2020 Chevrolet Silverado Complaint Log

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked forward extremely hard. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. Additionally, the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

-My 2020 Trail-boss 6.2 Engine broke and stopped producing power and shut off, it is available for inspection and has been inspected by my local Chevy Dealer Tom Gibbs Chevrolet. -My son was crossing a railroad track and it shut off as he topped the tracks it shutoff at the tracks and he was able to coast down out of the way. If it shut off a second earlier he would have been stuck on the tracks and there is a list of what if's. My grandson in the car seat, my son gets out breaks his ankle and can't get my grandson out there is so many things that could have happened. -The dealer stated the 6.2 engine is known to have mechanical failures -The local dealer stated valve cover was removed and no movement in valve train needs new engine at a cost of $21,343.24 They realized that the original $250 rubber serpentine belt outlasted the engine with 123K miles on it -No warning lights, no rough running, no sounds just shut off no power.

* same part gone bad as other recalled vehicles. "Coolant control flow valve bad". Engine fan is staying on high blast, message displaying " engine power is reduced" truck will not drive at full power because the truck thinks its overheating because of bad part. If i remember correctly, it is code p1098. Bad part is intermittent. It Will happen randomly driving down the road. It comes and goes. I believe this is a safety factor . There is a special warranty or recall regarding this part with my year truck, but not my vin? Why not? Same part going bad with same codes and same problem ? Please consider looking into this concern and expanding the recall or concern for this reduced engine power safety concern. Thank you for looking into this.

Was driving vehicle and it revved very high and then got stuck in a single gear. MPG have also been impacted as of late. GM saying VIN isnt under the valve body recall, but dealer has determined the valve body needs to be replaced.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM became extremely elevated. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the torque converter was inoperable, and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Problem#1 :The transmission shits erratically and down shifts really hard and has a vibration going down the highway. Problem #2: The rear-end differential seems to lock up when turning sharp corners.

September 2020 received new vehicle ( purchased platinum extended warranty at time of sale that expires 9/22/2027)-December 2022 heard loud ticking & misfires & check engine light on took to dealer who found #2 cylinder intake lifter collapsed at that time was under warranty (9924 miles) and dealer replaced not only damaged lifter but all lifters and guides (I have this repair invoice from 12/2022) On March 31 2026 (19,000 miles)ticking came back took silverado to dealer to be checked 4/3/26 they kept truck and had to take top of engine apart where they found that the #2 cylinder lifter has collapsed again the technician went ahead & replaced lifter before getting authorization from warranty company, GM or us to do repair dealer told us that they can put old damaged lifter back in truck & we can take truck back if we want- we are waiting for the inspector that warranty company wants to send to inspect the truck they still have truck 2 1/2 weeks later the warranty company wanted to see all receipts & log for all 7 oil changes which i gave to dealer 4/13/26 was passed to warranty company who accepted all & they want to send an independent inspector to see truck on 4/20/26 we are waiting to hear if he came This is a serious safety issue as this engine 6.2 (L87) Z71 has been prone to lifter failures since 2019, we only found this out now when the same lifter collapsed a second time & that this engine has been known to shut engine down while driving & severely damaging it & even possibly causing an accident If we get no satisfaction from dealer or warranty company as a next step we will be asking for a GM regional representative to come inspect the truck see the repeat lifter failure, open a case with a corporate representative & look into the Lemon Law as this is a recurring issue-- it also affects the value & resale value of our Silverado

My truck has been in the shop for two weeks. Blown up, oil everywhere. I was told to file a complaint because GM has issues a recall for these engines, but I am not in the years it has been issues for. I was told this case is open and could then cover my engine. EA25007 is the number I was given.

Started to work first thing in the morning, the truck felt sluggish-like a lack of power. I drove about a mile to turn around and head back home, something was obviously wrong. When I got out of the truck there was a smell like something was hot and the wheels were extremely hot. I realized the lack of power was due to the brakes being locked. The parking brake was not engaged. After calling the local dealer for an appointment, I had to get the truck towed. Now the 2nd day at the dealer with no diagnosis, no service codes. The truck has approximately 77,000 miles with the original brakes from the factory and have never had to be replaced. The vehicle data display shows 42% of brake wear remaining.

Well taken care of 2020 trailboss upper control arm completely failed driving down the interstate with family in the truck. Suspect defect from ball joints. Only 68k miles. No warnings. Tire fell into suspension causing thousands in damage. Had to be towed. At high speed we could've all been killed. Seen multiple reports online of similar ball joint/ control arm failures. This needs to be addressed ASAP! Very dangerous.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the tailgate failed to lock manually, with the key fob, or automatically. While approaching the vehicle in the morning, the contact became aware that the tailgate had opened unintendedly. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact retrieved information about NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,235.

Intermittent issue where info says brake failure/steering assist not working/limited speed to 43 mph. Very dangerous if you’re on the interstate. Becomes hard to steer, brakes don’t work, brakes start burning up. Have to carry tools with me to reset ecm. Very common problem with Silverado with 5.3 gas engine. Chevy needs to fix this issue before someone gets killed. I would give them my truck back if I could.

I am reporting a failure involving a 2020 vehicle equipped with a GM 6.2L V8 engine that developed a cylinder 8 misfire along with diagnostic trouble codes P0300, P0500, and P0521. Dealer inspection revealed a severely scored camshaft and metal debris present in the engine oil, indicating significant internal engine damage. The failure appears to be related to a lifter or valvetrain malfunction, leading to improper valve operation and engine misfire. This issue occurred unexpectedly and creates a serious safety concern due to the risk of sudden engine failure during operation. This may be associated with known problems affecting this engine type and should be investigated further.

While driving in early morning while still dark outside, loud noise occurred with decreased acceleration on interstate. This placed my life and the lives of others at risk due to not being able to accelerate out of traffic coming behind me. Vehicle Taken to chevy dealership who advised lifter had broke and damaged camshaft. This occurred out of nowhere without any warning or lights on dash

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 10 MPH and depressing the brake while turning, the ABS warning light illuminated, and the brake pedal remained on the floorboard. The vehicle was pulled into a parking lot and was able to come to a full stop. The contact's wife inspected the vehicle and used a handheld diagnostic machine to retrieve an undisclosed DTC; however, the codes were cleared. The vehicle was then taken to the residence. On another occasion, while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the ABS warning light illuminated, and the brake pedal remained pressed to the floorboard. The contact used the handheld diagnostic machine to retrieve and clear the codes. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that an ABS update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired, and the contact had not yet taken possession of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

I was driving at approximately 75 to 80MPH on the highway when my engine shutoff and the vehicle died while driving it. I was able to coast to the side of the road but had to cross two lanes to the left to do so while weaving in traffic to get to the shoulder of the road. There was no warning of any kind that would have made me aware of an issue prior to this happening. I was unable to get the vehicle started again and had to have it towed to my local dealership Hendricks Chevrolet in Columbia, SC. That occured on Saturday March 14th 2026, that Monday, I have had all regular and scheduled maintenance done to my vehicle either on time or prior to the recommended time including oil changes and the like. I went to the dealership and they told me that the engine had seized up and that this was a very well documented and common issue with the 6.2L L87 V8 Engine dating back to 2019 but that GM had only issued recalls on the 2021 - 2024 years to correct the issue. I asked the Service manager at Hendricks Chevrolet to file for a Goodwill Coverage request on my behalf to cover the repairs of the engine and he refused and stated that I had to do so through GM customer service line. I have done so since and my case number with GM is 92108267. My vehicle is currently at the dealership awaiting the go ahead from GM to replace the engine. I have an extended warranty on my vehicle that goes to 120,000 miles and the issue occured at 114,113 miles. This is a very well documented case where the engine connecting rod bearings fail due to oil starvation that leads to engine seizure.

I replaced the fluid in my truck at 142k miles and when I went through all of the gears and checked for drips or leaking it was fine on that front and then I went to reverse and all of the gears were neural and only revved and when I went into neutral it started driving forward like it was the drive gear.

Engine lifter failure while traveling at highway speeds, loss of power in traffic during rush hour on a multi lane interstate nearly got rear ended and side swiped.

The contact's son owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle started shaking erratically, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road, and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the son's residence. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with lifter failure in cylinder #5 and a failed CAM shaft. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact was informed that the failure was a manufacturer's defect. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The manufacturer agreed to assist with a 10 percent discount on the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 109,758.

Engine started knocking, brought it to dealer, scoped cylinder number two and confirmed piston ring failure. New engine needed.

Brakes applied on their own while driving. Before being able to stop the rotors both front and rear were very hot and the smell of burning brake pads was evident. Let the truck shit after getting off the side of the road for a bit. Brakes seemed to release started driving and the brakes applied themselves again. We slowly stop and go drove home a few miles on the side of the road with the flashers on.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was a banging sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the lifters and the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

The first thing was the whole engine shut itself off going 40mph and slowing down thankfully after I turned the truck off and back on it started right back up then I was driving 75 on the highway a couple days later and the whole truck started to shake as check engine lights came on and flash and the engine started to tick and groan. We pulled the spark plugs and cylinder 5 had clearly not been firing as it was designed to and then later found that the entirety of cylinder 5 had basically shredded itself from the inside out. Now my truck is waiting at the shop for a new engine. Both cases I had my kids in the car trying to get home.

My entire engine and the right bank lifters failed. Thankfully, these issues didn't fail until my truck was parked in my garage. No warning lamps did not trigger until these issues started. There was no warning. I have been having engine issues with this truck dating back to 2022. I will include all documents showing the issues I've had in the past 3 years. I was informed by the dealer that this is a known issue with this year and model of truck and even they were surprised that GM hasn't issued a recall. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership only.

Internal oil consumption. With no oil puddled or spattered under the vehicle at time of purchase from a dealership or since then, a dealer certified vehicle with AFM at 153 miles from leaving the dealer the oil was non-existant on the dipstick. This directly indicates a TSB, Techical Service Bulletin involving the cause of failed lifters causing internal oil consumption and damage to lifters, cam shaft, push rods, rings and possibly more. This is a common result of the Active Fuel Management system which shuts off some of the cylinders for fuel economy for Chevrolet V6 and V8 engines. The problem was reported to the dealer by me imediately after the oil check at 153 miles and then towed to the dealer. As this is considered a catastrophic amount of oil loss, the vehicle could've been rendered inoperatable during operation in traffic and been a servere safty hazard. The dealer after initial inspection sent me a message that they think the problem is an undetectable small leak so they put some dye in the oil to check it. Which evades the actual internal consumption problem of 1.5 to 2 or more quarts of oil lost in just 153 miles by that ratio that would amount to 13 quarts per 1,000 miles. And helps them stall for time, to try to run out the very short 3 month/3000 mile drivetrain warranty. There was noticable erratic engine performance and some shudder but that shudder may have come from the transmission. The odometer read was 115690 at purchase and 115843 when towed=153 miles driven from when the certified inspection was performed for a loss of 1.5 to 2 quarts that I know of, it could have been much more oil missing. A suddenly inoperatable vehicle in town at intersections or on the highway at high speeds could be deadly for myself or others in traffic. I took and have videos of checking the dipstick to show it dry but it's an mp4 file which I don't see a place to upload it here. Available upon request.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. In addition, the contact related the failure to an unknown NHTSA Investigation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

In several situations, I have lost partial or complete power steering ability. Once, while driving, I recieved a SERVICE ESC message and steering became quite difficult. Another time, power steering was completely gone, making steering impossible, although every other aspect of the vehicle operated normally. In both instances, there was no clear issue and after some time with the vehicle parked and off, it would return to normal. Possible loss of power steering unexpectedly is a serious concern at this point.

Unexplained complete engine failure. Engine seized, no warnings, on gauges or lights. Dealership repair shop indicates engine has seized up.

Lifter failure in 2020 Silverado 5.3 engine causing loss of power while driving.

Rear wheel lock at speed up due to failed valve body and transmission

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the rear wheels locked up. The contact stated that the failure almost caused a crash. No warning lights were illuminated. The rear wheels locked up for several seconds, then the rear wheels released, and the tires chirped. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact stated that the vehicle was important due to scheduled doctor's appointments. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

Brakes lock up on vehicle while driving Must turn vehicle off and restart several times to disengage brakes. This has happened twice in the last 8 weeks, very concerning as we cannot use our travel trailer as we do not trust this not reoccurring. Chevy dealership says there is a recall on this issue but not on my truck?. But they say it is THAT problem

The engine started making a lot of knocking sounds and it has no oil pressure now. The shop says the engine needs to be replaced.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the engine shut off as intended in the fuel saver mode, but when the brake pedal was released, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and was repaired but the repair information was unavailable. The contact stated that failure recently reoccurred and the vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on a busy roadway while the contact’s young daughter was a passenger inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 40,000.

We own a 2020 Silverado with a 6.2L L87 engine… I am aware of open investigation # EA25007… Our vehicle had sudden engine failure.. no prior warning lamps before failure. (Our vehicle had no open recalls) Once vehicle engine failed left us with no power… had to coast vehicle to a stop. Will not restart. Verified proper oil level on dipstick so vehicle was not low on oil. Had to tow vehicle to shop .. retrieved code P0016 - crankshaft position Oil pan was removed and found bearing material as mentioned by GM issued recall 25V-274. Verified oil pickup tube was not clogged. All symptoms explained by 25V-274, we’ve experienced.

Major engine failure, a lifter went bad and caused metal all through the motor. Had to purchase new motor.

Vehicle was brought to Payne Chevrolet(Weslaco,Tx)for Recall N242454440. After the software update, the vehicle entered 'Limp Mode' and threw a Permanent Fault Code P2817 (Solenoid 8 Stuck Off). The dealership and GM Executive Resolution (Case #86918646) have confirmed this is a mechanical failure of the valve body, but are refusing/delaying the remedy due to a branded title. The vehicle is currently grounded and unsafe to drive as it risks rear-wheel lockup. GM has failed to provide a timely remedy or alternative safe transportation.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, turned off, and unoccupied, the rear of the vehicle caught fire. The fire was initially extinguished by a maintenance worker, and the fire department later applied water to the area to prevent the fire from reigniting. The fire department was unable to determine the cause of the fire, and a fire report was not provided. The contact was unaware whether a police report was filed. The vehicle was not destroyed or towed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear wiring harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that the rear bumper and tailgate were damaged as a result of the failure and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

While driving home from work the truck displayed numerous trouble codes including ebc failure, braking failure, traction control failure and trailer brake failure as well as vehicle governed to 42 mph. I took it to the dealership and they checked all of the braking system and could not find any issues. They reset the codes, and changed all 4 pads and rotors as all 4 wheels were 1/32 out of true as a precaution. I drove it home about 5 miles with no issues. The next morning I was on my way to work and the codes reappeared with me being governed to 62 mph. At the stop sign I had no braking at all. Pumping the brakes resulted in no braking or pressure in the pedal. Luckily there was no traffic and I was able to use a hill to stop. I turned around and went the mile back to my house and was unable to stop again ending up with the front end in my neighbors yard. I had the vehicle towed back to the dealership where they still have not found a cause or a solution to the issue

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes failed to engage while the brake pedal was depressed. The message "Service Brake Assist" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake master cylinder was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the message "Service Brake Assist" was displayed on the instrument panel again. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,593.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly sputtered. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with a tapping sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The message "Monitor Brake Service System" was displayed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and inspected, but no failure was found. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifters and camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a different independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifters and camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Diesel and to request immediate review and assistance from General Motors. I purchased this vehicle from a GM dealership in 2024 with approximately 70,000 miles for roughly $42,000. The vehicle currently has approximately 121,000 miles. Since purchasing the vehicle, it has suffered major breakdowns approximately every three months, requiring repeated costly repairs and making the vehicle unreliable for regular use. Most notably, the vehicle experienced a full transmission failure at approximately 103,000 miles — just after the factory warranty expired, requiring complete transmission replacement at my expense. To date, I have spent nearly $20,000 in repairs, including but not limited to: •Full transmission replacement •Two alternator replacements •Glow plug system failure •Coolant control valve failure •Engine control / computer module failure •Transmission cooling system failures •Ongoing electrical system issues •Additional drivetrain and mechanical problems These are critical powertrain, electrical, and engine management components — not routine maintenance items. The repeated failure of such systems strongly suggests underlying manufacturing or design defects. The vehicle has been properly maintained and serviced, yet continues to experience serious and recurring defects well beyond what would be considered normal wear and tear for a modern diesel truck. At this point, my total investment in this vehicle exceeds $62,000, and I am left with a truck that I cannot trust and that has become financially unsustainable to own.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while his son was driving 75 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The driver pulled over and turned the vehicle off, but the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Upon researching the failure, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

The component that failed was the wiring harness installed in the engine area. the harness was installed right next to a dip stick. The dip stick has a sharp metal piece welded to it and it punctured the harness cutting wires on the inside. This could have been a potential fire hazard. The problem was able to be reproduced, inspected and confirmed by a certified chevy mechanic at Philips Chevy in Frankfort, IL. The mechanic also showed me the failure point on the vehicle upon a visit. The dashboard lights were flashing randomly, headlights were very dim which it very difficult to see, android auto stopped working and not able to use hands free, so that became a safety issue, cruise control stopped working, and was receiving errors for a failed fuel pump.

