Recall 18V340 affects 88,503 2018 GMC Terrain vehicles for an air bag SDM software defect. Repair is free at any franchised GMC dealer.
GMC is recalling 88,503 2018 Terrain vehicles because the sensing diagnostic module can stay powered after shutdown and be inoperative the next time the vehicle starts. If that module is inoperative, it will not detect a crash or command air bag deployment, increasing injury risk; GMC dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
In GMC recall 18V340, the sensing diagnostic module on the 2018 Terrain is the computer that watches crash sensors and commands the needed air bags and restraint systems. It is supposed to shut down cleanly when the vehicle is turned off, then restart ready to protect occupants on the next drive.
On affected Terrains, the module software allows certain signals during vehicle shutdown to interrupt that shutdown sequence. The module then locks up instead of powering down correctly. When the vehicle is restarted, the module is inoperative, so the air bags and restraint controls are not ready to respond as designed.
The warning signs appear when the vehicle is started. The airbag warning light illuminates, the driver information center displays a service restraints system message, and a chime sounds.
Who's affected?
| 2018 GMC Terrain | air bag system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 88,503 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
An inoperative SDM stops the vehicle from detecting a crash and commanding the needed air bag deployment, which increases injury risk in a crash. The warning signs are an airbag light, a service restraints system message, and a chime when the vehicle starts. Schedule the software repair promptly. Repair is free at any franchised GMC dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 GMC Terrain is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised GMC dealer to schedule the free SDM software reprogramming that helps the module power down correctly after shutdown.
- Bring the recall notice if GMC mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V340 when you call.
- Drive carefully until the repair is complete, because an inoperative SDM will not command the needed air bag deployment in a crash.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a GMC technician reprograms the sensing diagnostic module with updated software so the air bag control system can power down and restart correctly. The software update and labor are free under the recall. GM says covered vehicles are under warranty, so there is no separate reimbursement program for this campaign. If you paid for a related repair before the recall visit, ask the service desk how the existing warranty applies to that paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| May 24, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 24, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| May 24, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 29, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 29, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V340?
Recall 18V340 covers 88,503 2018 GMC Terrain vehicles with a sensing diagnostic module software defect. The module can fail to power down correctly after shutdown, then become inoperative when the vehicle restarts. GMC dealers will reprogram the module for free.
What should I do if my 2018 GMC Terrain is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Terrain is included in recall 18V340. If it is, contact a franchised GMC dealer to schedule the sensing diagnostic module software update. Reference recall 18V340 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and GMC dealers will reprogram the sensing diagnostic module with updated software free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that an inoperative sensing diagnostic module will not detect a crash or command the needed air bag deployment. That increases the risk of injury in a crash. The dealer software update fixes the module programming for free.
What if I bought my GMC Terrain used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2018 GMC Terrain is included, then call a franchised GMC dealer and reference recall 18V340.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V340000 |
|---|---|
| GMC customer service | 1-800-462-8782 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V340 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V340000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →