The problem
On certain pickup and utility trucks, some of these vehicles have an air bag sensing diagnostic module (sdm) which contains an anomaly that could result in the driver and passenger's air bag failing to deploy during certain frontal crashes.
The risk
In a vehicle crash, front seat occupants May receive more severe injuries.
The fix
Dealers will recalibrate the sdm on the affected vehicles. Owner notification began August 28, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 02V-178 (02V178000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 02029 |
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive |
| Report date | July 1, 2002 |
| Owners notified | August 28, 2002 |
| Vehicles affected | 525,254 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 02V-178 repair free?
Yes. Chevrolet dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will recalibrate the sdm on the affected vehicles. Owner notification began August 28, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 525,254 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.