GM will recall some full-size SUVs because of tendency for fingers to get pinched when folding seats

<br>DETROIT (AP) _ General Motors is voluntarily recalling 597,000 sport utility vehicles to help protect customers from pinching their fingers when second-row seats are being folded down. <br><br>Chevrolet

Tuesday, September 24th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

DETROIT (AP) _ General Motors is voluntarily recalling 597,000 sport utility vehicles to help protect customers from pinching their fingers when second-row seats are being folded down.

Chevrolet Tahoe, Cadillac Escalade and the GMC Yukon and Denali models for 2000-2002 are being recalled, the automaker said Tuesday. Not included are Chevrolet Suburbans and Avalanches, Cadillac Escalade EXTs and GMC Yukon XLs.

The vehicles, built between September 1999 and February 2002, have a mechanical head restraint designed to fold when the second-row seats are moved from their upright to stowed positions.

At least 14 people, including 10 children, have pinched their fingers by inadvertently inserting them through the slot in the upholstery when the headrest was being folded down.

GM will install plastic shields over each head restraint mechanism to provide additional protection when the headrests are folded down.

Owners of the recalled vehicles will be notified and provided instructions for repair. Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC dealers will perform the repair for free.