General Motors has announced the recall of 2013 Cadillac XTS models built between October 12, 2011 and August 30, 2012. On the 12,626 cars affected by this recall, the rear seat head restraints may not fully lock in the upright position after being folded.

As a result, the rear seat head rests won’t meet minimum height requirements, established by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 202, if the head restraint falls forward from its lowest position. In the event of a crash, this could increase rear seat passengers’ risk of a neck injury.

Dealers will inspect the rear seat headrest assemblies on recalled vehicles to ensure that they fully lock in the upright position. The recall bulletin calls for technicians to repeat the test five times for each rear headrest, ensuring that they function as designed. Those that do not will be replaced at no charge to customers.

Problematic headrests will likely display release buttons that do not return fully from the depressed position. Customers awaiting the recall repair should verify the release button's proper function before using the rear seat.

GM will contact Cadillac XTS owners affected by this recall, which is set to begin immediately. Consumers with questions or concerns can reach General Motors’ customer service hotline at (800) 458-8006, or they may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 for the latest information on this recall.