Recall 21V702 covers 2 2022 GMC Acadia vehicles with inactive air bag control modules. GMC returned them for SDM activation before sale.
GMC is recalling 2 2022 Acadia SUVs because the sensing diagnostic module was left in manufacturing mode and was not activated before shipment. With an unactivated module, the air bags will not deploy in a crash, increasing injury risk, and GMC dealers will activate the system free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The sensing diagnostic module, or SDM, is the control unit that monitors crash sensors and tells the airbag and restraint system when to deploy. On a 2022 GMC Acadia, it is supposed to leave the plant armed and ready after dynamic validation testing. That setup step puts the restraint system into its normal operating mode.
On affected Acadias, temporary production process changes caused the vehicle to miss the verification step that arms the SDM. The problem is not the airbag bag itself or a broken wiring harness. The module was left in manufacturing mode instead of the correct active mode, so the restraint system is not set up the way federal occupant crash protection rules require.
The warning sign is the airbag or supplemental inflatable restraint warning lamp on the instrument panel. It will illuminate and stay on, either solid or flashing, after the vehicle is turned on.
Who's affected?
Both air bag component labels point to the same sensing diagnostic module.
| 2022 GMC Acadia | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2022 GMC Acadia | air bag system |
| Units affected | 2 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2022 GMC Acadia is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unactivated SDM prevents the air bags from deploying in a crash, increasing injury risk. Watch for the airbag or supplemental inflatable restraint warning lamp staying on, solid or flashing, after startup, and schedule the recall repair before delivery or use. Repair is free at any franchised GMC dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022 GMC Acadia is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised GMC dealer to schedule the free SDM activation repair that turns on the air bag restraint control module.
- Ask the dealer whether the vehicle has already been returned to the assembly plant for SDM activation before delivery.
- Reference recall number 21V702 and GM recall N212344261 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is confirmed complete, since the air bags will not deploy with an unactivated SDM.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a GMC technician coordinates return of the affected Acadia to the assembly plant so the sensing diagnostic module can be activated and taken out of manufacturing mode. The recall work is free. Both affected vehicles were still in dealer inventory, so owner letters were not mailed. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all covered vehicles are under warranty.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| September 10, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 10, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| September 10, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 10, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V702?
Recall 21V702 covers 2 2022 GMC Acadia vehicles with a sensing diagnostic module left in manufacturing mode. With the module unactivated, the air bags will not deploy in a crash, increasing injury risk. GMC will have the module activated.
What should I do if my 2022 GMC Acadia is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Acadia is included in recall 21V702. If it is, contact a franchised GMC dealer and reference GM recall number N212344261. GM says the vehicles were in dealer inventory and will be returned to the assembly plant for SDM activation.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to fix safety recalls at no cost. For recall 21V702, GM will activate the sensing diagnostic module, with no charge to the owner if an included vehicle has already been sold.
Is it safe to drive a 2022 GMC Acadia with recall 21V702?
The safety risk is that the air bags will not deploy if the sensing diagnostic module is still unactivated, increasing injury risk in a crash. GM reported both included vehicles were still in dealer inventory, so a VIN check decides whether your Acadia is part of this small recall.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V702000 |
|---|---|
| GMC customer service | 1-800-462-8782 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V702 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V702000 |
Source documents
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 →