Transmission bucks and truck just stops for no reason.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While operating in negative (-41°F) degree winter conditions, the "Service Emission System" entered an EPA-mandated speed limitation in LIMP Mode messages were displayed. Dealer diagnostics confirmed DTC: P20B9 (Heater Control Circuit Open) and P20C1. The failure was identified as the melting of the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank electrical connector due to undersized terminal pins overheating (Joule heating). The contact stated that it was a latent design defect that posed a fire risk and a safety hazard due to sudden loss of motive power in arctic climates (-45°F). General Motors acknowledged the defect in 2500HD models, Special Coverage: N212342980; but excluded the 1500 models. The failure mileage was 29,354.

During an extreme cold event in Interior Alaska (–44°F), the vehicle experienced a sudden emissions‑system failure that triggered an EPA‑mandated Limp Mode, limiting the vehicle to 5 MPH on high‑speed highways. This created an immediate life‑safety hazard because it was impossible to maintain a safe speed or exit the roadway due to snow berms. Prior to the failure, the vehicle displayed “Service Emission System” warnings and multiple DTCs related to the reductant heaters and sensors. A dealership technician later confirmed a “burnt pin” at the reductant pump connector, consistent with thermal‑electrical overload. This failure mode matches GM’s TSB 21‑NA‑006, describing connector overheating in cold climates. After the repair, the vehicle continued to exhibit safety‑critical symptoms, including harsh downshifts, delayed engagement, and jerking during deceleration, consistent with Recall 26V083000 (rear‑wheel lock‑up risk). The vehicle also continues to emit an electrical burning odor in cold temperatures, consistent with Recall N192206310 (block‑heater fire risk). The only GM dealership in the region issued a “Termination of Business Relationship,” preventing access to all recall and warranty repairs. This has created a 321‑mile “Service Desert,” making it impossible to obtain federally mandated recall remedies. The vehicle remains unsafe to operate due to unresolved transmission, electrical, and propulsion issues.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH and exiting a parking lot, the rear wheels locked up as if the brake pedal was depressed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was stopped and shifted to park(P), and the vehicle was turned off and restarted several times to reset the vehicle; however, the rear wheels were still locked up. The contact disconnected the battery cables and was able to unlock the rear wheels. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, but was a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was not diagnosed, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V083000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

What happened: In mid-December 2025, my 2020 Silverado 1500 (VIN: [XXX] ) suffered a catastrophic failure of the DEF Tank Assembly (P/N 84914535) at 29,354 miles—less than 30% of its warranted life. This is a latent design defect involving undersized terminal pins that suffer thermal degradation and melt the connector during high-amperage heater operation in arctic conditions (Ref: GM TSB 21-NA-006). Component Availability: The failed assembly is held at the dealership. I have submitted a "Part Preservation Request" to ensure it is available for forensic inspection by federal regulators. Safety Risk: The failure triggers an EPA-mandated "Limp Mode," initiating a software-forced reduction in speed. Unexpectedly losing speed on high-speed, icy Alaskan highways—where roadside snowbanks prevent safe egress—creates an extreme risk of rear-end collisions. Furthermore, a vehicle restricted to 5 MPH or rendered inoperable in temperatures of -30F to -50F poses a direct, life-threatening risk of cold-weather exposure in remote areas. Confirmation: Failure was confirmed by Lithia Chevrolet GMC of Fairbanks on Jan 7, 2026. GDS2 diagnostic verified DTCs P20B9, P20C1, P205D, and P204C. Data was reviewed by the GM District Manager of Aftersales (DMA) and GM Customer Assistance (Case #[XXX]). Warning Symptoms: Check Engine lamp and "Service Emission System" message appeared in mid-Dec 2025, followed by a "Speed Limited" countdown. The electrical disconnect was abrupt due to terminal pin melting, as documented in my forensic engineering report. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)