, NHTSA files the Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD together under "Sierra HD"; they're counted once here. Complaint counts show what owners report most often, not how many trucks have a problem.

At a glance

  • The 10-speed transmission is one of the most frequently reported problems, about 1 in 5 complaints on both engines. Certain 2020–2022 diesels were recalled for a control valve that can lock the rear wheels.
  • Trailer brake controller warnings are commonly reported.
  • Power tailgates on certain trucks were recalled for opening unexpectedly.
  • 2024 trucks have extra recalls, including a steering gear shaft that can break.

10-speed transmission

175 diesel and 62 gas complaints mention the transmission. Owners describe sudden hard downshifts, limp mode, and valve body failures, sometimes with long waits for parts.

  • GM recalled certain 2020–2022 diesel trucks because the transmission control valve can fail and lock the rear wheels (recall 24V797000), and issued a follow-up recall for trucks repaired incorrectly (26V083000).
  • GM Authority reported that some 2024 Sierra HD trucks needed full transmission replacements for a related problem.

When buying: confirm the transmission recalls are done and ask for any transmission repair records. On the test drive, watch for harsh downshifts or warning messages.

Brakes and trailer brakes

About 270 complaints mention brakes, and about 130 mention the trailer brake, trailer wiring or trailer brakes disconnecting, most from 2024 trucks. Many are about the trailer brake controller: "Check trailer wiring" or "Trailer brakes disconnected" warnings that cut the trailer brakes while towing. Others mention brake noise and a soft pedal when towing. If you tow, test the controller with a trailer connected.

Recalls to check

  • Power-unlatching tailgates may open unexpectedly after water gets in (recalls 24V060000 and 24V894000). About 160 complaints mention a tailgate or door.
  • Steering gear shaft can fracture on certain 2024 trucks (recall 23V549000)
  • Fuel injector flow on some 2024 diesels: GM Authority reported a GM fix; we found no NHTSA recall for it, so ask a dealer what applies to the VIN
  • Hood latch on certain 2020 trucks (recalls 20V142000 and 20V324000)
  • Brake module water intrusion and fire risk on certain 2021–2022 trucks (recall 21V758000); until it's repaired, park outside and away from structures

Before you buy

Researched from owner forums and NHTSA complaints and written by Know Your Truck. These are patterns in what owners report, not a guarantee about any particular truck.

Sources (12)

Common failures & how to fix them

Parts and video buttons search for your 2020-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. Always confirm a part fits using your VIN. Brakes, steering, fuel and airbag work affects your safety, so if you're not sure, have a qualified mechanic do it.

  • 10-speed transmission valve body failure

    Dealer job

    Signs: Sudden hard downshifts, limp mode, or rear wheel lock-up on diesels.

    Fix: Covered by GM recall 24V797000 on certain 2020–2022 diesels: new transmission software checks for a failing control valve, and a GM special coverage pays to repair transmissions it flags (26V083000 covers certain 2020 HDs repaired incorrectly). For other symptoms, have a dealer read the codes and check for bulletins before parts are replaced, and ask whether this VIN is still within factory warranty.

    May be covered free by recall 24V797000 / 26V083000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

  • Trailer brake controller warnings

    Easy DIY

    Signs: 'Check trailer wiring' or 'Trailer brakes disconnected' messages that cut the trailer brakes.

    Fix: Clean and inspect the 7-pin trailer connector and the trailer's wiring first. If it continues, have a dealer read the codes and check for bulletins and module updates before replacing parts.

    Shop: 7 pin trailer connector▶ How-to videos

  • Power tailgate opens unexpectedly

    Dealer job

    Signs: The tailgate unlatches by itself, often after water gets in.

    Fix: Covered by GM recalls 24V060000 (certain 2020–2024 trucks) and 24V894000 (certain 2024 trucks) with power-unlatching tailgates: the dealer replaces the exterior touchpad switch. Until it's done, GM advises checking that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Recalls cover only specific trucks, so check this VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if it's included and whether the repair was done.

    May be covered free by recall 24V060000 / 24V894000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

  • Steering gear shaft can break (2024)

    Dealer job

    Signs: Loose steering or a clunk. In rare cases loss of steering.

    Fix: Covered by GM recall 23V549000 on certain 2024 trucks: the dealer inspects the steering gear and replaces it if necessary. Recalls cover only specific trucks, so check this VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if it's included and whether the repair was done.

    May be covered free by recall 23V549000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Each year in this generation

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared with the typical truck of the same kind and model year. Open a year for its recalls and complaints.

Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

GMC Sierra 2500HD

GMC Sierra 3500HD

Factory maintenance schedules

Going to look at one?Bring our free inspection checklist, with these known problems added →