Recall 18V774 covers 12 2019 Chevrolet Spark, Trax, Traverse and Encore vehicles with SDM modules left in manufacturing mode. Free repair at franchised Chevrolet dealers.
Chevrolet is recalling 12 2019 Spark, Trax, Traverse, and Encore vehicles under recall 18V774 because the Sensing Diagnostic Module can remain in manufacturing mode and stop the air bags from deploying in a crash. That loss of air-bag protection increases injury risk, and Chevrolet dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The sensing diagnostic module, often called the SDM, is the control unit that decides when the air bags and supplemental restraints are armed and ready. On the 2019 Spark, Trax, Traverse, and Encore, it is supposed to leave manufacturing mode after factory testing. Once armed, it monitors crash signals and commands the restraints to deploy when the crash meets the system's deployment thresholds.
On affected vehicles, a production software update left the SDM in manufacturing mode after assembly testing ended. Manufacturing mode is used at the plant to keep restraints from deploying accidentally during assembly. If that setting stays on after the vehicle leaves the plant, the SDM remains unarmed and the supplemental inflatable restraints are disabled. In a crash, the air bags do not deploy as designed.
The warning sign is the airbag or supplemental inflatable restraint malfunction light on the instrument panel. After the vehicle is turned on, that light stays illuminated, either solid or flashing. Treat that light as a recall-related warning and have the VIN checked before assuming the air bag system is active.
Who's affected?
Covers four 2019 model lines, with the air bag system listed under both the main air bag category and the restraint control module.
| 2019 Chevrolet Spark | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2019 Chevrolet Spark | air bag system |
| 2019 Chevrolet Trax | air bag system |
| 2019 Chevrolet Trax | air bag system |
| 2019 Chevrolet Traverse | air bag system |
| 2019 Chevrolet Traverse | air bag system |
| 2019 Buick Encore | air bag system |
| 2019 Buick Encore | air bag system |
| Units affected | 12 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching 2019 model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the air bags fail to deploy during a crash, the risk of injury increases. A solid or flashing airbag/supplemental inflatable restraint warning lamp after startup is the warning sign. If that light stays on, schedule the repair soon and ask the dealer whether the vehicle is safe to drive until your appointment. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Chevrolet Spark, Trax, Traverse, or Buick Encore is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet or Buick dealer to schedule the free SDM reprogramming that takes the air bag control module out of manufacturing mode.
- Bring the recall notice if GM mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V774 when you call.
- Use extra caution until the repair is complete, since the air bags can fail to deploy in a crash.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician reprograms the Sensing Diagnostic Module to the correct mode so the air bag system is no longer left in manufacturing mode. The recall repair is free, including the programming work and labor. Out-of-pocket SDM or air bag diagnostic repairs already paid are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all covered vehicles are under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| November 1, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| November 1, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 6, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V774?
Recall 18V774 covers 12 2019 Chevrolet Spark, Trax, Traverse, and Encore vehicles with a sensing diagnostic module left in manufacturing mode. In that mode, the air bags fail to deploy in a crash, which increases injury risk. Chevrolet dealers reprogram the module for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Chevrolet Spark, Trax, Traverse, or Encore is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V774. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the sensing diagnostic module reprogramming. Reference recall number 18V774 or Chevrolet recall number 18365 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 Chevrolet dealers reprogram the sensing diagnostic module free of charge under recall 18V774.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that the air bags fail to deploy in a crash. NHTSA campaign 18V774 states that this increases the risk of injury. The dealer repair puts the sensing diagnostic module into the correct mode so the restraint system works as intended.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V774000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-521-7300 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V774 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V774000 |
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 →