Recall 21V472 affects 6 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles with incorrect air bag calibration software. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 6 2021 Traverse and Enclave vehicles because dealer service installed incorrect air bag calibration software on certain vehicles. The wrong software can keep frontal air bags from deploying as intended, increasing injury risk; the dealer repair is free.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The sensing and diagnostic module is the airbag controller. It reads crash sensor data and decides when the frontal airbags deploy. Its calibration software tells the module how to interpret a crash event on 2021 Traverse and Enclave vehicles, including deployment timing and stage.
During dealer service, the service programming system gave certain vehicles the wrong SDM calibration file. GM traced the issue to model design changes that were not correctly matched with file updates in that programming system. With the wrong calibration installed, the module can change the timing of frontal airbag deployment in certain crash events, or command a second-stage front airbag deployment when a first-stage deployment is intended.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner will not feel this software problem during normal driving, because the issue is in crash-event logic inside the airbag controller. The fix is to install the correct 2021 SDM calibration software.
Who's affected?
The Traverse and Enclave use the same front air bag sensing and diagnostic module; the VIN decides which SUVs are included.
| 2021 Chevrolet Traverse | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2021 Buick Enclave | front air bag |
| Units affected | 6 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 7 field incidents to date. |
A matching 2021 Traverse or Enclave does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If your VIN is included, the air bags can fail to deploy as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Keep normal seat-belt use in place and schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Chevrolet Traverse or Buick Enclave is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet or Buick dealer to schedule the free air bag calibration software update that corrects frontal airbag deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 21V472 and GM recall N212340220 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is complete, since incorrect air bag calibration affects how the frontal air bags deploy in a crash.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician updates the air bag calibration software so the frontal air bag system uses the correct programming. The software update is free under the recall, and the repair is available now. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the covered vehicles are under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| June 24, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 24, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| June 24, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 29, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 9, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 9, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V472?
Recall 21V472 covers 6 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave vehicles that received incorrect air bag calibration software during dealer service. The software can affect frontal air bag deployment, which can increase injury risk. Dealers will update the air bag calibration software for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Chevrolet Traverse or Buick Enclave is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific SUV is included in recall 21V472. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet or Buick dealer to schedule the air bag calibration software update. Reference GM recall number N212340220 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, and GM will update the air bag calibration software free of charge at a franchised Chevrolet or Buick dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that the frontal air bags do not deploy as intended in a crash. That can increase the risk of injury. If your VIN is included, schedule the free software update with a franchised Chevrolet or Buick dealer.
When were owners notified about recall 21V472?
Owner notification letters were mailed on July 29, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Traverse or Enclave is included before calling the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V472000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-222-1020 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V472 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V472000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →