2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2020 Sierra 1500
5
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (233 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 233 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (96 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 96 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (79 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 79 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (53 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 53 NHTSA complaints
Steering complaints Red flag
Check for looseness, pulling, or unusual noise in the steering at low and highway speeds. (37 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 37 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
14 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
12
Tires Red flag
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss.
Electrical System Red flag
An intermittent electrical connection between the B+ battery cable and the alternator could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Tires Red flag
Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss.
Air Bags Red flag
If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Fuel System, Gasoline Check
Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Tires Red flag
An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
Broken caliper bolts can reduce brake performance or interfere with wheel rotation and increase the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2020 Sierra 1500–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2020 Sierra 1500. The most serious involve Tires (21V115000) and Electrical System (19V888000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2020 Sierra 1500?
The top complaint areas are Engine (233 complaints) and Power Train (96 complaints), out of 466 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2020 Sierra 1500?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Engine, which drew 233 complaints for this model-year.