Recall 20V537 covers 105 2020-2021 Buick Encore and Trailblazer vehicles for missing front-seat attachment bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Buick dealer.
Buick is recalling 105 2020-2021 Encore and Trailblazer vehicles under recall 20V537 because rear attachment bolts for one or both front seats were not installed. A front seat without those bolts can move during a crash and raise injury risk for the occupant; the dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The front seat rear attachment bolts hold the back of each front seat track to the vehicle floor on 2020-2021 Encore and Trailblazer vehicles. Those bolts are critical fasteners, which means the seat depends on them to stay locked in place during braking and normal driving.
The issue traces to assembly-plant repair work. Some vehicles were taken off the main assembly line for a repair that required removing a front seat, then the rear attachment bolts for one or both front seats were not reinstalled correctly before the vehicle left the plant. Without those bolts, the rear of the seat is not secured the way the seat structure was designed.
Owners have two practical warning signs. The rear attachments can be checked visually from the rear seat, and occupants can feel the front seat move during braking if the attachment is loose or missing.
Who's affected?
The scope spans Buick Encore and Chevrolet Trailblazer SUVs from adjacent model years, both tied to the same seat assembly concern.
| 2020 Buick Encore | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| 2020 Buick Encore | seat assembly |
| 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer | seat assembly |
| 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer | seat assembly |
| Units affected | 105 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A front seat missing rear attachment bolts can move during a crash, increasing injury risk for the occupant. Seat movement during braking is a warning sign. If your VIN is included, avoid using that seat until a dealer checks both front seats and installs any missing bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Buick dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Buick Encore or Trailblazer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Buick dealer to schedule the free front-seat attachment inspection and bolt installation.
- Bring the recall notice if GM mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V537 when you call.
- Avoid carrying a front-seat passenger until the dealer confirms both front seats have the required rear attachment bolts.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Buick technician inspects the seat attachments for both front seats and installs missing rear attachment bolts as needed. The inspection and any bolt installation are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all covered vehicles are under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| September 3, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 3, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| September 3, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 1, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 19, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 19, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V537?
Recall 20V537 covers 105 2020 Buick Encore and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles with front seat rear attachment bolts that were not installed. If an occupied front seat is missing those bolts, the seat can move during a crash, increasing injury risk. Dealers inspect both front seats and install bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Buick Encore or Chevrolet Trailblazer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V537. If it is, contact a franchised Buick or Chevrolet dealer and ask for the front seat attachment inspection. Reference recall number 20V537 and GM recall number A202304380 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 20V537, dealers inspect the front seat attachments and install missing rear attachment bolts as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is front seat movement during a crash. If an occupied front seat is missing its rear attachment bolts, the seat can move when restraint is most important, increasing injury risk for the occupant.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair began on October 1, 2020. Since the remedy is available, owners with an included VIN can contact a franchised Buick or Chevrolet dealer to schedule the front seat attachment inspection and bolt installation.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V537000 |
|---|---|
| Buick customer service | 1-800-630-2438 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V537 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V537000 |
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 →