Recall 20V736 covers 9,279 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado and Sierra trucks for roof-rail air bag inflator end caps that detach. Free repair through Chevrolet dealers.
Chevrolet is recalling 9,279 2015-2016 Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 trucks because the roof-rail air bag inflator end cap can detach from the inflator. If the cap separates, compressed gas escapes and the cap can be propelled into the cabin, increasing injury or crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The roof-rail air bag on the 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado and Sierra trucks is the side-curtain air bag built into the roof rail above the doors. In a side-impact or rollover crash, its inflator fills the curtain air bag so it drops along the window area. The system depends on the inflator staying sealed while it does that job.
On affected trucks, the defect is in the roof-rail air bag inflator end cap. That cap is supposed to stay attached to the inflator body. Instead, the end cap can detach from the inflator, so a part that must stay contained inside the air bag assembly comes loose from its proper position.
There is no warning sign before failure. You should not expect a dashboard light, noise, or change in how the truck drives before the end cap separates.
Who's affected?
Covers Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500 pickup trucks across the 2015 and 2016 model years, all tied to the side curtain air bag.
| 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | side curtain air bag |
|---|---|
| 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 | side curtain air bag |
| 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | side curtain air bag |
| 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 | side curtain air bag |
| 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 | side curtain air bag |
| 2015 GMC Sierra 3500 | side curtain air bag |
| 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 | side curtain air bag |
| 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 | side curtain air bag |
| Units affected | 9,279 |
The year, badge, 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?
If the inflator end cap separates, compressed gas escapes and the cap can be propelled into the cabin. That creates an injury risk and can also contribute to a crash. Confirm whether your VIN is included before assuming your truck is covered, then arrange the dealer repair. Repair will be free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado or Sierra truck is included in this recall.
- Wait for recall instructions tied to the superseding recall before scheduling the final dealer repair.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer after your VIN is confirmed and ask how recall number 20V736 is handled under superseding recall 21V-504.
- Ask the dealer about the free roof-rail air bag module replacement that fixes the inflator end-cap defect.
- Bring the recall notice if GM mailed one, or give the dealer recall number 20V736 when you call.
What happens at the repair
This campaign was superseded by recall 21V-504. If your VIN was previously listed under 20V736, Chevrolet's recall filing says the repair is handled under the newer recall number. Once the repair is available for your VIN, a Chevrolet technician replaces the roof-rail air bag modules on the left side, right side, or both sides as needed. Parts and labor are covered by the recall. Ask the Chevrolet service desk to confirm that the appointment is opened under 21V-504, which replaced the earlier campaign number.
Timeline
| November 25, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V736?
Recall 20V736 covers 9,279 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks with roof-rail air bag inflator end caps that can detach. If an end cap separates, compressed gas escapes and the cap can be propelled into the cabin, increasing injury or crash risk.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 20V736. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet or GMC dealer and reference recall 20V736 plus superseding recall 21V-504. The dealer will replace the affected roof-rail air bag modules for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For this recall, the dealer replaces the left and/or right roof-rail air bag modules for free, with vehicles from recall 20V736 repaired under superseding recall 21V-504.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is injury or a crash from the roof-rail air bag inflator end cap separating. If the cap detaches, compressed gas escapes and the cap can be propelled into the vehicle. Confirm your VIN, then have the dealer complete the free module replacement.
When were owners notified about recall 20V736?
Interim owner notification letters were mailed on December 22, 2020. The repair path later moved to superseding recall 21V-504, so owners should use a VIN check and reference both recall numbers when calling a Chevrolet or GMC dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V736000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-888-988-7267 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V736 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V736000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Report (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →