2020 GMC Sierra 1500 · symptom sheet
Engine knocking or ticking
- 30owner reports
- 80,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 26, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026
30 of the 100 reports of engine failure on the 2020 Sierra 1500 describe engine knock.
Part of Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing (100 reports)
Tick what matches of 30 reports
What got replaced
Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2020 model year as of Sep 19, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Sierra 1500
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Open.
NHTSA summary
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Closed aug 20, 2026.
NHTSA summary
Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Open.
NHTSA summary
Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Closed oct 23, 2025, led to recall 25V-274.
NHTSA summary
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 54,500 and 110,000 miles, from the 16 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“2020 GMC Sierra 1500 began experiencing a slight knocking sound - mechanic diagnosed as a crankshaft issue. As of last night, 5/10, the truck's knocking sound got extremely loud, the exhaust pipe emitted smoke, and the truck began "bucking." No warning messages or lamps appeared.”
Filed May 11, 2026
“My engine started knocking horribly, I need to get a proper diagnosis but cannot afford to have a shop look at it. I have been building engines my entire life and am certain the rod bearings have failed. The engine has a distinct knock under acceleration, you can hear it clearly when pulling away from a stop sign for example.”
Filed Mar 24, 2026
“Vehicle has 28,000 miles and auto shop states that the engine is blow, it's knocking and vibrating throughout the engine.”
Filed Mar 16, 2026 · 28,000 miles
“The motor went to knocking and lost power. Cost us about 3500. To fix. Lifters went down cam went down which caused major motor knock and loss of payer”
Filed Mar 1, 2026
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 30 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Check engine light or misfire 82 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 68 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 53 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 25 reports