GM Now Replacing Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia 3rd Row Headrests

As GM Authority covered in July, some 2024 Chevy Traverse and 2024 GMC Acadia owners have reported that their vehicle’s third-row seatbacks are unable to fold down because the seats rub against the second-row seatbacks. As a result, the third-row seats cannot be folded flat into the floor, thus limiting available cargo space. To address this issue, GM will replace the third-row headrests on affected vehicles.

The fix is outlined in a new bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), specifically bulletin number PIT6184D. The bulletin affects all trims and configurations for the 2024 Chevy Traverse and 2024 GMC Acadia.

“Some customers may notice that one or both headrests do not fold down when they use the electric folding option or manual folding option,” the bulletin states. “This may prevent the seat from folding down all the way due to third row headrest collision with the second row seats.”

The bulletin also outlines a few other related conditions. These include the headrests locking up, the headrests folding down but the seat back not folding down or returning up, or the seat back making a grinding sound when folding or retuning up.

The cause of these issues is believed to be the gear mesh in the headrest, which prevents the headrest from folding. In order to correct this issue, GM will replace both third-row headrests. According to the bulletin, both headrests will need to be replaced regardless if there is an issue with only one side.

The 2024 Chevy Traverse and 2024 GMC Acadia debut all-new third generations for both nameplates, dropping in with a long list of updates and changes over the preceding second generation. Among these is new styling, both inside the cabin and around the exterior, new options, new technology features, and a revised trim level lineup. Motivation is derived from the turbocharged 2.5L I4 LK0 gasoline engine, while under the body panels, both crossovers ride on the long-wheelbase variant of the GM C1 platform. Production takes place at the GM Lansing Delta Township plant.

2024 Chevy Traverse Photos
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2024 GMC Acadia Photos
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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

Jonathan Lopez

Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

View Comments

  • I disassembled a defective headrest, it wasn’ta gear mesh issue, it was a cheap design on the headrest that allowed the actuator cable to float in the headrest so it would not pull on the pulley and release gear.

  • My 2024 Acadia AT4 third row headrests lasted 1 week before they failed. It took the dealer 2 days to tell me that parts are on order with no expected delivery date available.

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