Your vehicle has a special override system in its transmission that allows you to shift the gears without the key in the ignition. However, this system is only allowed in vehicles with a locking steering column, and yours doesn't have one.
Risk if Unfixed
If you remove your key while the gearshift is in a position other than park, you could accidentally shift the transmission out of park, which could cause your vehicle to roll away and potentially cause an accident.
Free Fix
Your authorized dealer will disable the override system for you, so you can't accidentally shift the transmission out of park without the key in the ignition. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A MECHANICAL OVERRIDE THAT COULD ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN A POSITION OTHER THAN PARK. IN ADDITION, THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN OVERRIDE THAT CAN ALLOW THE TRANSMISSION TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITH THE IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
THESE OVERRIDES ARE NOT PERMITTED UNLESS THE VEHICLE HAS A LOCKING STEERING COLUMN.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL ELIMINATE THESE CONDITIONS BY DISABLING THE OVERRIDES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.
The transfer case in your 4-wheel drive vehicle helps control power to all four wheels. It's like a gearbox that ensures you don't lose traction or slip on the road. But in certain cases, the computer that controls it might not engage properly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the gear doesn't engage, you could lose control of your vehicle while it's in 'Park', which could cause it to roll away and lead to a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will update the computer that controls the transfer case, so it engages the gear properly. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DRIVE. THE CALIBRATION OF THE TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE COULD CAUSE INSUFFICIENT HIGH SPEED GEAR ENGAGEMENT.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF THE GEAR IS NOT ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE CAN ROLL WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS IN "PARK" AND A CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT WARNING.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE CALIBRATION TO INCREASE GEAR ENGAGEMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 6, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
The range shift collar in your vehicle's 4-wheel drive system is like a critical gear that helps you switch between forward and reverse. Unfortunately, some of these parts have developed small cracks.
Risk if Unfixed
If the range shift collar fails, you could lose control of your vehicle's gears, making it impossible to put it in park or move it forward or backward. This could cause your vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty transfer case and update the control module, all at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as you get the recall notice to get this critical fix done quickly.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES (4 WHEEL-DRIVE). SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A RANGE SHIFT COLLAR IN THE TRANSMISSION TRANSFER CASE THAT CONTAINS CRACKS.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A COMPLETE FRACTURE OF THE RANGE SHIFT COLLAR AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF VEHICLE FORWARD AND REVERSE GEARS, AND THE INABILITY TO MAINTAIN "PARK" POSITION. THIS INCREASES THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH RESULTING FROM UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF A PARKED VEHICLE.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSFER CASES AND UPDATE THE CONTROL MODULE CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 6, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.