Large Recall NHTSA · 02V253000 Reported September 17, 2002

Gm/folding head restraints

General Motors, Llc · Seats · 558,904 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID
02V253000
Manufacturer Campaign
02039
Manufacturer
Component
Seats
Vehicles Affected
558,904
Recall Type
Vehicle
Report Received
September 17, 2002

Defect Summary

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.

Safety Consequence

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.

Corrective Action

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.

What you should do

  1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm this recall applies to your vehicle.
  2. Contact an authorized General Motors, Llc dealer and reference recall ID 02V253000 or campaign 02039.
  3. Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the manufacturer must remedy the defect at no cost.
View Official NHTSA Notice →
Related

Similar Recalls

Other recalls from General Motors, Llc or involving Seats.

FAQ: Recall 02V253000

Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.

What is recall 02V253000?

NHTSA recall 02V253000 was issued by General Motors, Llc on September 17, 2002. It addresses: Gm/folding head restraints. The recall affects approximately 558,904 vehicles, with the defect involving the Seats component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized General Motors, Llc dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 02V253000 or the manufacturer campaign number 02039. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.

Is my vehicle included in this recall?

The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.

How long do I have to get a recall repair done?

There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.

Where does the data on this page come from?

All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.