The problem
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with rearward folding head restraints on the second row seats, two potential pinch points exist on each of the folding head restraints when the restraints are folded rearward as the seatback is folded down.
The risk
If a person were to insert their finger(s) into the pinch point when the head restraint folds, it could trap and pinch the finger(s) causing injury.
The fix
Dealers will install protective covers over the pinch points. Owner notification began November 8, 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, GMC at 1-800-462-8782, or Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 02V-253 (02V253000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 02039 |
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Seats › Front assembly › Head restraint |
| Report date | September 17, 2002 |
| Owners notified | November 8, 2002 |
| Vehicles affected | 558,904 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the seats
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 02V-253 repair free?
Yes. Cadillac dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install protective covers over the pinch points. Owner notification began November 8, 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 558,904 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.