Recall 14V518 covers 5 2013-2014 Cadillac Xts and Impala vehicles with SDMs left in manufacturing mode. Dealer reprogramming is free.
Cadillac recall 14V518 covers 5 2013-2014 Xts and Impala vehicles because the sensing and diagnostic module was left in manufacturing mode. In that mode, the air bags will not deploy in a crash, increasing injury risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The sensing and diagnostic module, often called the SDM, is the control unit that watches crash sensors and tells the frontal air bags when to deploy. In the 2013-2014 Xts and Impala vehicles covered by campaign 14V518, that module is supposed to be in its normal road-use setting before the vehicle leaves the factory.
On affected vehicles, the SDM was left in manufacturing mode. That setting is used during factory work, not normal driving. When the module stays in that mode, the air bag system does not respond the way an owner expects in a crash, because the control unit is not set for normal deployment logic.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is a hidden setting inside the air bag control module, so the VIN check and dealer inspection decide whether this recall applies to a specific vehicle.
Who's affected?
Xts and Impala sedans across the 2013 and 2014 model years use the same front air bag component in this recall.
| 2013 Cadillac Xts | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2014 Cadillac Xts | front air bag |
| 2014 Chevrolet Impala | front air bag |
| Units affected | 5 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the vehicle remains in manufacturing mode, its air bags will not deploy in a crash, which increases the risk of occupant injury. If your VIN is included, schedule service promptly and ask the dealer about SDM reprogramming. Repair will be free at any franchised Cadillac dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2014 Cadillac Xts or Impala is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Cadillac dealer and ask whether the free SDM reprogramming is open for your VIN.
- Ask the dealer to reprogram the sensing and diagnostic module so the air bags are no longer left in manufacturing mode.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 14V518 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and do not ignore any air bag warning light.
What happens at the repair
The source remedy describes a software correction for the sensing and diagnostic module. Once the dealer repair is available, a Cadillac technician reprograms the SDM to the correct mode so the vehicle is no longer left in manufacturing mode. Parts and labor are covered by the recall. The service desk can confirm whether the repair is open for your VIN and explain the appointment process for the affected 2013-2014 Xts and Impala vehicles.
Timeline
| August 28, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 15, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V518?
Recall 14V518 covers 5 2013-2014 Cadillac Xts and 2014 Impala vehicles with a sensing and diagnostic module left in manufacturing mode. In that mode, the air bags will not deploy in a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Dealers will reprogram the module for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2014 Cadillac Xts or Impala is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 14V518. If it is, contact a franchised Cadillac dealer and ask for the sensing and diagnostic module reprogramming. Reference recall number 14V518 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost to the owner. For recall 14V518, the dealer reprograms the sensing and diagnostic module to the correct mode free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 14V518?
The safety risk is that the air bags will not deploy in a crash if the sensing and diagnostic module is still in manufacturing mode. That increases the risk of occupant injury. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer reprogramming.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Xts or Impala is included, then reference recall number 14V518 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V518000 |
|---|---|
| Cadillac customer service | 1-800-458-8006 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V518 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V518000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →