General Motors is recalling six 2026 GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles over improperly welded front seat frames that could increase the risk of injury in a crash. The recall comes as GM prepares to shift its Lansing Delta Township Assembly plant in Michigan toward hybrid vehicle production.
GM Recalls Six Acadia and Traverse SUVs
The recall covers three 2026 GMC Acadias and three 2026 Chevrolet Traverses. Four vehicles are being recalled in the United States under recall number 26V696, while the remaining two are covered by a separate recall in Canada.
The affected front seats may have improperly welded frames that fail to provide adequate support during a crash, potentially increasing the risk of injury even when occupants are wearing seatbelts.
How GM Discovered the Seat Welding Defect
The issue was identified after the driver’s seatback frame in a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse was replaced in July 2026.
Following the discovery, GM’s supplier reviewed laser-welding data covering more than 94,000 seat components and identified six additional suspect parts. All six were manufactured on November 3, 2025.
The defect was traced to insufficient welds, also known as cold welds, which can compromise the strength of the seatback frame.
GM is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with the issue. The supplier has since revised its maintenance schedule and improved its weld inspection procedures to help prevent similar defects.
Free Seatback Frame Replacements
Owners of affected vehicles will be instructed to bring their three-row midsize SUVs to dealerships for a seatback frame replacement at no cost.
The defect affects the driver’s seat in some vehicles and the front passenger seat in others. All covered vehicles remain under warranty, so a separate reimbursement program will not be offered.
GM plans to begin notifying affected U.S. owners on December 7. Vehicle identification numbers are already searchable through the recall database.
GM’s Hybrid Plans for the Acadia and Traverse
The recall comes as GM prepares its Lansing Delta Township Assembly plant for hybrid vehicle production, a move that could help the automaker respond to changing conditions in the U.S. market.
The Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia share GM’s C1 platform with the Buick Enclave. All three crossovers are powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque.
With all three models built at the Michigan plant, its upcoming transition toward hybrid production raises the possibility that these nameplates could be among the first to receive hybrid powertrains.
GM has not confirmed which models will be electrified first. For now, the Chevrolet Corvette remains the automaker’s only hybrid offering in the U.S. market.
