GMC seat recalls: loose bolts and bad welds explained
All four GMC seats recalls are assembly defects on 2019-2023 models, and every one comes down to whether the seat stays anchored in a crash. Bolts are one half: the 2021 Yukon and Yukon XL had front seats removed for a line repair and the attachment bolts may not have been reinstalled properly, and the 2022 Terrain shares a stripped or loose driver's seat height-adjust pivot bolt with 2022-2023 Equinox. Welds are the other half: the 2019 Terrain may have insufficient welds on the rear-right head-restraint bracket, and the 2022 Canyon's manual front passenger seat has a hook attachment that was not properly welded and can separate from the inboard track of the seat frame.
Warning signs to watch for
- A front seat that rocks, shifts or feels loose on its mounts
- A driver's seat that feels loose at the height adjuster
- A front passenger seat that moves on its track or feels unhooked
- In some cases no warning at all — weak welds on the rear-right head-restraint bracket are not visible to an owner
Is it safe to keep driving?
No stop-driving or park-outside advice appears in any of these four recalls, and none of them affects how the vehicle steers, brakes or drives. The risk is limited to a crash, when a seat, seatback or head restraint that is not properly anchored gives less protection. The practical step the notices support is leaving the affected seat unoccupied until the inspection: the front passenger seat on 2022 Canyon, the rear-right seat on 2019 Terrain, and the front seats on 2021 Yukon and Yukon XL. Drive normally otherwise and schedule the free inspection.
What the free repair involves
Every one of these starts with an inspection. On the 2021 Yukon and Yukon XL, dealers check both front seat attachments and install attachment bolts as needed. On the Equinox and Terrain driver's seat, and on the Canyon passenger seat, they inspect and replace the cushion frame if necessary. The 2019 Terrain gets a new rear-right seatback frame. All free.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 1 |
| medium | 3 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-09-29 | Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain driver seat bolt loose | medium |
| 2022-05-26 | Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon passenger seat weld problem | medium |
| 2020-11-25 | Chevy Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon front seat bolts loose | high |
| 2019-03-07 | Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain rear seat welds may fail | medium |
Common questions
Should I let anyone sit in the affected seat before the repair?
The notices do not prohibit it, but they describe reduced protection in a crash. Where you can, seat people elsewhere — the rear-right seat on a 2019 Terrain or the front passenger seat on a 2022 Canyon — until the dealer has inspected it.
My driver's seat feels loose — is that this recall?
It may be. On 2022 Terrain and 2022-2023 Equinox the bolt at the seat frame height-adjust pivot can be stripped or loose. The notice specifically says to have the seat inspected soon if it feels loose; inspection and any frame replacement are free.
Will the dealer replace the whole seat?
No. The remedies are targeted: missing bolts installed on the 2021 Yukon and Yukon XL, a replacement seat cushion frame on the Equinox, Terrain and Canyon if the inspection calls for it, and a new rear-right seatback frame on the 2019 Terrain.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.