Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 has notable issues, particularly with the transmission and vehicle latches. Recalls highlight potential rear wheel lock-up and tailgate issues, along with concerns about seat belts and airbags. Buyers should be cautious about software updates and condition of latches.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 109 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V083000 Rear Wheel Lock Up from Transmission Control Valve Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V797000 Rear Wheel Lock-Up from Transmission Valve Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V060000 Tailgate May Open While Driving NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V578000 Spare Tire is Incorrect Size NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V792000 Front Center Seat Belts may not be Secured NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V650000 Driveshaft May Separate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V446000 Roof Rail Air Bag May Not Deploy NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V324000 Hood May Open Unexpectedly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V142000 Hood May Open Unexpectedly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V814000 Fire after Seat Belt Pretensioner Deployment NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 33 complaints
- Electrical System 18 complaints
- Service Brakes 17 complaints
- Engine 10 complaints
- Tires 10 complaints
- Unknown or Other 10 complaints
Of the 109 complaints on file, 2 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 109 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Rear wheels may lock up
How to check: Verify recall work completion on transmission software and valve.
Tailgate may unlatch unexpectedly
How to check: Test electronic gate-release switch for proper function.
Seat belt brackets unsecured
How to check: Inspect front-row center seat belt bracket and fastenings.
Improper airbag inflation
How to check: Check for airbag recall service and inflation sound.
Hood latch may fracture
How to check: Inspect hood latch striker for heat treatment issues.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for abnormal transmission noises.
Red flag: Grating or grinding sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Monitor dashboard for any warning lights.
Red flag: Transmission or stability control lights
- 03
Local street driving
What to check: Observe delayed or harsh shifting in gears.
Red flag: Transmission slips or skips gears
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Smooth acceleration without wheel-lock sounds.
Red flag: Sudden unintended deceleration
- 05
Braking
What to check: Check for ABS engagement without unusual noise.
Red flag: Pulsating brake pedal or ABS failure
- 06
Stopping and parking
What to check: Ensure tailgate latches firmly when closed.
Red flag: Tailgate doesn't latch securely
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the transmission software been updated?
- Were all recall repairs completed?
- Any issues with the tailgate latch?
- What regular maintenance has been done?
- Any airbag deployment or repairs?
- Is the hood latch in original condition?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair documentation
- Service history records
- Transmission service records
- Accident and repair history
- Proof of completed software updates
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.