Buick Recall 17V-437: Air bags – sensor/control module-inactive

Affected: 2014–2017 Buick Encore, 2014–2016 Buick Lacrosse, 2015–2016 Cadillac Escalade and 16 more. Filed with NHTSA on July 10, 2017, covering about 40,683 vehicles.

The problem

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

The risk

A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

The fix

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign17V-437 (17V437000)
Manufacturer number17287
ManufacturerGeneral Motors, LLC
ComponentAir bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive
Report dateJuly 10, 2017
Owners notifiedAugust 4, 2017
Vehicles affected40,683
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Owner complaints about the air bags

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 17V-437 repair free?

Yes. Buick dealers will fix the problem at no cost: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 40,683 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.