General Motors (GM) has issued a recall for the 2025 Chevy Equinox EV due to a fault in its pedestrian alert system, which fails to produce enough sound at low speeds. The recall, announced on December 5, affects 7,606 electric Equinox models, all of which are estimated to have the defect.
The issue arises from incorrect software in the vehicle’s pedestrian alert system, which is responsible for emitting sound to alert pedestrians of the vehicle’s presence, especially in low-speed scenarios where electric vehicles (EVs) are nearly silent.
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 141 mandates that hybrid and electric vehicles produce a minimum level of noise to prevent accidents involving pedestrians who might not otherwise hear the vehicle approaching.
The Equinox EV’s system, however, does not meet these requirements, potentially increasing the risk of injury to pedestrians. GM addressed the issue at its assembly plant in October 2024 and issued the recall in December.
Owners of affected 2025 Equinox EV models will be notified in January 2025, and they can bring their vehicles to a dealership where the body control module (BCM) will be updated at no cost. For further inquiries, owners can contact Chevrolet customer service or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Despite this recall, the electric Equinox EV continues to gain popularity, with over 15,000 units sold in its first full sales quarter. GM also introduced a more affordable LT FWD trim for 2025, starting at $34,995, which offers an estimated range of 315+ miles.
