NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10172664: 2020 Chevrolet Sierra 3500

Official manufacturer communication context for 2020 Chevrolet Sierra 3500, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10172664 summary graphic for 2020 Chevrolet Sierra 3500
10172664NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
2affected product rows
90/100quality score

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

Service Update - On vehicles that are equipped with a 6.6L diesel engine, may have one or more of the following conditions exist: 1. The instrument panel cluster may incorrectly display the message ?DEF Low? when a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) controller internal fault is detected (DTC P20FF), instead of displaying the proper ?Service DEF System? message. 2. The customer may complain of excessive engine fan noise at a low vehicle speed. 3. Under certain conditions, the diagnostic system may set one of the following DTC?s when there is no problem with a component: (P20EE, P226D, P16F3 and P129F). Dealers are to reprogram the engine control module and perform NOx and Catalyst Resets and Regen Enable.

What this bulletin may mean before buying

Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.

Affected products listed in this communication

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
ChevroletSilverado 45002020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
GMCSierra 35002020Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 10172664?

Service Update - On vehicles that are equipped with a 6.6L diesel engine, may have one or more of the following conditions exist: 1. The instrument panel cluster may incorrectly display the message ?DEF Low? when a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) controller internal fault is detected (DTC P20FF), instead of displaying the proper ?Service DEF System? message. 2. The customer may complain of excessive engine fan noise at.

Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?

No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.

How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?

Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.

Check the exact VIN before you buy

Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.

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