Recall 20V650 covers 42 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, and Sierra 1500 trucks for driveshaft separation. Free repair at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 42 2019-2020 Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, and Sierra 1500 trucks because a driveshaft joint was not properly welded. The driveshaft can separate while the truck is moving, causing loss of propulsion and increasing crash risk; the dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The driveshaft on affected 2019-2020 Silverado 2500, Silverado 1500, and Sierra 1500 trucks is the metal shaft that carries engine power from the transmission toward the rear wheels. A joint at the end of that shaft connects the tube to the yoke, the fork-shaped end piece that lets the driveline turn while the suspension moves.
On these trucks, one driveshaft joint was not welded with enough force at the yoke-to-tube connection. That weak weld can fracture while the truck is moving. If the joint separates, the driveshaft assembly no longer stays connected as designed, and power transfer through the driveline is interrupted.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not expect a warning light, noise, vibration, or change in pedal feel before the driveshaft separates.
Who's affected?
Covers 3 pickup nameplates across the 2019 and 2020 model years, all tied to the same rear drive shaft.
| 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | driveline |
| 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | driveline |
| 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 | driveline |
| 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 | driveline |
| Units affected | 42 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A separated driveshaft can cut power to the wheels, leaving the vehicle without propulsion and increasing the risk of a crash. Until the driveshaft is replaced, drive cautiously and avoid delaying service. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 1500, or Sierra 1500 truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet or GMC dealer to schedule the free driveshaft replacement that fixes the improperly welded joint.
- Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V650 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop driving if you feel driveline vibration or lose propulsion.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician replaces the driveshaft covered by recall 20V650. The repair addresses a driveshaft joint that was not properly welded and can let the driveshaft separate while the truck is moving. Replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the covered trucks were under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 22, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 22, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| October 22, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 7, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 7, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 10, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V650?
Recall 20V650 covers 42 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 trucks with a driveshaft joint weld defect. If the driveshaft separates while moving, the truck can lose propulsion, increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace the driveshaft for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 1500, or Sierra 1500 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 20V650. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet or GMC dealer to schedule the driveshaft replacement. Reference GM recall number N202314870 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and GM's remedy says dealers will replace the driveshaft free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Chevrolet or GMC dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 20V650?
The safety risk is loss of propulsion if the driveshaft separates while the truck is moving. That loss of power increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free driveshaft replacement with a franchised Chevrolet or GMC dealer.
What if I bought this truck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Silverado or Sierra is included, then call a franchised Chevrolet or GMC dealer with recall 20V650 or GM recall number N202314870.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V650000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-222-1020 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V650 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V650000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →