GM is recalling more than 80,000 Chevrolet Equinox EVs because they’re just too quiet for their own good.
The recall affects approximately 81,177 Chevrolet Equinox EVs from model years 2025 and 2026 due to defective pedestrian alert sound systems that fail to meet federal minimum sound requirements at low speeds, according to documents filed with safety regulators. The issue poses a serious safety risk for pedestrians who might not hear the vehicles approaching.
The Silent Threat
Unlike conventional gas-powered vehicles with noisy engines, electric vehicles operate nearly silently — particularly at lower speeds when tire and wind noise are minimal. Federal safety standards require EVs to emit artificial sounds to alert pedestrians, especially those with visual impairments, to their presence.
The specific problem? The Equinox EVs have incorrect software calibration in their pedestrian alert systems, reports indicate. Testing showed the vehicles failed to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 141, which stipulates requirements for the relative volume change from when a vehicle is stationary to when it’s moving at 10 km/h.
This isn’t the first time Chevrolet has faced this issue. The company previously recalled 23,700 Equinox EV SUVs from model year 2024 for essentially the same problem — insufficient sound production at low speeds due to faulty software calibration.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
The recall encompasses two production batches: 59,537 vehicles from the 2025 model year produced between July 22, 2024, and August 12, 2025, plus 21,640 vehicles from the 2026 model year manufactured between April 7, 2025, and December 16, 2025, according to information published by auto safety advocates.
How was the problem discovered? A GM engineer submitted a report to the company’s Speak Up for Safety program in September after testing revealed the compliance failure, sources familiar with the matter say. The recall is officially identified as GM recall number N252530690.
Sound requirements for EVs might seem like a minor regulatory detail, but they represent a critical safety feature in an increasingly electrified automotive landscape. Pedestrians — particularly children, the elderly, and those with visual impairments — have long relied on engine noise as a natural warning system.
The Fix
Owners of affected vehicles will need to visit their Chevrolet dealership, where technicians will update the software calibration for the pedestrian warning system at no charge. The company hasn’t yet announced when notification letters will be sent to owners.
Until the fix is applied, drivers of affected Equinox EVs should exercise additional caution in areas with pedestrian traffic, particularly when traveling at low speeds.
Ironically, one of the selling points of electric vehicles has always been their quiet, smooth operation. But as this recall demonstrates, sometimes being too quiet can be a problem in itself.
